Performance Assessment Program (PAP)
The Performance Assessment Program (PAP) is a voluntary program offered as a service of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), Madison, WI, as a part of the North American Proficiency Testing program (NAPT). The PAP program is valued by the USDA-NRCS as assurance that soil test analyses are being performed using validated testing methods. The PAP program may be required by soil and plant analysis laboratories that complete analyses for federal government programs involved with the development of nutrient management plans and cost sharing programs.
To participate in the PAP program, you must be enrolled in a four-quarter NAPT program and adhere to the PAP Ethics Declaration. When enrolling in the PAP program, please read, sign and return the Ethics Declaration (PDF).
Do I need to do PAP? It depends. Does your laboratory have specific testing requirements that need to be satisfied, such as through the USDA-NRCS or a State-level Department of Ag? The PAP is designed to help laboratories achieve these types of approvals on specific tests or analytes. If your laboratory is not qualifying for such a program, then NAPT participation may be sufficient for showing your facility is checking QA/QC as part of routine. Still have questions? Ask us!
Program update
Starting in 2024, there has been a slight change in the PAP offerings. Essentially, all metrics having a sufficient number of test reports may now be included in the PAP. Nothing changes for current participants in the Soil and/or Plant PAP – there are now more options going forward. For example, it is now possible for NAPT participants to enroll in Soil PAP and submit only soil carbon analysis by dry combustion. Please reach out the NAPT Director if you have any questions.
Performance Assessment Program (PAP) participating laboratories and the soil and plant methods that each performs and meets PAP criteria.