Operator Certification Guide: North American PTCRB Certification

Basic Introduction to PTCRB

The full name of PTCRB is the PCS Type Certification Review Board. It was initially established by North American mobile operators. Currently, its operator members are no longer limited to North America but encompass mobile operator members worldwide. To ensure that communication devices can operate on the mobile networks of PTCRB operator members and guarantee that the products match the mobile standards of the operator networks, devices must undergo PTCRB certification to obtain the certification approval issued by PTCRB.

Explanation of Certification Attributes

In the United States, operator access certification is also known as PTCRB Certification Testing. PTCRB is a review board established in North America in 1997 responsible for PCS type certification. Concurrently, a validation group was also established, primarily responsible for the certification of PCR mobile terminal models and IMEI allocation.

PTCRB certification is a non-mandatory certification executed by third-party certification bodies. All PCS terminal devices launched in the North American market must undergo PTCRB certification and apply for an IMEI based on the report. The term "quasi-mandatory" is used here; a true mandatory requirement would be issued by government regulatory authorities. Although PTCRB is not a governmental body but operates as a forum, it is highly authoritative. The reason is that distributors entering the North American market must test the products provided by manufacturers according to these requirements.

Certification Attributes

• Nature: Non-mandatory

• Validity Period: No expiration requirement

• Lead Time: 2-3 months (depending on the specific project)

• Certification Method: Testing by authorized laboratories

• Local Representative: Not required

• Sample Preparation: 2 complete devices (pcs)

Certification Preparation

1. After the testing is completed, the following results need to be filled in and uploaded to the PTCRB certification database:

2. Final HW Version

3. Final SW Version (including SVN)

4. NAPRD.03 Version

5. GCF Version (if the product supports GCF frequency bands)

6. IMEI (8-digit TAC code + yyyyyy, e.g., 12345678yyyyyy) and applicable standard versions (e.g., 3GPP standard version, OMA standard version, CTIA OTA Test Plan version, etc.)

7. Actual test start and end dates

8. All test reports

9. Product manuals and specifications

Certification Process

1. Submit certification requests and upload technical data in the PTCRB certification database.

2. The PTCRB certification database will send a notification email to the laboratory.

3. After receiving the notification email, the laboratory logs into the PTCRB certification database to accept the certification request.

4. The manufacturer provides prototypes and technical data to the laboratory, and the laboratory arranges the testing.

5. After the testing is completed, the laboratory uploads all test reports to the PTCRB certification database.

6. CTIA reviews the test reports and technical data.

7. Upon successful review, and after CTIA receives the certification fee paid by the manufacturer, CTIA will send an email to all operators notifying them that the product has passed the certification, and will list it in the PTCRB certification database.

FirstNet Certification Levels (Reference)

• FirstNet Capable: Indicates that the device possesses basic compatibility with the FirstNet network and meets fundamental communication needs.

• FirstNet Ready™: The device has passed higher-level testing and validation, featuring more powerful functions and more stable performance.

• FirstNet Trusted: The highest level of certification; the device has reached top-tier levels in security, reliability, and stability.

Testing Requirements

1. RF section testing;

2. Protocol section testing;

3. SIM section testing;

4. Audio section testing;

OTA Testing Requirements in PTCRB Certification

GSM 850, GSM 1900, FDD BAND II, FDD BAND IV, and FDD BAND V are tested according to the OTA testing standards issued by CTIA.