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CTS (Collaborative Testing Services)

Definition

A Herndon, Virginia-based proficiency testing provider offering fire debris analysis and explosives proficiency schemes. CTS distributes evidence-can samples containing burned substrate with or without added ignitable liquid; participating laboratories report ASTM E1618 classification findings.

In operation since
1978
Headquartered in
Herndon, Virginia, USA
Core function
Anonymous proficiency testing and laboratory benchmarking

Common questions

What is CTS and who uses it?+

CTS (Collaborative Testing Services) is a proficiency testing provider based in Herndon, Virginia. Forensic laboratories use it to test and benchmark their performance in areas like document examination and fire debris analysis.

How does CTS help laboratories improve?+

CTS distributes test samples (such as evidence cans with burned material or fire evidence) to participating labs. Each lab reports its findings, and CTS compiles the results anonymously so laboratories can compare their performance against the aggregate of all participants.

What kinds of proficiency tests does CTS offer?+

CTS supplies open proficiency tests for forensic disciplines including document examination, fire debris analysis, and explosives. For fire debris, participating labs analyze ASTM E1618 classifications on samples containing burned substrate and ignitable liquids.

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