PTCRB Certification

Accelerate your mobile and IoT device certification with Element's streamlined PTCRB certification services. As a primary PTCRB lab and member of the Product Validation Group, we combine regulatory and PTCRB testing into single efficient programs, getting your devices to market faster while ensuring they meet all North American mobile network requirements.

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What is PTCRB certification at Element?

On top of regulatory approvals (such as FCC, ISED, CE, etc.), in the US, manufacturers must gain industry certification through the PTCRB program, managed and administered by CTIA.

North American mobile network operators created the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) certification scheme to ensure devices meet a minimum set of requirements to prevent them from harming the network.

The PTCRB certification scheme certifies smartphones, laptops, modules, and IoT products such as wearables, routers, meters, payment systems, automotive, navigation, GPS, and telematics. Devices that incorporate PTCRB-certified modules are called 'Integrated Devices'.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What can Element offer you for PTCRB certification?

Methods and solutions offered

Element's streamlined approach to PTCRB certification service combines FCC/ISED and PTCRB testing into single efficient programs, saving you time and resources. We provide early-stage evaluation to identify potential issues, expert guidance throughout the certification process, and comprehensive services including:

FCC/ISED approvals for North America

SAR/PD/RF exposure testing and certification

CE Marking for Europe and other regulatory approvals throughout the world

CTIA OTA Testing

Battery Life and safety testing and certification
Cybersecurity Testing and Certification

We guide you through the process as smoothly and quickly as possible. As a primary PTCRB lab and member of the Product Validation Group (PVG), we are experts in the technical requirements.

Products we test

We provide comprehensive testing for the full range of cellular-enabled devices, from smartphones and modules to integrated IoT devices. Our expertise covers cellular communication systems, antenna performance, SIM functionality, and battery safety across all device categories requiring PTCRB certification. Whether you're developing wearables, payment systems, automotive devices, or telematics equipment, our testing capabilities ensure your products meet all network safety requirements while maintaining optimal performance.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Access the latest 4G/LTE and 5G NR (FR1 and FR2) test equipment, backed by our involvement in standards writing bodies. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure accurate testing across all required parameters, from antenna performance to battery safety. Our continual investment in testing technology and active participation in standards development ensures you benefit from the most current testing capabilities for both established and emerging cellular technologies, including comprehensive EMC testing and cybersecurity evaluation.

Which labs offer this service

Our expert team operates from tech hubs across the world, including PTCRB-approved labs such as Element's Washington, DC laboratories. As a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) for the US, Foreign Certification Body (FCB) for Canada, and Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for Japan, we provide global certification support through our network of accredited facilities.

Standards we test to and products we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Product Certification Standards:

PTCRB certification requirements

FCC/ISED standards

CE Marking requirements

CTIA OTA standards

Battery life and safety standards

Cybersecurity Testing and Certification

Accreditation & Authorization Standards:

ISO/IEC 17025:2017

European Radio Equipment, EMC & ATEX Directives

UK Radio Equipment Regulation

UK EMC Regulation

UK Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulation

US TCB requirements

Canadian FCB requirements

Japanese CAB requirements

IECEE CB Scheme requirements

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Time to Market Pressure

We combine regulatory and PTCRB testing into single efficient programs, minimizing delays and streamlining your path to market approval. As a primary PTCRB lab, our early-stage evaluation approach helps prevent costly delays without compromising compliance.

Complex Testing Requirements

Our comprehensive testing suite handles all required assessments under one roof, from radio conformance to battery safety, simplifying your certification journey. We cover everything from protocol compliance to antenna performance, eliminating the need for multiple testing partners.

Technical Compliance Hurdles

Early-stage evaluation by our experts identifies potential issues before formal testing, reducing the risk of compliance delays. Our involvement in standards writing bodies and PVG membership ensures deep technical knowledge of all network safety and performance requirements.

Process Navigation Complexity

Expert guidance throughout the certification process ensures the most efficient path to approval, with clear direction at every stage. We coordinate multiple certification requirements simultaneously, providing a single point of contact for your entire certification journey.

Why Choose Element

Element test engineer setting up equipment in RF testing chamber

Primary PTCRB Lab Status

Direct access to certification expertise and streamlined testing processes.

Standards Development Leadership

Active involvement in standards writing bodies ensures up-to-date technical knowledge.

Comprehensive Testing Solutions

Single-source provider for regulatory and PTCRB certification requirements.

Global Recognition

Multiple international accreditations support worldwide market access.

Frequently asked questions

What is required for IoT/Integrated Device certification?

IoT/Integrated Devices using PTCRB-approved modules require assessment of electrical SIM, radiated emissions, and antenna performance.

How does Element help speed up the certification process?

We combine regulatory and PTCRB testing into single programs covering all FCC and PTCRB tests, maximizing efficiency.

How do the testing requirements under the PTCRB Certification scheme differ across product types?

The three main areas of product certifications are as follows:

Mobile/smartphones

Modules

IoT/Integrated Devices

Smartphones and Modules are considered in a similar way in which a stringent set of requirements are tested by a PTCRB-approved lab such as Element's Washington, DC laboratories. Testing involves an assessment of radio and protocol conformance characteristics, antenna performance (OTA), SIM provisioning, and battery life/safety, along with all device features and functionality, as well as checking that regulatory approval has already been obtained.

IoT/Integrated Devices represent the majority of devices placed on the market today. These devices integrate a PTCRB 'approved' module and follow the PTCRB assessment requirements for devices using an approved module. Typically, testing would require a full assessment of the electrical SIM, radiated emissions, and antenna performance.