Understand the context
Define the laboratory’s activities, facilities, methods and intended scope.
TESTING & CALIBRATION LABORATORY COMPETENCE
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation consultancy for practical implementation.
ISO/IEC 17025 specifies general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.
01 / Understanding the framework
Start with the right context.
ISO/IEC 17025 specifies general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.
The requirements and practical arrangements should be interpreted in relation to the organisation’s activities, scope, interested parties, applicable obligations and intended outcomes. The appropriate standard edition and any sector-specific requirements should be confirmed before implementation planning.
02 / Key considerations
Build a system that works in context.
The following areas commonly require attention. Their relevance and depth depend on the selected framework and the organisation’s scope.
Address relevant requirements
Address impartiality, confidentiality, personnel competence and equipment controls.
Build practical controls
Establish method selection, verification or validation and metrological traceability arrangements as applicable.
Evaluate and improve
Evaluate validity of results, reporting, nonconforming work and management-system effectiveness.
03 / A considered journey
From review to readiness.
A proportionate plan should be agreed after understanding the organisation’s scope, current practices and intended outcomes. These stages are indicative, not a guaranteed timeline or outcome.
Define the scope
Understand activities, boundaries, interested parties and applicable requirements.
Review current practices
Identify existing controls, strengths, gaps and priorities relevant to the intended framework.
Plan and implement
Agree responsibilities and develop or improve processes and documented information where needed.
Evaluate effectiveness
Use appropriate monitoring, internal evaluation and management review to identify improvement needs.
Prepare for independent assessment
Address findings and understand the independent assessment or accreditation route where applicable.
04 / Scope and responsibilities
Understand the boundaries.
What this service does — and does not — mean.
Accreditation readiness support is not accreditation. Only the relevant accreditation body can make the independent accreditation decision and define the accredited scope.
Any engagement scope, delivery arrangements, consultant qualifications and applicable credentials must be confirmed before they are represented as part of a service offer.
05 / Frequently asked questions
ISO/IEC 17025, explained.
ISO/IEC 17025 is an international standard specifying requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.
Laboratory recognition against ISO/IEC 17025 is commonly through accreditation by an accreditation body. It is distinct from ordinary management-system certification.
No. Accreditation is granted for a defined scope. The specific methods, parameters, ranges and locations should be checked in the published scope.
No. Consultancy may support preparation, but the accreditation body independently evaluates the laboratory and decides whether to grant accreditation.
Continue the conversation
Begin with your organisation’s requirements.
Review the wider service catalogue or return to the main page to explore the approach.