09/02/2026
Not every piece of equipment needs to go through the same certification path.
What if your equipment is custom-built?
What if you only need one or two units?
What if the equipment is already installed and shipping it to a laboratory isn't practical?
This is where a Field Evaluation can make sense.
Field Evaluations are on-site product approvals designed for limited quantities or specialized equipment where certification may not be the fastest or most cost-effective option.
They can be particularly relevant for situations involving:
• Custom or one-of-a-kind equipment
• Limited production quantities
• Equipment already installed at a site
• Specialized equipment that isn't practical to ship
• Projects where a full certification pathway may not be the most practical option
The important part is understanding that Field Evaluation and Certification serve different situations.
The right path depends on the product, its intended use, quantity, installation, market and applicable requirements.
LabTest provides Field Evaluation services across Canada and the U.S., alongside Testing, Inspection and Certification services for a wide range of products. LabTest's current published programs include Canadian Special Inspection services such as CSA SPE-1000 and SPE-3000, and U.S. Field Evaluations under NFPA 790/791.
Have you ever worked on a project where a Field Evaluation made more sense than traditional certification?
