Accredited Since:  December 11, 2000

What is ISO/IEC 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025 is an International Standard that has been produced as the result of extensive experience in the implementation of ISO/IEC Guide 25 and EN 45001, both of which it replaces.  It contains all of the requirements that testing and calibration laboratories have to meet if they wish to demonstrate that they operate a quality system, are technically competent, and are able to generate technically valid results.

Accreditation bodies that recognize the competence of testing and calibration laboratories should use this International Standard as the basis for their accreditation.  Clause 4 of the International Standard specifies the requirements for sound management.  Clause 5 of the International Standard specifies the requirements for technical competence for the type of tests and/or calibrations the laboratory undertakes.

The growth in use of quality systems generally has increased the need to ensure that laboratories can operate to a quality system that is seen as compliant with ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 as well as with this International Standard.  Therefore, those requirements of ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 that are relevant to the scope of testing and calibration services that are covered by the laboratory's quality system are incorporated in ISO/IEC 17025.

Testing and calibration laboratories that comply with ISO/IEC 17025 will therefore also operate in accordance with ISO 9001 or ISO 9002.

Certification against ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 does not of itself demonstrate the competence of the laboratory to produce technically valid data and results.

The use of this International Standard will facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies, and assist in the exchange of information and experience, and in the harmonization of standards and procedures.

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