PTCRB Test Certification Category Classification

PTCRB Test Case Certification Categories A / B / E

• Category A: Test cases are fully verified on commercial systems; these are mandatory test items and require a result of PASS.

• Category B: Test cases are partially verified on commercial systems (due to defects in the standard or system); these are mandatory test items, but if there is a corresponding CR (Change Request), they can be considered PASS (Declared).

• Category E: Possesses special characteristics; (only required by PTCRB) mandatory to test but allowed to Fail.

Important Notes for PTCRB Waiver Applications √

• For test cases that do not meet the PTCRB certification requirements, the manufacturer must submit a Waiver Request in the PTCRB online database.

• Currently, PTCRB requires the manufacturer to first obtain the support of the primary laboratory before they will consider whether to Approve the Waiver.

• Customers are required to submit an analysis based on Logs and/or the corresponding test specifications, explaining exactly why the test case cannot pass the test. The reasoning must be sufficiently adequate and credible, and a Waiver request must be provided at that time. The laboratory manager will analyze the logs in combination with the waiver application materials provided by the customer. If the waiver conditions are met, a statement (Waiver endorsement) can then be issued to support the Waiver (the format of the statement is not restricted).

• After receiving the waiver endorsement from the laboratory supporting the waiver, the customer shall simultaneously upload both the waiver application and the waiver support documents to PTCRB to apply for the waiver. This will be reviewed by PTCRB Operators, and a result will be provided after one week. If it is approved, the laboratory can independently check the corresponding product Request on the PTCRB website. Only at this point can a formal report be issued, and such test cases can be handled as Waived.

Note: An approved Waiver cannot be used for variant models or subsequent projects; it must be submitted separately for each individual project.

Certification Lifecycle and Project Specifications

PTCRB specifications are updated four times a year, meaning the NAPRD version will be continuously updated. Typically, project laboratories will strive to assist customers in completing the listing within half a year, which spans across two versions.

Because once a PTCRB certification assessment and testing begins, the current specification can only remain valid for a maximum of two versions. This is to avoid an excessively long testing cycle where rapid specification updates during that period could result in a flawed certification. For example, for a project starting under NAPRD 6.9, if it is not completed by the time NAPRD 7.1 takes effect, a version upgrade is required. At this time, a reassessment will be conducted to determine if there are newly added test items. For the lifecycles of some large projects, especially 5G Initial certification, this can often be fatal.

Regarding the aforementioned PTCRB certification rules and the specifications involved in specific project management, reference can be made to two PTCRB documents: the NAPRD and PPMD files. The specifications and execution processes for all PTCRB certification projects in the laboratory are strictly carried out in complete accordance with these specification documents.

If the customer encounters any issues requiring assistance during project execution—including but not limited to needing an urgent waiver review, applying for testing exemptions for parts of the product, or inquiring about the review progress—they can communicate directly with the official organizations of CTIA and PTCRB via email. Relevant internal staff will then connect with them and answer their questions. You can also visit the official PTCRB website for more information.