About

The NAPT
Mission

Our mission is to provide our customers with the best information, tools and service to help them improve measurement processes and results through participation in interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing.

Commitment
to Quality

NAPT is committed to providing participants with the unbiased analysis of measurement processes necessary to enhance awareness of their technical competence and data integrity.

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ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Accredited

NAPT is an accredited proficiency testing provider by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

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NAPT History

NAPT was founded in 1996 with the goal of helping organizations improve their measurement processes and prove their technical competence.

The history of the National Association for Proficiency Testing (NAPT) exemplifies the commitment of countless metrologists and industry professionals who have worked diligently to elevate metrology standards and expand proficiency testing across the metrology and testing communities. While NAPT was officially founded in March 1996, the groundwork for its mission began much earlier, in 1993, when the association’s founder took steps to address a critical gap in the industry: the limited availability of accessible and reliable proficiency testing for the metrology sector. By building awareness and cultivating strategic relationships within the industry, this initial groundwork paved the way for an organization committed to high standards in proficiency testing and internationally recognized accreditation.

NAPT’s formation was driven by the urgent need for a neutral, unbiased, and independent organization—free from conflicts of interest and external influences—to oversee the administration and coordination of proficiency testing programs. This need emerged from evolving global standards within the metrology and testing communities, which highlighted the importance of a dependable organization capable of delivering rigorous and effective proficiency testing. The establishment of NAPT marked the beginning of a new era for laboratories, which could now rely on a trusted partner to uphold their quality standards.

From the outset, NAPT identified significant gaps in the proficiency testing programs available in the United States. Although various comparison programs were being conducted globally, few offered the open and inclusive participation necessary for the broader metrology community. Organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL) provided some round robin testing, yet these programs were often limited in scope or access. Recognizing this need for greater accessibility, NAPT stepped in to bridge the gap, creating an inclusive approach that welcomed participation from diverse sectors within the metrology community, making essential services widely available.

The timing of NAPT’s founding was crucial, as the metrology community was increasingly recognizing the need for rigorous proficiency testing to ensure consistency, accuracy, and credibility across laboratories worldwide. NAPT quickly built a reputation as a reliable provider of structured, impartial proficiency testing kits. By promoting an unbiased approach, NAPT empowered metrology and testing laboratories to demonstrate and maintain technical competence through rigorously designed proficiency testing programs.

In its early years, NAPT made several important discoveries that further shaped its mission and impact. One of the most pivotal insights was that proficiency testing programs in the U.S. were not only limited in scope but also lacked adequate accessibility for the broader metrology community. NAPT responded by creating a more open and equitable program structure that enabled a wide range of metrology sectors to participate, regardless of specialization or industry focus, effectively democratizing access to proficiency testing.

Through close collaboration with metrology experts, NAPT developed a comprehensive proficiency testing program that introduced consistency, reliability, and standardization to the U.S. market. Over time, NAPT became a trusted institution, expanding the scope and reach of proficiency testing and supporting laboratories nationwide in verifying and improving their competencies. NAPT’s programs benefit U.S.-based laboratories and provide internationally recognized evidence of American metrology’s commitment to quality and precision, reinforcing confidence in U.S. metrology on the global stage.

Today, NAPT stands as a cornerstone in the U.S. proficiency testing and accreditation landscape, playing a vital role in helping laboratories meet international standards and continually improving the quality of metrology practices across the country. Through its unwavering dedication to impartiality and excellence, NAPT remains true to its founding principles, serving as an integral part of the verification and accreditation infrastructure that strengthens the U.S. metrology community.

By providing essential verification of laboratory proficiency, NAPT has effectively filled a critical gap in the U.S. accreditation and verification system. It serves as a powerful symbol of the U.S. metrology community’s dedication to competence, credibility, and excellence—qualities that resonate both domestically and internationally.


Key Services Provided by NAPT

The National Association for Proficiency Testing (NAPT) offers a comprehensive range of services that support the metrology community, helping laboratories achieve and demonstrate high standards of quality, accuracy, and technical competency. Each service is tailored to the needs of various sectors within metrology and testing, reinforcing laboratory proficiency through impartial, standardized programs. These key services include:

  • Proficiency Testing Programs: Structured programs that provide rigorous, impartial proficiency testing for laboratories.
  • Customized Proficiency Testing Kits: Customizable kits designed to meet specific testing needs within different sectors.
  • Accreditation Support: Guidance and support to help laboratories achieve and maintain accreditation standards.
  • Consulting Services: Professional consulting to assist laboratories in improving processes and technical competence.
  • Technical Assistance: Ongoing support to ensure laboratories meet high standards of proficiency and accuracy.

Each service provided by NAPT is designed to support laboratories in achieving operational excellence, thereby contributing to the overall credibility and reliability of the U.S. metrology infrastructure. Through these comprehensive services, NAPT helps laboratories maintain high standards, achieve accurate and reliable measurements, and build a strong reputation for technical competence.

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