The PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) is an international approval organization founded in 1997. Technical experts from manufacturers, operators and test laboratories work together on specifications for proper and safe functionalities of mobile devices in mobile networks.
Similar to the tasks of the Global Certification Forum (GCF) for Europe, PTCRB focuses on ensuring that a device functions in accordance with the American mobile phone standard as defined in the regulatory and network operator requirements of the USA (North American Program Reference Document).
PTCRB certification is therefore required for products that rely on mobile communications technologies and are intended to be operated in the USA. These technologies include the classic mobile communications standards 2G, 3G and LTE, but also new technological developments such as CAT M1 and NB IoT.
The PTCRB certification process for mobile devices and modules provides for an 8-step plan that begins with the application for approval and ends with the issuance of the certificate for PTCRB certification:
PTCRB has authorized several laboratories worldwide to conduct certification tests for approval as so-called “Primary Lab” on behalf of PTCRB. These tests can also be carried out in a “Primary Lab” only, whereby the laboratories are distinguished by the following characteristics:
The CETECOM laboratories in Essen (Germany) and Anyang (Korea) are complete PTCRB Primary Labs and offer the full range of services for PTCRB certification of mobile devices, modules and so-called “Integrated Devices”. This includes certification services for CAT M1 and NB IoT as next generation mobile connectivity. Further information on GCF certification can be found here.
