FERN coordinates a food proficiency testing program for chemical, microbiological, and radiological analytes. FERN also coordinates with the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) to provide joint food proficiency tests for LRN and FERN microbiological laboratories.

• Proficiency tests are offered on an approximately quarterly basis to FERN member laboratories.
  
  
• The proficiency testing program is coordinated by the FERN National Program Office and facilitated by the FDA and USDA laboratories.