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ASTM Lab Services Insider
ASTM Reference Materials Receive ISO 17034 Accreditation
ASTM International’s reference materials are now accredited according to ISO 17034, demonstrating the capability and quality of the newly released scope of accreditation. Accreditation under this standard recognizes that ASTM International meets the requirements of ISO 17034 and demonstrates the technical competency to produce high-quality, precise, and accurate reference materials. Choose from a full suite of both certified reference materials and reference materials.
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New Natural Gas Proficiency Testing Program for 2026
We're seeking laboratories to participate in our newest petroleum and fuels program. The Natural Gas PT Program will provide a typical mixture of hydrocarbons, principally methane, ethane or a mixture of these materials. Your lab will receive one product-appropriate cylinder (approximately 1,000 cc) of a commercially available compressed natural gas that is used as a domestic, commercial or industrial fuel for each test cycle.
We'll be running two test cycles in 2026, with the first cycle starting in February.
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Expanded ISO 17043 Accreditation
Our ISO 17043 Accreditation has been expanded to include additional Proficiency Testing Programs for Biodiesel Blend, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), Mechanical Testing of Metals, and Transportation Moisture Limit of Coal (TMLC).
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Certified Reference Materials
Choose from a wide selection of test methods, properties, and product matrixes, or build a monthly check standard package with our subscription plans.
Download our order form, or contact ahickman@astm.org for order assistance.
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Proficiency Testing Programs
Registration and Renewals Open for 2026
Registration is now open for all 2026 PT programs. Even if you're a current or past participant, you must re-enroll to register for your program(s) and request your samples. Check your inbox for an email from ptp@astm.org for a renewal link, or simply log in to the PTP2 App and look for the yellow renew button.
Need help? Contact us for assistance with your registration.
Additional Proficiency Testing Programs:
Create Your Participation Report for Accrediting Bodies
Once your PTP registration is confirmed, you can self-serve a participation letter for 2026. Visit the PTP2 App, select Letters > Participation Letter/Reports. The generated letter will list all the programs that you have registered for. The report will list all the laboratories within your company and their participation, displaying as one letter per location. Questions, contact ptp@astm.org.
Guidance for No Statistics Performed
We are creating a guidance for instances when no statistics are performed. This NSP Guidance will provide suggestions on how a lab may evaluate their performance in situations when the PTP report does not have enough data or the reporting format prevents a thorough statistical evaluation. Once finalized, it will be included in the How To Use This Report section of the Program Reports of your PTP2 App.
Improvements for TPI Chart Per Method
Work is also being done to improve the TPI Chart Per Method that is provided in the Method Performance Report. The chart displays the TPI of a method over time and across multiple programs, when applicable. ASTM Technical Committees and Subcommittees use this information to monitor the performance of the method by our participants.
Upgrade Your QC Program in 2026
If you're considering SQC to manage your lab's data, ASTM Insight SQC can immediately help your team improve accuracy and work smarter. Our custom software solution offers quality control analytics, control charting, and audit preparation for labs with single or multiple locations.
To see if Insight SQC could help your lab, contact us to request a demo or book an virtual informational meeting with our lab staff.
TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BULK DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PROFICIENCY TESTING
Using bulk materials from sourced producers means the test materials we provide to labs are commercially available, commonly-used products, and helps keep our participation fees low. Current programs in high need include Crude Oil Distillation Vacuum, Synthetic Aviation Fuel, In-Service Turbine Oil, #6 Fuel Oil, and Biodiesel B100.
Do you have a suggested supplier? Contact ameacock@astm.org.
Learn more about donating here.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a reference material and a certified reference material?
A: Reference material is a generic term for a homogenous and stable material determined fit for its intended purpose in a measurement system. A certified reference material is one that is characterized by metrologically valid procedures. It includes a certificate providing the certified value, expanded uncertainty, and statement of metrological traceability issued by an accredited producer, thus providing the additional information necessary to establish the traceability of a measurement system.
ASTM Webinars and Meetings
Meet ASTM Staff at Industry Events
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference
November 11-12, Des Moines, IA
Using ASTM Insight SQC in Your Lab
December 9, Houston, TX, 5 p.m.
December D02 Committee Week
ASTM Proficiency Testing, Reference
Materials, and Fuels Training
December 10, Houston, TX, 12 p.m.
December D02 Committee Week
Training and Certifications for Lab Professionals
OnDemand Learning
Enjoy the convenience of 650+ on-demand standards training courses for petroleum and energy, metals, plastics, construction, and much more. View our latest catalog to view courses and register online.
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Live Training Courses
Save your spot for upcoming live, hands-on training across the world. We can also bring our training to your location. Contact train@astm.org. Upcoming live courses include:
FEATURED PROGRAM
Lab Manager Academy - Lab Management Certificate
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Designed specifically for lab managers or those aspiring to become lab managers! This certificate program includes 20 self-paced courses featuring training on a wide variety of leadership and management skills, including:
- How to Manage Lab Staff
- How to be a Better Lab Leader
- How to Improve Lab Operations
- How to Improve Lab Management
Helping our world work better
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards — developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts — and innovative services to improve lives.
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