Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FTS Proficiency Test (PT)

Each PT is distributed with a test result form that includes a cover letter with the username and password as
well as online submission instructions. The PT item list and questions are attached.
The PT items should be treated in the manner of normal casework. If the PT packaging is damaged in
shipment, mislabeled, incomplete, or if there are questions or concerns regarding the PT items, please
contact us immediately at info@forensic‐testing.net.
Please note that test samples may be randomized in such a manner that different UTICs may receive
different test samples.

Yes, FTS utilizes subcontractors in PT item selection or quality control for FTS‐XX‐HAIR1, FTS‐XX‐HAIR2, FTS‐ XX‐GSR, and FTS‐XX‐SOIL PTs. The use of subcontractors for any PT round is indicated in the FTS reports distributed for the PT.
The SDS for any PT items containing chemicals will not be shared unless requested by the agency and kept confidential from the analyst taking the PT.

Online Submission Instructions

There is no need to register for access to our testing site using your email. Access to tests is restricted to the
Username and Password assigned to each test and is removed after the submission deadline. The User
Name matches the Unique Test Identification Code (UTIC) of your PT.

Not yet. FTS is continuously working on improving our website and accessibility of this information. Please
contact info@forensic‐testing.net for any PT results or Summary Reports unavailable on our website.

Go to forensic‐testing.net/take‐a‐test/, click on your assigned PT, sign in using the provided User
Name and Password, and choose ‘Start this Test.’ If waiting for a technical review, or unable to complete in one sitting, you may choose to save your work and complete your test at a different time. In this case
choose ‘Stop and Restart/Resume Later’ at the end of your test.
The ‘Open in PDF to Print’ choice at the end of the test is intended to give users the opportunity to
print and have results peer reviewed prior to submission. When completing test forms, please avoid including identifying information regarding the participant or laboratory. Choose ‘Save and Finish’ to
submit test results.

Once the test is submitted, the user will receive a completion certificate showing that the data was
transmitted to FTS.

In most tests, there is a question regarding whether the test should be forwarded to ANAB or A2LA.
Selecting the accrediting agency and including the certificate number will serve as your laboratory’s
authorization to submit results to that agency. FTS distributes a report to ANAB but it is currently the
responsibility of agencies accredited by A2LA to submit their own results.

FTS Reports and Distribution Timelines

Submission deadlines occur approximately twelve weeks after PTs have shipped. The submission deadline can be found on the Test Report Form distributed with each PT. In most cases, Individual Reports will be distributed to Quality Managers, via email, within two weeks after the submission deadline. You will have up to a week to review the Individual Report prior to the publication of a Summary Report, when available. A Summary Report should be posted within one month of the submission deadline for qualified PTs. Quality Managers will be notified at that time.

Per our Quality System, a Summary Report will not be produced for a PT round unless there are at least three different submitting agencies participating and submitting results with a minimum of five submissions.


Interlaboratory/Consensus Reporting (Assigned Values)

Proficiency tests under ISO 17043:2023 are assessed via comparison of the participant result to the assigned value of a proficiency test item or items. For quantitative tests, FTS determines the assigned value based on statistical methods described in ISO 13528:2022. For qualitative tests, the FTS study coordinator determines the assigned value based on a number of factors, including product source information, internal and/or external pre‐distribution laboratory analysis, and consensus of responses (consensus value).
Quality systems and laboratory reporting guidelines vary greatly from laboratory to laboratory, therefore participating laboratories and their accrediting bodies are responsible for the assessment of whether a reported result is an outlying result.


Homogeneity/Stability Assessment per PT
Each PT round is individually assessed for homogeneity and stability via pre‐distribution testing and internal
quality control testing.

Complaints/Appeals

FTS encourages all agencies to contact FTS at info@forensic‐testing.net regarding any complaints or appeals regarding any PT activity. All complaints and appeals will be recorded, investigated, and acted on as needed.

Website Help/Troubleshooting

Once test results are submitted, they cannot be amended. You may login again with the same username and password and retake the test. If more than one result is submitted for a UTIC, FTS will report the latest submitted results unless contacted by the submitting agency with alternate instructions.

If you need to retrieve your results or completion certificate at a later time, sign in to your test, click on ‘My Account,’ and choose ‘History’ to review results and download the completion certificate. Access to this information is removed after the submission deadline.

You may have to disable your browsers pop‐up blocker. If for some reason the window will still not open, you can still print the entire test. The test will just not be as nicely formatted as the PDF version. If you are not seeing your test on the website or after you log in, avoid using a bookmarked version of our testing site and try erasing your browser’s history.