IAS Testing Laboratory Accreditation FAQs

What is ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is formal recognition that a testing or calibration laboratory has demonstrated competence to perform specific tests or calibrations. Accreditation evaluates both the laboratory’s management system and its technical competence, including personnel, methods, equipment, metrological traceability, and the validity of results. This applies as well to sampling organizations, where samples collected will be forwarded for subsequent testing.

How do I get my testing laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

The process generally begins by selecting an accreditation body such as IAS and defining the tests and methods to be included in your requested scope of accreditation. The laboratory then implements the applicable ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and submits an application and supporting documentation. IAS reviews the documentation and conducts an assessment of the laboratory’s management system and technical competence. Any identified nonconformities must be satisfactorily addressed before accreditation is granted. The IAS process includes application, document review, selection of qualified technical assessors, assessment, corrective action when required, and an accreditation decision.

What are the requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

ISO/IEC 17025 establishes requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. Requirements address personnel competence, facilities and environmental conditions, equipment, metrological traceability, externally provided products and services, test methods, method validation or verification, sampling, handling of test items, technical records, measurement uncertainty where applicable, ensuring the validity of results, reporting results, internal audits, corrective actions, and management reviews. In addition to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard requirements, the laboratories are required to follow any IAS related policies available on IAS website. AC 89 documents sets the main accreditation criteria for the IAS Testing Laboratories’ accreditation program.

What is the difference between ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and ISO 9001 certification?

ISO 9001 certification focuses primarily on an organization’s quality management system. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation goes further for laboratories by evaluating both the management system and the laboratory’s technical competence to perform specific testing or calibration activities. For a testing laboratory seeking formal recognition of its technical competence, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is the applicable conformity assessment activity.

Is ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation the same as certification?

No. Laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 rather than certified to it. Accreditation involves an independent accreditation body evaluating the laboratory’s competence to perform specific tests or calibrations. This distinction is particularly important when searching for an “ISO 17025 certification body”; laboratories should generally be looking for an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation body.

How do I choose an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation body?

When choosing an accreditation body, laboratories should consider its recognition, technical expertise, industries served, geographic reach, assessment process, responsiveness, cost, and ability to accredit the laboratory for its required scope. Laboratories that need their test reports accepted internationally should also determine whether the accreditation body’s recognition arrangements support their market and regulatory requirements.

Is IAS an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation body?

Yes. International Accreditation Service (IAS) accredits testing laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025 and applicable industry-specific requirements. The IAS Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program uses Accreditation Criteria AC89. IAS also offers accreditation under a range of industry- and regulator-specific laboratory programs, where applicable, suc.

What is AC89?

AC89 is the IAS Accreditation Criteria for Testing Laboratories. It sets out IAS-specific accreditation criteria and should be read together with ISO/IEC 17025 and any applicable program, regulatory, or scheme requirements.

How much does ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation cost?

There is no single price for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The cost depends on factors such as the laboratory’s requested scope of accreditation, number and complexity of test methods, technical disciplines, number of locations, assessor time, and other assessment requirements. Laboratories can request a quote from IAS based on their proposed scope of accreditation.

How long does it take to get ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

The time required depends on the laboratory’s readiness, the complexity of its requested scope, availability of records demonstrating implementation of the management system, assessment scheduling, and how quickly any nonconformities are resolved. IAS offers prompt, personal service and seeks to schedule assessments rapidly to meet laboratory needs, subject to assessor availability, scope complexity, and the completeness of the application and supporting documentation.

Does my laboratory need ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation may be required by a regulator, government agency, customer, contract, certification scheme, or industry program. Even when it is not mandatory, laboratories may pursue accreditation to independently demonstrate technical competence and increase customer confidence in their test results.

What types of testing laboratories can be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025 can be applied to laboratories in many technical fields. IAS accredits testing laboratories and also operates specialized laboratory accreditation programs covering areas such as environmental testing, forensic testing, cannabis testing, food testing, medical-device testing, cybersecurity testing, lead testing, and other industry or regulatory applications.

