The proficiency testing program operates in full accord with ISO/IEC Guide 43-1 "Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparison - Part 1: Development and Operation of Proficiency Testing Schemes" and CAN-P-1579, "Guidelines for the Accreditation of Mineral Analysis Testing Laboratories," striving in particular to respond to the needs of Canadian mineral analysis laboratories.

PTP-MAL is a means by which a mineral analysis laboratory can assess its performance for one or more analytical methods independently of internal quality control. Moreover, participation in the program is obligatory if a laboratory is to be accredited or is to retain its accreditation for mineral analysis activities by SCC to ISO/IEC 17025 "General requirements for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories."

• PTP publications
• Registration for new participants