Test Facilities & Test Solution Vendors

Test industry, including Test facilities (laboratories) and Test solutions providers (also referred as Test Platform vendors or Test equipment providers) are an essential part of GCF Certification ecosystem.

Test facilities refer to companies which are accredited laboratories performing testing and certification services and helping manufacturers navigate complex network requirements, ensuring devices are ready for global market release with the assurance of interoperability and regulatory compliance.

All product testing associated with GCF certification must be undertaken by an ISO qualified, GCF-approved test facility, referred as a Recognised Test Organisation (RTO). RTOs can specialise in different certification areas and technologies.

RTO status is open to any GCF member that undertakes product testing, except for associate membership classes.

Third party RTOs, not part of Operator or Manufacturer members, are required to have a GCF Observer membership, and also have demonstrated that they possess the experience, qualifications and systems to assess wireless mobile, IoT devices and/or Mission Critical services against GCF Certification Criteria.

Companies can apply to be a GCF Recognised Test Organisation (RTO) at no additional cost once their GCF membership is confirmed.

Further information on RTOs, processes and requirements to obtain RTO status is available here.

Test industry also plays a key role assisting Associate Manufacturer members with the certification of their connected products. This is a mandatory requirement for AMM II (Associate Manufacturers Members II) certifying their devices based on external, GCF pre-certified modules.

This is done via Assessment Capable Entities (ACEs).  ACEs are ISO qualified organisations who are capable of determining the range of tests required to certify a device and assess the test results to ensure the product satisfies GCF's certification criteria.

Companies can apply to be a GCF Third-Party ACE at no additional cost once they can demonstrate in-depth knowledge of GCF procedures and have the required minimum of two years’ experience with GCF.

Further information on ACEs, processes and requirements to obtain ACE status is available here.

Compliance with GCF certification criteria, for conformance and RF test cases is done using validated Test Platform from Test Solution Providers.

Test Solution Providers, also referred as Test Equipment Manufacturers design and supply specialised test equipment and the tools necessary for certifying mobile and wireless devices according to industry standards allowing GCF-accredited test labs to evaluate compliance, interoperability, and network performance of mobile devices.

In order to validate candidate platforms for specific Work Items on certain technologies, and use them at specific RTOs, Test Solution providers shall have and maintain an Observer membership.

Benefits of GCF Membership

Membership Options

For further assistance, contact our Member Services team, who will be happy to assist.