Can a small laboratory become ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

Yes. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not limited to large laboratories. A small laboratory can seek accreditation for a clearly defined scope covering the specific tests it performs. The extent of the assessment is influenced by the laboratory’s activities and requested scope rather than simply the size of the organization.

Can a new laboratory become ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

Yes. A new laboratory can pursue ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation once it has established and implemented the necessary laboratory processes and can provide sufficient evidence for the accreditation body to evaluate its management system and technical competence.

What is an ISO/IEC 17025 scope of accreditation?

The scope of accreditation identifies the specific laboratory activities for which competence has been independently evaluated and recognized. Depending on the field, a scope may identify materials or products tested, test methods or standards, measurement parameters, technologies, ranges, or other technical capabilities. Accreditation does not automatically mean that a laboratory is competent to perform every type of test.

Does ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation cover every test a laboratory performs?

Not necessarily. Accreditation applies to the specific activities included in the laboratory’s scope of accreditation. Customers should review a laboratory’s scope to confirm that the particular test or method they require is covered.

Do laboratories need proficiency testing for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

Laboratories are expected to monitor the validity of their results. Participation in appropriate proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparisons can be an important way of demonstrating ongoing technical performance when suitable programs are available and is one of the requirements in the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. IAS maintains a policy addressing participation in proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons for accredited laboratories.

Does ISO/IEC 17025 require an internal audit?

Yes. ISO/IEC 17025 requires laboratories to conduct internal audits at planned intervals to determine whether their laboratory activities and management system conform to the laboratory’s own requirements and the applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, and whether they are effectively implemented and maintained.

Does ISO/IEC 17025 require a management review?

Yes. Laboratory management is required to review the management system at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. The review considers defined inputs about laboratory performance and identifies decisions and actions related to improvement and needed changes.

What happens during an ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory assessment?

During an accreditation assessment, qualified assessors evaluate the laboratory’s management system and technical operations against applicable accreditation requirements. This may include reviewing records, interviewing personnel, examining equipment and facilities, reviewing test methods and quality-control activities, and observing laboratory personnel performing tests within the requested scope. IAS selects assessment teams with quality-system, technical, and subject-matter expertise appropriate to the requested scope.

What happens if nonconformities are found during an ISO/IEC 17025 assessment?

A nonconformity does not necessarily mean that a laboratory cannot become accredited. The laboratory is typically required to determine the cause, implement appropriate corrective action, and provide evidence demonstrating that the issue has been effectively addressed. Accreditation can proceed when applicable requirements have been satisfactorily met.

Can ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation support international acceptance of test reports?

ISO/IEC 17025 is an internationally used standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. The international recognition associated with a laboratory’s accreditation depends on the recognition status and approved scope of its accreditation body, as well as any applicable regulatory, contractual, or market requirements. IAS is a signatory to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for accreditation of testing laboratories, among other scopes. This recognition can support cross-border acceptance of accredited test reports, but laboratories and their customers should confirm the specific requirements of the receiving market or authority.

Will ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation help my laboratory’s test reports be accepted internationally?

It can. Accreditation by an appropriately recognized accreditation body can facilitate acceptance of test reports in international markets and may reduce the need for duplicate testing. Acceptance is not automatic, however. Laboratories should confirm the applicable regulatory, contractual, customer, and destination-market requirements before relying on a report for a particular purpose.

Is IAS internationally recognized for testing laboratory accreditation?

Yes. IAS is a signatory to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for testing laboratory accreditation. Global ACI began operating on January 1, 2026, and its MRA carries forward the scopes previously recognized under the ILAC MRA and IAF MLA. International recognition can support confidence in accredited test reports, but laboratories and their customers should verify the specific requirements of the relevant regulator, customer, or destination market.

What changed from ILAC and IAF to Global ACI?

On January 1, 2026, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) began operations as the single international organization bringing together the work previously conducted by ILAC and IAF. The Global ACI MRA covers the scopes previously recognized under the ILAC MRA and IAF MLA. Existing recognition arrangements continue during the transition, and the ILAC MRA and IAF MLA marks remain valid while the Global ACI mark is introduced in accordance with applicable transition guidance.

