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Competence and Proficiency Testing for Laboratory Staff

Explains how laboratories assess and maintain staff competence and how proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons support confidence in test results. Covers competence assessment methods, training records, participation planning and the interpretation of proficiency testing performance statistics for corrective purposes, linking individual capability to overall laboratory credibility.

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What you will be able to do

  • Design a competence assessment plan for laboratory analysts and technicians.
  • Select methods for initial and ongoing competence verification.
  • Maintain training and competence records that support audit review.
  • Plan participation in proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparison schemes.
  • Interpret z scores and other performance statistics from proficiency testing rounds.
  • Investigate unsatisfactory proficiency testing results and implement corrective actions.

Course outline

  1. 01Defining competence for laboratory roles
  2. 02Competence assessment methods
  3. 03Training records and ongoing verification
  4. 04Introduction to proficiency testing schemes
  5. 05Choosing and scheduling participation
  6. 06Interpreting performance statistics
  7. 07Investigating unsatisfactory results
  8. 08Linking competence to quality outcomes

Who should attend

Laboratory managers, quality officers, technical signatories and training coordinators responsible for staff competence.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendarRegister
28 to 29 Sep 2026Lilongwe2US$1,100Closed
29 to 30 Sep 2026Blantyre2US$1,100Register
30 Sep to 1 Oct 2026Mozambique2US$1,100Register
1 to 2 Oct 2026Nairobi2US$1,100Register
5 to 6 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam2US$1,100Register
6 to 7 Oct 2026Kigali2US$1,100Register
7 to 8 Oct 2026Kampala2US$1,100Register
8 to 9 Oct 2026Accra2US$1,100Register
12 to 13 Oct 2026Lagos2US$1,100Register
13 to 14 Oct 2026Cairo2US$1,100Register
14 to 15 Oct 2026Mauritius2US$1,100Register
15 to 16 Oct 2026Dubai2US$1,100Register
19 to 20 Oct 2026Online2US$900Register
30 Nov to 1 Dec 2026Johannesburg2R10,000Register
1 to 2 Dec 2026Cape Town2R10,000Register
2 to 3 Dec 2026Durban2R10,000Register
3 to 4 Dec 2026Pretoria2R10,000Register
7 to 8 Dec 2026Windhoek2US$1,100Register
8 to 9 Dec 2026Gaborone2US$1,100Register
9 to 10 Dec 2026Maseru2US$1,100Register
10 to 11 Dec 2026Mbabane2US$1,100Register
14 to 15 Dec 2026Lusaka2US$1,100Register
17 to 18 Dec 2026Harare2US$1,100Register

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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