Accepted results
Reports accepted by customers, regulators and other laboratories internationally.
Accreditation readiness
ISO/IEC 17025 Testing & Calibration Laboratories
Current edition: ISO/IEC 17025:2017
The international standard for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation to it means your results are accepted by customers and regulators across borders. We prepare laboratories for that accreditation.
What the standard covers
Requirements, clause by clause
ISO/IEC 17025 combines requirements for impartiality and structure with detailed technical requirements for methods, equipment and results.
4
General requirements
Impartiality and confidentiality.
5
Structural requirements
Legal entity, management, defined scope of activities.
6
Resource requirements
Personnel competence, facilities, equipment, metrological traceability, externally provided products and services.
7
Process requirements
Contract review, method selection and validation, sampling, measurement uncertainty, validity of results, reporting, complaints, nonconforming work, data control.
8
Management system
Option A requirements, or Option B for laboratories with an ISO 9001 system.
Accreditation is assessed for a defined scope of tests or calibrations, together with the accreditation body's own policies, such as those on traceability and proficiency testing.
Why organisations implement it
What accreditation delivers
Tender eligibility
Many contracts and regulations require accredited testing.
Fewer repeat tests
Results accepted across borders reduce duplicate testing.
Technical confidence
Validated methods, known uncertainty and traceable measurements.
Risk-based operation
Risks to impartiality and validity of results managed.
Competitive edge
A clear differentiator for commercial laboratories.
How we work
Path to accreditation
One AEC methodology from first assessment to accreditation, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO/IEC 17025 and accreditation body requirements
- DesignProcedures, impartiality risk assessment, competence and method records
- ImplementProcesses run on real work, records generated
- TrainStaff trained, competence assessed and authorised
- VerifyInternal audit, management review, mock assessment
- Accredit & sustainSupport through the assessment and surveillance
Full build
We design the management system and technical records from the start.
Typically 9 to 12 monthsAccreditation readiness
We close gaps in existing processes before you apply.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsTransition or scope extension
We prepare transitions to new editions, or new methods and sites for your scope.
Typically 2 to 6 months
Who decides
Accreditation by your national accreditation body
Testing and calibration laboratories are accredited by national accreditation bodies such as UKAS, DAkkS or PNAC. Accreditation under the Global ACI mutual recognition arrangement is recognised internationally. AEC prepares your organisation for the assessment; the accreditation decision is theirs.
Independent
We prepare you for the accreditation body your customers and regulators recognise.
Assessment-ready
Mock assessment and closed findings before the accreditation visit.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an accreditation body can decide.
Where it applies
ISO/IEC 17025 by industry
Manufacturing · materials, product and calibration labs
Food & beverage · food and water testing
Oil & gas · fuel and petroleum testing
Healthcare · pharmaceutical and device testing
Government · public and research laboratories
Related standards
Training Academy
View ISO/IEC 17025 courses
ISO/IEC 17025 training
Delivered by practising assessors and lead auditors. In-house, public, virtual or hybrid.
- Awareness (half day) for laboratory staff
- Implementer (2 to 3 days) for quality managers
- Internal Auditor (2 to 3 days) for laboratory audits
- Measurement uncertainty and method validation workshops
Questions
ISO/IEC 17025 FAQ
Does AEC accredit laboratories?
No. Accreditation is granted by national accreditation bodies such as UKAS, DAkkS or PNAC. AEC prepares your laboratory for that assessment.
Is ISO/IEC 17025 the same as ISO 9001 certification?
No. ISO 9001 certification covers a quality management system. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation also confirms technical competence to produce valid results for a defined scope of tests or calibrations.
Do we need proficiency testing?
Yes. Laboratories must monitor the validity of results, and accreditation bodies expect participation in proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparisons where available.
Can we accredit only some of our tests?
Yes. Accreditation applies to a defined scope. Many laboratories start with their most requested tests and extend the scope later.
Prepare for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
Tell us your tests or calibrations, staff and current processes. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, technical records and accreditation readiness.
Accreditation decisions are made by national accreditation bodies. AEC prepares organisations for accreditation and does not guarantee outcomes.