Proficiency Testing Australia is one of Australia's Largest and most experienced Proficiency Testing Providers

Who We Are

At Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA), we are more than just a proficiency testing provider—we are a trusted partner in quality assurance.

PTA operates as a not-for-profit organisation, governed independently while being a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA). We are accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), meeting the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17043:2023, ensuring global standards in proficiency testing.

Proficiency Testing (PT) plays a crucial role in ensuring laboratories perform tests and measurements accurately. As a leading PT provider, PTA empowers laboratories by supplementing their internal quality control with external validation, ensuring continuous improvement and global credibility.
As a not-for-profit organisation with offices in Sydney and Brisbane, we provide expert-driven support to laboratories, regulators, and industry professionals. Through our testing programs, consultancy, and training services, we enhance the integrity of testing and calibration processes, ensuring accurate, transparent, and internationally recognised results.

Why Choose PTA?

Why PTA is the Preferred Choice for Proficiency Testing

Expertise across more than 15 industries, combined with up-to-date PT industry standards and best practices

Globally recognised accreditation to ISO/IEC 17043:2023

Comprehensive testing and measurement solutions, with more than 60 programs offered annually

With over 30 years of experience, we deliver PT programs that incorporate sample variability and diverse designs

Ongoing development & innovation, with customised support for laboratories of all sizes

Unlock the Benefits of PTA’s Proficiency Testing Programs

Participating in PTA’s Proficiency Testing Programs empowers laboratories with enhanced accuracy and compliance. The benefits include demonstrating technical competence, meeting accreditation requirements, enhancing testing precision, and benchmarking performance.

Laboratories are key stakeholders in PT programs, alongside those with a vested interest in program outcomes and laboratory  performance.

The figure below illustrates the connection between PT Providers and other parties who may have a vested interest in the results generated through PT programs. 

History

Our Journey – Advancing Proficiency Testing Since Day One

Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) has been at the forefront of quality assurance and laboratory excellence for years. Established with a mission to enhance the reliability of testing and calibration services, PTA has grown into one of Australia’s most trusted and internationally recognised proficiency testing providers.

 

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), PTA has been instrumental in assisting laboratories, regulatory bodies, and industry organisations in achieving accurate, unbiased, and globally recognised testing results.

Our journey is marked by a commitment to scientific integrity, international accreditation, and continuous innovation, ensuring that laboratories across Australia and beyond meet the highest standards of precision and compliance.

From our early beginnings to becoming an IANZ-accredited leader in proficiency testing, PTA remains dedicated to empowering laboratories, fostering industry confidence, and shaping the future of testing and measurement services.

Our Board of Directors

Karen Cividin

General Manager

Emilia Cincu

Business Development Manager

Delfina Mihaila

Quality Manager

Yvette Christie

Senior Scientific Officer

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Cathy Moir

Cathy Moir

Chair
Giacomo Collica

Giacomo Collica

Director
Melinda Spinks

Melinda Spinks

Director

Our Team

Meet the Experts Behind PTA

Karen Cividin

General Manager

Emilia Cincu

Business Development Manager

Delfina Mihaila

Quality Manager

Yvette Christie

Senior Scientific Officer

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Next
Karen Cividin

Karen Cividin

General Manager
Emilia Cincu

Emilia Cincu

Business Development Manager
Delfina Mihaila

Delfina Mihaila

Quality Manager
Christine Hirst

Christine Hirst

Senior Scientific Officer
Yvette Christie

Yvette Christie

Senior Scientific Officer
Kathy Weller

Kathy Weller

Senior Scientific Officer
Christian Foia

Christian Foia

Scientific officer
Germaine Saric

Germaine Saric

Scientific Officer
Ally Preston

Ally Preston

Scientific officer
Manasa Gonuguntla

Manasa Gonuguntla

Administration Officer

Charter of Service

Our Commitment to You- Excellence, Accuracy & Trust

At PTA, we are dedicated to delivering timely, accurate, and reliable proficiency testing services that support laboratories, regulators, and industries worldwide. Our Charter of Service defines our commitment to excellence, transparency, and client satisfaction while outlining how we work together to maintain the highest standards in testing and measurement.

