Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Understand your laboratory activities, testing or calibration scope, objectives, and accreditation requirements.

Step 2 – Gap Assessment

Evaluate your existing laboratory management and technical practices against ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Step 3 – Define Accreditation Scope

Identify the specific testing, calibration, sampling, methods, locations, and activities that will be included in the accreditation scope.

Step 4 – Documentation

Develop laboratory policies, procedures, technical methods, quality records, equipment records, and supporting documentation.

Step 5 – Implementation

Implement ISO/IEC 17025 requirements throughout the defined laboratory scope.

Step 6 – Personnel Training

Train laboratory personnel on technical competence, quality procedures, equipment, methods, records, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Step 7 – Internal Audit

Conduct internal audits to evaluate conformity and identify areas requiring corrective action.

Step 8 – Management Review

Review laboratory performance, audit findings, customer feedback, risks, complaints, corrective actions, and improvement opportunities.

Step 9 – Corrective Actions

Address identified nonconformities and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Step 10 – Accreditation Assessment

The relevant accreditation body assesses the laboratory against ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and the requested accreditation scope.

Step 11 – Accreditation Decision

The accreditation body reviews assessment results and independently makes the accreditation decision.

Step 12 – Continual Improvement

Maintain laboratory competence, monitor performance, review methods and risks, and continually improve the management and technical system.