Can IAS accredit laboratories outside the United States?

Yes. IAS provides accreditation services internationally. Laboratories should contact IAS regarding their location, requested scope, and any country- or industry-specific requirements that may apply.

Can IAS accredit environmental testing laboratories?

Yes. IAS offers laboratory accreditation for environmental testing activities under ISO/IEC 17025 and provides accreditation services for specialized programs, where applicable, including NELAP/TNI, California ELAP, the Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP), and the Department of Energy Consolidated Audit Program (DoE CAP). Laboratories should contact IAS to confirm eligibility, program requirements, and geographic applicability.

Can IAS accredit food testing laboratories?

Yes. IAS can accredit laboratories for applicable food-testing activities under ISO/IEC 17025. IAS also offers accreditation associated with the U.S. FDA Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program for laboratories that meet the program’s applicable requirements.

Can IAS accredit medical-device testing laboratories?

Yes. IAS offers ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for applicable testing activities and accreditation under the U.S. FDA Accreditation Scheme for Conformity Assessment (ASCA) program for eligible medical-device testing activities.

Can IAS accredit cybersecurity testing laboratories?

Yes. IAS accredits cybersecurity testing laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025 for applicable testing activities. IAS identifies cybersecurity areas that include IoT and connected devices, operational technology and industrial control systems, medical and healthcare IT, application security, and penetration testing. The applicable scope, methods, and sector-specific requirements should be confirmed with IAS.

Can a laboratory add new tests to its ISO/IEC 17025 scope after becoming accredited?

Yes. Accredited laboratories can request an expansion of their scope to include additional tests, methods, technologies, or technical activities. The accreditation body evaluates the laboratory’s competence for the requested additions before they are incorporated into the accredited scope.

What documents should a laboratory prepare before applying for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?

The exact documentation depends on the laboratory and requested scope, but laboratories should generally be prepared to provide information demonstrating implementation of their management system and technical processes. This can include procedures, personnel competence records, equipment and calibration records, method validation or verification records, measurement uncertainty information where applicable, quality-control records, proficiency-testing results, internal-audit records, management-review records, and the proposed scope of accreditation.

How do I start the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation process with IAS?

Begin by identifying the testing activities and methods you want included in your requested scope of accreditation. You can then request a quote and submit the required application information and documentation to IAS. An IAS accreditation officer works with the applicant through the accreditation process, including document review, assessment, resolution of applicable nonconformities, and the accreditation decision.

How often is an accredited testing laboratory assessed?

Accredited laboratories are subject to ongoing IAS oversight in accordance with the applicable accreditation cycle and IAS requirements. The timing and extent of assessments may depend on the laboratory’s scope, activities, performance, changes, and applicable program requirements. Contact IAS for the requirements that apply to a particular program.

Can IAS assess a laboratory remotely?

Assessment methods are determined by IAS based on applicable requirements, the requested scope, risk, and the nature of laboratory activities. Some assessment activities may be performed remotely where appropriate, while on-site assessment and witnessing may be necessary for technical activities. However, the first and preferred option is that of an on-site assessment.

Can an accredited laboratory use the IAS accreditation symbol or Global ACI MRA mark?

Accredited laboratories may use IAS accreditation symbols and, where authorized, recognition marks in accordance with IAS policies and applicable mark-use agreements. Requirements for the use of ILAC, IAF, and Global ACI recognition marks are subject to transition arrangements and specific authorization.

Can a laboratory transfer its accreditation to IAS?

A laboratory considering a change of accreditation body should contact IAS. The applicable process, evidence required, timing, and any assessment activity will depend on the laboratory’s existing accreditation, requested scope, recognition status, and IAS requirements.

Can IAS accredit a laboratory with multiple locations?

IAS has an integrated accreditation policy for eligible conformity assessment bodies with multi-site activities in multiple locations. Laboratories should contact IAS to determine whether this policy applies to their structure and requested accreditation scope.