Certification FAQ: Samples, Lead Time, Fees and Report Validity

These are the questions our engineers answer most often before a project starts. If your question is not covered here, contact us — scoping and quotation are always free.

Samples

How many samples do I need to provide?

One golden sample per hardware revision is standard. Add one extra unit for destructive tests (drop, temperature cycling). If you test multiple countries in one campaign, one sample can usually serve CE, FCC and SRRC — but confirm antenna and firmware are final.

Can you test a prototype instead of a production unit?

Yes, for pre-scan and debugging. Final reports, however, must be based on production-representative units with final firmware and antennas.

Lead Time

How long does certification take?

Lead times assume samples arrive complete and pass pre-scan. Failures add a debug-retest cycle.

Fees

What drives the certification cost?

Four factors: the number of radio technologies (each adds RF and protocol work), power level and SAR requirements, whether cybersecurity assessment is needed, and the authority fees (FCC TCB, MIIT, Bluetooth SIG) which are passed through at cost.

Do you charge for quotations?

No. Scoping and itemised quotation are free, with no obligation.

Report Validity

How long are test reports valid?

Reports have no fixed expiry but must reference current standard versions. Material hardware, firmware or antenna changes require a delta assessment or re-test. Authority grants (FCC ID, SRRC) are configuration-specific.

Combining Certifications

Can one test campaign cover several countries?

Usually yes for CE, FCC and SRRC — shared RF and EMC measurements reduce cost and time. Our multi-country transfer service converts existing CB/CE/FCC reports into national certifications such as PSE, KC, RCM and BIS where report data allows.

Have a project in mind? Request a free quotation with your product specification and target markets.