What is PTCRB Certification

What is a PTCRB Certificate?

PTCRB is an industry organization established in 1997, composed of global mobile operators including North American operators such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It aims to develop unified technical certification standards for devices. PTCRB certification is primarily targeted at wireless cellular devices and serves as an "admission ticket" to enter mainstream mobile networks in North America.

Nature and Purpose of PTCRB Certification

• Nature: PTCRB certification is a quasi-mandatory certification. It is not a government regulation, but the vast majority of North American operators require devices entering their networks to pass this certification.

• Purpose: The purpose of establishing the PTCRB standard or certification is to standardize the network compatibility, interoperability, and performance of devices (cellular devices such as mobile phones, tablets, data cards, and IoT modules) to ensure they meet operator standards. Uncertified devices are typically blocked from accessing operator networks.

PTCRB Certification Test Content and Process

Test Content

I. RF (Radio Frequency) Testing

• Purpose: To verify the wireless signal transmission and reception quality, frequency accuracy, etc., of the device.

• Referenced Standards: 3GPP TS 34.121 (3G), 36.521 (4G), 38.521 (5G), 3GPP TS 38.521-1/-3/-4/38.533 (NR), etc.

II. Communication Protocol Testing

• Purpose: To inspect whether the device can correctly understand and execute network signaling and protocols.

• Referenced Standards: 3GPP TS 34.123 (3G), 36.523 (4G), 38.523 (5G), 3GPP TS 38.521-1/-3/-4/38.533 (NR), etc.

III. Interface testing

• Purpose: To ensure normal interaction and operation between the device and the SIM/USIM card.

• Referenced Standards: 3GPP TS 31.121/124, ETSI TS 102 230, etc.

IV. Audio Quality Testing

• Purpose: To evaluate the voice quality of calls.

• Referenced Standards: CTIA speech performance test plan adopted.

V. OTA (Over-The-Air) Performance Testing

• Purpose: To measure the actual radiated performance of the device in three-dimensional space.

• Referenced Standards:

• CTIA SISO/MIMO OTA Test plan CTIA

• OTA Test plan for Mobile WiFi Converged Device

PTCRB Certification Process

1. Submit Application: Apply for the certification.

2. Select Laboratory: Choose a PTCRB-qualified laboratory (JJR provides this service).

3. Complete Testing: Execute all required device tests.

4. Submit Reports: Hand in the test reports for review and auditing.

5. Pay Fees: Make the payment based on the specific device type.

6. Issue Certificate: Receive the PTCRB certification.