What are the general requirements for ISO 17025 certification?

The general requirements for ISO 17025 certification, which is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, include:

1. Technical competence: The laboratory must have the necessary technical expertise and resources to perform its testing and calibration activities effectively.

2. Management requirements: The laboratory must have a quality management system in place that is capable of ensuring the quality and reliability of its test results. This includes having documented procedures, records, and policies.  Management Systems Group provides help building your Quality Management System for your 17025 certification.

3. Personnel competence: The laboratory must have qualified and competent personnel who are trained to perform their assigned tasks and understand the quality requirements.  Be sure to review the training available at Ingentius.com or contact MSG to schedule in-person training.

4. Equipment and calibration: The laboratory must have appropriate equipment that is properly calibrated and maintained. This includes ensuring the traceability of measurements to national or international standards.

5. Testing and calibration methods: The laboratory must have validated test and calibration methods that are appropriate for the intended use. These methods should be documented and regularly reviewed and updated.

6. Quality assurance: The laboratory must have procedures for quality assurance, which include the monitoring of test and calibration results, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons.

7. Reporting of results: The laboratory must have procedures for reporting test and calibration results accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner. This includes ensuring confidentiality and the protection of client information.

8. Facilities and environment: The laboratory must have suitable facilities and environmental conditions that are appropriate for the testing and calibration activities. This includes factors such as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.

9. Handling of test items: The laboratory must have procedures for the handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of test items to ensure their integrity and prevent contamination or damage.

10. Measurement uncertainty: The laboratory must evaluate and report the measurement uncertainty associated with its test and calibration results.

11. Internal audit: To verify the QMS is ready for a 3rd party audit and certification, preform an internal audit that is similar to the registrar's audit.  From the internal audit you can fine tune your QMS.  Contact MSG to schedule an Internal Audit.

It is important to note that these are general requirements, and specific additional requirements may apply depending on the scope and nature of the laboratory's activities.