Empowering Quality Across Industries

PTA works with a diverse range of clients, ensuring excellence in testing and measurement:

Accredited & Non-Accredited Laboratories

Supporting both NATA members and international accreditation bodies.

Inspection Bodies & Service Facilities

Helping organizations maintain compliance and quality.

Technical Advisers & Suppliers

Strengthening PTA’s core activities with expert insights.

Governments & Regulators

Assisting in setting and maintaining industry standards

Industry Specifiers

Ensuring reliable testing and inspection services across sectors.

The Australian Community

Providing access to a trusted network of technically competent laboratories and service providers.

Driving Excellence Together- Our Commitment & Your Role

Delivering Excellence- Our Commitment to Clients

At PTA, we prioritize integrity, professionalism, and accuracy in every interaction. We are dedicated to delivering timely and reliable information, upholding confidentiality, and adhering to global best practices in proficiency testing. By fostering trust and transparency, we empower our clients to uphold excellence in testing and measurement.

The benefits of accreditation are that it ensures ongoing competency and therefore provides confidence to our customers.

International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) conducts an annual surveillance assessment of PTA to ensure continued conformity with the criteria for accreditation. The assessment itself reviews items such as – The Quality Management System, Internal Audit Reports, Corrective Action, Staff Training Records, Customer Feedback, Endorsed Reports and Program Records. Continued accreditation provides formal recognition of quality and competence, and also provides assurance that PTA is compliant with the requirements and is managing risk. PTA programs that are formally accredited carry the IANZ mark of competence.International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) conducts an annual surveillance assessment of PTA to ensure continued conformity with the criteria for accreditation. The assessment itself reviews items such as – The Quality Management System, Internal Audit Reports, Corrective Action, Staff Training Records, Customer Feedback, Endorsed Reports and Program Records. Continued accreditation provides formal recognition of quality and competence, and also provides assurance that PTA is compliant with the requirements and is managing risk. PTA programs that are formally accredited carry the IANZ mark of competence.

Proudly accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) against ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Conformity Assessment – General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers, we deliver reliable proficiency testing solutions that drive laboratories towards operational excellence. Our programs are designed to support laboratories in demonstrating technical competence, maintaining regulatory compliance, and achieving continuous improvement.

At Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA), We uphold the Highest Standards of Ethics, Capability, and Strategic Growth to ensure Excellence in Proficiency Testing

PTA Ethics Statement

Proficiency Testing Australia conducts services for our customers in a confidential manner, using honest and ethical business practices based on our operational integrity, conflict of interest and charter of service guidelines

PTA Strategic Statement

PTA has global recognition for proficiency testing. PTA provides high standard of services including proficiency testing programs and related training, auditing and consultancy. PTA promotes quality for industry by providing confidence in testing.

PTA Capability Statement

Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) is one of Australia’s largest and most experienced proficiency testing providers. A wholly owned subsidiary of NATA, PTA was established in 2006 to offer diverse proficiency testing, calibration, and inspection services.

Register in Our Programs

Register your lab for a proficiency testing program. Click here to get started.

Explore the PTA 2025 Proficiency Testing Schedule

Access a comprehensive list of programs, key dates, and participation details to ensure seamless proficiency testing for your laboratory.

Ensure Precision with Our Measurement Audits

Participate in our Measurement Audits to validate your laboratory’s accuracy against established reference standards.

Contact Us

Get in Touch with PTA

    Whether you’re looking for support or want to learn more about our programs and services, reach out today and let us assist you.

    Sydney Office (Head office)

    Proficiency Testing Australia,
    PO Box 7507 Silver water,
    NSW 2128, Australia

    Brisbane Office

    Proficiency Testing Australia,
    P O Box 1122 Archerfield,
    QLD 4103, Australia