Inspection and testing
ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
The basis for accrediting testing and calibration laboratories. Knowing how to read an accreditation scope avoids accepting unreliable results.
01Purpose
ISO/IEC 17025 specifies general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories that perform testing, calibration or sampling.
02Scope
Applies to all laboratories, including first, second and third party laboratories. Accreditation is specific to the methods listed in the laboratory's scope.
03Main requirements
- Impartiality and confidentiality
- Personnel competence
- Facilities and environmental conditions
- Equipment and metrological traceability
- Selection, verification and validation of methods
- Measurement uncertainty evaluation
- Assuring the validity of results
- Reporting of results and decision rules
04Typical applications and industries
Material testing, calibration of measuring equipment and product testing for certification should be performed by laboratories accredited for the specific method.
05Audit and inspection considerations
- Is the specific test method in the accreditation scope?
- Is the calibration certificate traceable and from an accredited laboratory?
- Is measurement uncertainty stated where relevant?
06Common nonconformities
- Accreditation logo used for tests outside scope
- Calibration certificates without traceability
- Decision rule not stated for conformity statements
07How QUALITAS TR can support
QUALITAS TR does not operate a laboratory. We select laboratories by their accreditation scope through our laboratory testing coordination service and check calibration traceability during audits.