Reference materials are substances or materials having homogenous and well-established values of one or more of its properties. They play a vital role in ensuring accuracy of measurements through method calibration, validation of a measurement method, estimation of measurement uncertainty, or assigning values to materials.

Reference materials are a critical component of analytical testing workflows and broader quality assurance schemes. They are manufactured under stringent requirements and differ from other laboratory reagents in the certification and traceability of the data provided. From Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and other quality grades of reference materials to certificates of analysis, metrological traceability, and other concepts, the world of reference materials is vast, and at times, confusing.