IEC 17025 Certification

ISO 17025 is the measurement of quality and competency within an organization’s (testing/calibration labs) management system.
“Management system” refers to the structure and process of organizing services and objectives including satisfying the customer's quality requirements, complying with regulations, and meeting environmental objectives.

There are five basic elements that make up the review process for ISO 17025 certification

• Scope: The area of the lab being evaluated that will represent the lab as a whole (i.e. mechanical equipment, environmental conditions)
• Normative References: Documents that give the most recent information about every area of the process and equipment standards.
• Terms and Definitions: The labeling of all equipment, instruments, work stations, employees, and defining instructions, protocol, procedure, and safety measures.
• Management Requirements: EX: document control, service to clients, contract reviews, preventative actions, internal audits, management reviews, etc.
• Technical Requirements: EX: Safe working conditions, functional equipment, proper calibration of devices, handling of tests and substances, result reporting etc.

Benefits of ISO 17025 certification

• Increase of confidence in Testing/ Calibration data and of personnel performing work.
• Better control of laboratory operations and feedback to laboratories as to whether they have sound Quality Assurance System and are technically competent.
• Potential increase in business due to enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction.
• Customers can search and identify the laboratories accredited by The Accreditation Member Body for their specific requirements from their website or Directory of Accredited Laboratories.
• Users of accredited laboratories will enjoy greater access for their products, in both domestic and international markets, when tested by accredited laboratories.
• Savings in terms of time and money due to reduction or elimination of the need for re-testing of products.
• Improved national and global reputation and image of the laboratory.
• Continually improving data quality and laboratory effectiveness.