On what basis is personnel proficiency testing conducted according to ISO 17025?

Personnel proficiency testing according to ISO 17025 is conducted on the basis of performance against peers. This approach ensures that individuals conducting tests or calibrations are evaluated relative to their counterparts, which helps to assess and maintain a consistent level of competency among personnel in the laboratory environment.

This peer comparison underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in testing practices, as it reflects the capability of personnel to produce accurate and reliable results that are essential for the integrity of the laboratory’s outputs. By measuring proficiency through this comparative method, laboratories can identify areas that may require additional training or improvement, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning and enhancement within the organization.

Other options do not align with the principles of ISO 17025. For instance, establishing professional hierarchies doesn't directly relate to the testing of proficiency, and compliance with external regulations, while important, does not specifically focus on the assessment of individual competency in the same way that peer performance does. Personalized assessments may offer insights into individual weaknesses, but they lack the benchmarking element against a collective standard that is crucial for reliable proficiency evaluation as per ISO 17025.