Prowess IoT

PTCRB certification is an industry-required process that verifies a cellular device meets North American carrier and industry requirements. It is mandatory for most LTE and 5G devices that will operate on North American mobile networks.

PTCRB certification may include:

• RF conformance testing
• Protocol and signaling testing
• Carrier-specific test cases
• Field or over-the-air (OTA) testing (if applicable)

The exact scope depends on device features and supported technologies.

Most major North American carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and their MVNOs, require PTCRB certification as a prerequisite for network approval.

PTCRB certification is required for LTE and 5G cellular IoT devices intended for use on major U.S. and Canada networks. Devices using legacy technologies (such as 2G or 3G) are generally not eligible, as these networks are sunset.

Using a pre-certified cellular module can significantly reduce the amount of testing you need. However, your end device still must be evaluated to ensure the integration, antenna design, power, and firmware do not break the original certification conditions. We help you determine the minimum required test scope and avoid unexpected retesting.

Yes, some test cases overlap, but the certifications have different processes, documentation, and acceptance criteria. Strategic planning can significantly reduce duplicated testing.

In some cases, partial reuse is possible, but changes to:

• Cellular modules
• RF design
• Antennas
• Firmware or bands

may trigger additional testing or a full re-certification review.

Yes. Cat-M (LTE-M) and NB-IoT devices require PTCRB certification for operation on U.S. carrier networks, even though they are low-power and low-data-rate technologies.

No. While Cat-M and NB-IoT devices follow the PTCRB framework, the test scope is reduced compared to full LTE devices. However, required tests still depend on:

• Supported bands
• Power class
• Mobility features
• Device category and use case

Incorrect assumptions about “minimal testing” often lead to delays.

No. NB-IoT support is carrier-specific in the U.S. PTCRB certification alone does not guarantee network acceptance; carrier approval is still required and may vary by operator.

Yes. Data rate and payload size do not affect PTCRB requirements. Any Cat-M device connecting to a U.S. carrier network must complete PTCRB certification.

Yes. Even with a PTCRB-certified module, the end device must still undergo PTCRB evaluation to account for:

• Antenna integration
• RF performance
• Firmware configuration
• Device-specific features

Module certification does not automatically transfer to the end product.

Battery-powered devices are sensitive to:

• RF efficiency and antenna tuning
• Power save configuration
• Re-transmission behavior during poor coverage

These factors can affect PTCRB outcomes if not properly validated before testing.

If the device connects to a public U.S. carrier network, PTCRB is required. Private LTE or private network use cases may have different requirements, depending on deployment model.

Common issues include:

• Antenna inefficiency due to compact designs
• Incorrect module firmware configuration
• Misalignment between declared and tested features
• Late discovery of carrier-specific requirements

Prowess IoT helps clients:

• Define the correct PTCRB test scope
• Align FCC approval with PTCRB timelines
• Coordinate with PTCRB-approved test labs
• Reduce retesting, cost, and time to market

IoT device certification validates that your product meets the requirements of PTCRB, GCF, and relevant mobile network operators and regulators. This typically includes RF, protocol, conformance, and field testing to verify that your device performs reliably on cellular networks and complies with regional regulations.

Power Class (PC1 vs. PC2) affects:

• RF test requirements
• Antenna performance expectations
• Network coverage behavior

PTCRB testing must reflect the actual power class used in the end device, not just the module capability.

Yes. eDRX and PSM are evaluated as part of protocol and performance testing where applicable. Improper configuration of these features can result in PTCRB test failures or retesting.

5G IoT devices (including RedCap where applicable) face:

• Increased RF complexity
• NSA/SA configuration considerations
• Broader band and feature support

Early PTCRB planning is critical to avoid extended testing cycles.

PTCRB planning should begin early in product development, ideally during hardware design and module selection. Late engagement often leads to redesigns, additional testing, and delays to market.

Yes. Certification management, coordination with test labs, and carrier engagement can all be handled remotely, provided the device and documentation are properly prepared.

Early planning, correct module selection, and expert guidance significantly reduce:

• Retesting
• Schedule slips
• Unexpected carrier rejections

FCC certification is a regulatory requirement, while PTCRB is an industry/carrier requirement. Both are required for most cellular IoT devices sold or operated in the U.S and Canada.

Typical documentation includes:

• Device specifications
• RF and antenna details
• Module and chipset information
• Test plans and reports
• Declaration forms

If your IoT product is deployed in both the U.S. and international markets, then yes—most devices require both certifications to ensure carrier acceptance globally.

Prowess supports IoT device makers who need PTCRB, GCF, and North American carrier certification. We work with startups launching their first connected product as well as established OEMs scaling large device fleets, providing guidance from early design reviews through lab testing and final approvals.

Timelines vary based on device complexity, technology (LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, 5G), and how prepared your design and documentation are. For well-prepared projects using pre-certified modules, PTCRB and carrier acceptance can often be completed in 6 weeks. More complex or first-of-a-kind devices may take longer like 12 to 15 weeks. We work with you to build a realistic schedule and de-risk the path to approval.

Common issues include:

• Misunderstanding carrier-specific expectations
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Late discovery of RF or antenna issues
• Module firmware not aligned with PTCRB requirements

Prowess IoT provides end-to-end certification strategy and execution, helping clients:

• Define the correct certification path
• Minimize testing scope and cost
• Coordinate with labs and certification bodies
• Avoid common delays and rework