Since 2019, ITAK has been accredited by the Inmetro General Accreditation Coordination (CGCRE) under number PEP-0021, according to the requirements established in ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17043:2011.

ITAK is accredited for the following scope:

1. Iron Ore
2. Gold Ore
3. Copper Ore and Concentrate
4. Nickel Ores
5. Iron Niobium Alloy
6. Silver Analysis
7. Bauxite
8. Phosphate Rock and Phosphate Concentrate

The scope of the accredited Proficiency Tests is also available on the website http://www.inmetro.gov.br/credenciamento/acre_prod_ep.asp for consultation.

In addition to the accredited proficiency tests, ITAK is also conducting pilot proficiency tests in the following matrices:

1. Limestone
2. Lithium Ore
3. Rare Earths

These new proficiency tests are in the development phase and, after consolidation, will be included in the scope of ITAK’s accreditation.

Proficiency tests are services that aim to evaluate the performance of calibration laboratories and testing laboratories through inter-laboratory comparisons. The participation of a laboratory in a proficiency test is one of the most efficient ways to evaluate and maintain technical competence, as it allows comparison with other laboratories in the same field, configuring, for example, benchmarking in chemical analysis. In a broad context, a proficiency test allows the participating laboratory to:

• Continuous evaluation and monitoring of its performance.
• Evidence or confirmation of obtaining reliable results, configuring recognition of its technical competence by the market.
• Identification of problems/errors related to the tests/analyses performed.
• Taking corrective and preventive actions and assessing the laboratory’s internal controls.
• Determining performance characteristics and validating methods.
• Standardizing/adapting methodologies to the market and recognizing results at a national and international level.

Proficiency tests are essential for increasing the credibility of measurement results and, consequently, contribute to improving international trade and preventing technical barriers.

The proficiency tests offered by ITAK are globally accepted, with companies from over 60 countries currently participating, using management and communication software with participants developed specifically for ITAK’s activities: the Proficiency Test Management System. In compliance with a requirement of ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17043 Standard – Conformity Assessment – ​​General Requirements for Proficiency Tests, ITAK maintains a documented procedure that governs the entire system, including deadlines for appeals, analysis by ITAK and response to the participant.

Participants in ITAK Proficiency Tests have the right to appeal the assessment of their performance provided in the Technical Report.

To this end, it is advisable for the representative of the participating laboratory who disagrees with the performance assessment to register their appeal in the “Appeals” field in the Proficiency Test Management System. The deadline for opening appeals regarding the laboratory’s performance is a maximum of 10 days after the publication of the proficiency test performance report.

Complaints can be made to ITAK using the contact forms on our website, by email at interlab@itak.com.br, or by WhatsApp at +55 31 99955-1502.

ITAK has been conducting Proficiency Tests since 2008 and currently has software developed to manage its proficiency tests, which facilitates communication with participants, as well as access to sample tracks, instructions, reporting of results, reports and certificates of participation.

ITAK maintains articles and additional information on the use of proficiency tests, which are available in the news section of the website and on its LinkedIn profile.