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Introduction to Measurement Uncertainty

This course is a suitable introduction for both calibration and testing laboratory participants, focusing on the mathematics, basic statistics, key concepts, and approaches of the measurement uncertainty evaluation process. The participant will gain an understanding of the statistical techniques required to estimate measurement uncertainty and will practice those skills to create basic uncertainty budgets (calculator). This course is designed for personnel working in calibration, metrology, testing, or other measurement fields.  

Price: $595.00

*Discounts available for A2LA Members. Contact us for special pricing.

Prerequisites

Required: This is a mathematics-based course. Familiarity with basic MATH functions and understanding the order of math operations (PEMDAS) in spreadsheets is very important.

Suggested:

  • While having an algebra and fundamental (basic) statistics background is not required, familiarity is beneficial, especially when defining and manipulating the equation for the measurement method.
  • Courses offered by contract only to provide a fundamental understanding of Excel and statistics

Equipment Needed

The participant will need to bring a laptop computer (PC or MAC) with Microsoft Excel or equivalent (can use Google Sheets).

Target Attendees

This workshop is intended for participants who (a) desire to understand what they are looking at when they read a measurement uncertainty budget, or (b) eventually want to create, edit, and improve measurement uncertainty budgets to support accreditation and improve the quality of measurement results.

Directors, Managers, and Supervisors – GOAL:  Read a measurement uncertainty budget and understand the result

Metrologists, Engineers, Scientists, Calibration Technicians, and Laboratory Technicians – GOAL:  Build a simple uncertainty budget that meets ISO and accreditation requirements

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing the workshop, participants will be able to, using a provided Excel workbook and instructor- or class-chosen measurement method:

  1. Define and explain key terms and apply their concepts
  2. Explain the importance of measurement uncertainty and how it impacts customer confidence and the company’s “bottom line”
  3. Describe and illustrate the seven(7)-step process for evaluating measurement uncertainty
  4. Identify the components of an ISO-compliant uncertainty budget and describe their functions
  5. Identify, compare, contrast, and correctly apply the different probability distributions in a measurement uncertainty budget
  6. Apply Excel tools, functions, and techniques learned throughout the course
  7. Identify and utilize supplemental tools for determining Type ‘A’ measurement uncertainty (repeatability and reproducibility)
  8. Complete a simple measurement uncertainty budget given a measurement scenario and key contributors, and
  9. Identify sources for improving the measurement process and performing calibration interval analysis

CEUs Awarded

0.7 CEUs Awarded* (7 active training hours, 8 hours total)

* A2LA WorkPlace Training is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU.

Presentation Style

Lecture, discussion, and classroom exercises.

Reference

JCGM 100:2008 – “Evaluation of measurement data – Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)”

NIST Tech Note 1297 – “Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty on NIST Measurement Results”

JCGM 200:2012 – “International Vocabulary of Metrology – Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM)”

ILAC P14:09/2029 – “ILAC Policy for Measurement Uncertainty in Calibration”

ILAC G17:01/2021 – “ILAC Guidelines for Measurement Uncertainty in Testing”

Engineering Statistics – “NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods”

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 – “Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for the competence of testing and Calibration Laboratories”

Training Dates

March 4 – 5, 2025
Virtual Class
1pm - 5pm EST

May 20 – 21, 2025
Virtual Class
1pm - 5pm EST

July 15, 2025
Residence Inn Dallas Las Colinas, 950 W Walnut Hill Ln, Irving, TX 75038
8am - 5pm

September 9 – 10, 2025
Virtual Class
1pm - 5pm EST

November 10, 2025
Courtyard by Marriott Detriot Livonia, 17200 N Laurel Park Dr, Livonia, MI 48152
8am - 5pm