PTCRB certification, step-by-step procedure

Author Hugues Orgitello Last updated 25 May 2026

PTCRB · Pillar

The PTCRB procedure is structured at two levels: Modular Certification for cellular modules and End-Product Certification for products integrating these modules. This page details the actors, chronological process, and interaction with FCC which typically runs in parallel.

Two certification levels

Modular Certification

For commercial cellular module manufacturers (Quectel, u-blox, Sierra Wireless, Telit, etc.). The module is certified once and obtains a PTCRB Approval Code and IMEI range.

Steps:

Scope definition (bands, technologies, target operators)
Internal pre-tests
Complete tests at PTCRB-recognized lab (all categories: RF, OTA, IMS, IOT, etc.)
PVG submission (PTCRB Validation Group)
Certificate issuance
IMEI range assignment
Operator-by-operator homologation (AT&T NDA, Verizon OPC, etc.)

Typical timing: 6 to 9 months for a complete 4G module, 8 to 12 months for a 5G module.

End-Product Certification (EPC)

For integrators using a PTCRB-certified module in their final product. EPC validates:

Correct module integration in product (antennas, supply, thermal)
OTA performance in final configuration
No degradation of critical tests (RF, OTA)
Final radio configurations of the product

Steps:

Selection of certified module and obtaining its documentation
Internal OTA pre-tests
Tests at PTCRB-recognized lab (mainly OTA, sometimes RF retest)
PVG submission in End-Product mode
End-Product certificate issuance
Affixing PTCRB ID on the product

Typical timing: 2 to 4 months for a standard EPC, i.e. 1/3 of the time of a complete module certification.

Process actors

PTCRB-recognized labs

Labs must be explicitly recognised by PTCRB for their tests. Public list on PTCRB site. Most used:

Lab	Location	Specialties
TÜV Rheinland	DE/US/Asia	All types, versatile
DEKRA Certification	DE/US/Asia	Cellular and IoT
CETECOM	DE/US/Asia	Cellular specialist
7Layers (Bureau Veritas)	DE/US	OTA, IMS
Element Materials Technology	US/UK	RF Conformance
SporadyX	Canada	RF Conformance
MET Labs / Eurofins	US	Versatile
National Technical Systems (NTS)	US	Versatile
Sirim QAS	Asia	Cellular IoT

Labs use certified test platforms (Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz, Keysight).

PVG: PTCRB Validation Group

The PVG examines submissions and issues certifications. Composed of technical representatives of member operators, it meets regularly (typically bi-monthly) to validate files.

The PVG can:

Approve the certification as is
Request corrections (clarifications, partial retests)
Refuse certification if major non-conformities are identified

Review time is typically 4 to 8 weeks between submission and final decision.

Operators (post-PTCRB)

Once PTCRB certification obtained, each operator typically adds their own requirements:

AT&T: NDD (Network Disturbance Detection) tests, MEM (Mobile Equipment Manager) requirements
Verizon: OPC (Open Product Certification) program in parallel with PTCRB
T-Mobile: 5G SA specific requirements since 2024
Bell / Rogers / Telus: generally direct PTCRB adoption

Final operator homologation typically adds 4 to 12 weeks per operator, and $5,000 to $20,000 in fees.

IMEI Range, the module's identity

Once the module is certified, PTCRB assigns the manufacturer an IMEI range. IMEI structure (15 digits):

TAC (8 digits) + Serial Number (6 digits) + Check Digit (1)

The TAC (Type Allocation Code) is assigned by PTCRB from the certificate. An IMEI range typically allows 1 million unique units per TAC.

For higher volume products, multiple TACs can be assigned to the same module. The manufacturer manages the Serial Number range respecting the Luhn Check Digit formula.

IMEI database (GSMA)

TACs and IMEI ranges are registered in the GSMA TAC database:

https://imeidb.gsma.com/

This database allows operators to verify IMEI legitimacy during network registration. An IMEI not registered in GSMA may be refused by the operator.

Detailed timeline of a complete module certification

For a 4G LTE Cat-M + NB-IoT module covering main US/CA bands:

Month 1   : Scoping + lab selection
Month 1-2 : Internal pre-tests (basic RF, simple OTA)
Month 2   : Lab shipment + technical briefing
Month 3-4 : RF Conformance tests (TS 36.521-1 + -2 + -3)
Month 4-5 : OTA tests (TRP, TIS all bands)
Month 5   : IMS / VoLTE tests if applicable
Month 5-6 : Inter-operability + data throughput tests
Month 6   : File compilation + PVG submission
Month 7   : PVG review + possible corrections
Month 7-8 : Certificate issuance + TAC/IMEI assignment
Month 8+  : Operator homologations (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.)

Total: 6 to 9 months typical for a complete 4G module. For 5G NSA, add 2-3 months. For 5G SA, add 3-6 months.

Interaction with FCC

FCC and PTCRB certifications are distinct but complementary. For a cellular module:

FCC validates compliance with radio emission limits (47 CFR Parts 22, 24, 27)
PTCRB validates correct operation on operator networks

Both certifications can be run in parallel. Many tests are shared between FCC and PTCRB (notably 3GPP RF Conformance tests). The same lab can produce reports usable for both submissions, dividing costs by 30-40% versus separate tests.

Modular Approval, reusing certified modules

The use of a PTCRB-certified module in a final product follows a scheme similar to FCC modular approval:

Reuse conditions

The module must be used in accordance with conditions documented in its Integration Guide:

Specified antennas (models, gains, types)
Minimum ground plane
Clean power supply (filtering, stability)
Thermal conditions (operational temperature)
Minimum distance from other RF components

Affixing module identifier

On the final product, the integrator typically affixes:

Contains TAC: <8-digit TAC>
PTCRB Approval: <PTCRB certificate>

This mention indicates to operators that the product uses a pre-certified module.

Simplified End-Product Certification

Even with a certified module, the integrator passes an End-Product Certification that validates:

OTA tests in final configuration (TRP, TIS)
Mechanical verification of integration
Thermal verification in extreme conditions
Radio configurations of the final product

Typical cost: $30,000 to $80,000, i.e. 30-60% of the cost of complete module certification.

Indicative costs

Item	Range
Complete 4G LTE RF Conformance	$20,000 – $50,000
5G NSA RF Conformance	$40,000 – $80,000
5G SA RF Conformance	$60,000 – $120,000
Complete OTA	$15,000 – $40,000
IMS / VoLTE	$10,000 – $25,000
Inter-Operability	$10,000 – $25,000
Data Throughput	$5,000 – $15,000
Battery (per PSM/eDRX profile)	$5,000 – $15,000
PVG fees	$3,000 – $8,000
TAC range assignment	Included in certificate
Operator homologation	$5,000 – $20,000 per operator
End-Product Certification	$30,000 – $80,000

Typical total for a complete cellular module: $80,000 to $200,000 without operator homologations. With homologations on the 6 main North American operators: $120,000 to $300,000.

For an End-Product reusing a certified module: $30,000 to $80,000.

Sources & references

PTCRB Recognised Test Laboratories , PTCRB www.ptcrb.com/
GSMA IMEI database , GSMA imeidb.gsma.com/