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Proficiency Testing Programs – PEP

These are interlaboratory studies used as external evaluation tools and also as part of the process to ensure the reliability of measurements and analytical results produced in laboratories.

Participation in the PEP is one of the requirements to obtain and maintain recognition in the ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation competency, in addition to enabling the identification of deviations, detection of problems with measurements, comparison of results and evaluation of individual performance. Adding value to quality control, enabling the taking of corrective or preventive actions and generating greater assertiveness and confidence for customers.

ProvEP CCB is part of the Center for Technological Innovation in Ceramics – CITEC/CCB, the sector responsible for Proficiency Testing Programs. With the aim of developing and leveraging the construction sector, we have been coordinating interlaboratory studies since 2000, and are currently the only provider of proficiency tests accredited by Cgcre – Inmetro in the construction sector, according to ABNT NBR ISO 17043:2024.

Inmetro Accreditation: PEP 0023 Eptis

The Proficiency Testing Programs promoted by ProvEP CCB are:

  • Ceramic Plate PEP: Carried out according to ABNT NBR ISO 10545 and ABNT NBR 16919 standards;
  • PEP for Adhesive Mortars: Carried out according to ABNT NBR 14081 standard;
  • Guardrail PEP: Carried out according to ABNT NBR 14718 standard;
  • Concrete Tile PEP: Carried out according to ABNT NBR 13858 standard;
  • Acoustics PEP: Carried out according to ABNT NBR ISO 16283 and ABNT NBR ISO 717 standards;
  • Sanitary Ware PEP: Carried out according to ABNT NBR 16727, ABNT NBR 15491 and ABNT NBR 728 standards

To receive more information about the Proficiency Tests organized by ProvEP CCB, send an email to pep@ccb.org.br .

Ceramic Plate PEP

Next round: 7th Ceramic Tile Proficiency Testing Program

Expected start: March 2025.

Developed by ABNT NBR 16919: Determination of the coefficient of friction and the following parts of ABNT NBR ISO 10545:

  • Part 2: Determination of surface quality and determination of dimensions;
  • Part 3: Determination of water absorption;
  • Part 4: Determination of breaking load and flexural strength modulus;
  • Part 6: Determination of deep abrasion resistance;
  • Part 7: Determination of surface abrasion resistance;
  • Part 10: Determination of moisture expansion;
  • Part 11: Determination of cracking resistance;
  • Part 13: Determination of chemical resistance;
  • Part 14: Determination of stain resistance.

Express your interest by clicking here!

PEP for Guardrails

The coordination of the Guardrail Proficiency Testing Program is carried out by ProvEP CCB in partnership with the SIBRATEC Housing Performance Network.

Ongoing Round: 2nd Guardrail Proficiency Testing Program

Next program: 2026

Developed by the following parts of ABNT 14718:

  • Annex A: Determination of horizontal static force;
  • Annex B: Determination of vertical static force;
  • Annex C: Determination of impact resistance.

Show your interest by clicking here!

Concrete Tile PEP

Ongoing Round: 10th Concrete Tile Proficiency Testing Program

Next program: 2026

Developed by ABNT 13858-2 standard:

  • Annex A – Test method for checking warpage;
  • Annex B – Test method for determining water absorption and dry weight of tiles per square meter of usable area;
  • Annex C – Test method for verifying impermeability;
  • Annex D – Test method for determining the flexural breaking load;
  • Annex E – Procedure for determining squareness and dimensional analysis;
  • Annex F – Test method for determining the “gap”;
  • Annex G – Test method for checking the watertightness of the tile panel;
  • Item 6 – Identification;
  • Item 4.2 – Visual aspects.

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Sanitary Ware PEP

Next round: 1st Sanitary Ware Proficiency Testing Program

 Expected start date: April 2026

Developed by ABNT NBR 16727, ABNT NBR 15491 and ABNT NBR 728.

Show your interest by clicking here!

Field Acoustics PEP

Next round: 3rd Field Acoustics Proficiency Test Program

Developed by ABNT NBR ISO 16283 parts 1, 2 and 3; ABNT NBR ISO 3382-2

Show your interest here by clicking here

PEP for Adhesive Mortars

Next round: 25th Adhesive Mortar Proficiency Testing Program

Expected start: April 2025.

Developed by the following parts of ABNT 14081:

  • Part 3: Determining open time;
  • Part 4: Determination of tensile bond strength;
  • Part 5: Determination of slip.

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Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and appeals can be submitted via email, website form, telephone or in person.

For complaints, upon receipt, ProvEP CCB assesses admissibility, analyzes evidence, hears those involved and documents the conclusions.

The complainant receives confirmation of receipt and, subsequently, the response with decision and justification.

For appeals, ProvEP CCB assesses the original data, evaluation criteria, participant justifications and issues the opinion.

The appeal decision is communicated to the appellant, with technical justification.

Decisions are prepared, analyzed and/or approved by people who are not involved with the subject of the complaint or appeal in question.

The total response period is 30 days.

The information is treated confidentially and does not result in any discriminatory actions.

To make a complaint or appeal, fill out the form (click here). If you prefer, send an email to pep@ccb.org.br or contact us by phone (19) 3545-9090.