Understanding ISO/IEC 17025

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 plays an important role in supporting the creation of accurate and reliable results from laboratory testing, calibration, sampling, and measurement services across many sectors. 

It is an international laboratory standard that laboratories must meet if they wish to demonstrate they:

• operate competently
• can generate valid results
• are able to plan and address risks and opportunities
• can act impartially
• have consistent laboratory operations

By the end of this course, participants will be able to understand:

• the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025
• how the Standard can be practically applied in testing and calibration laboratories
• how the laboratory’s management system needs to address the Standard requirements and achieve quality outcomes
• how to manage risks and opportunities to positively impact quality outcomes and customer satisfaction

The course covers the requirements in the following ISO/IEC 17025 clauses:

1. Scope
2. Normative references
3. Terms and Definitions
4. General requirements: Key underpinning ethical concepts including impartiality and confidentiality
5. Structural requirements: Structuring the organisation to ensure effective laboratory governance
6. Resource requirements: What is required to perform laboratory activities
7. Process requirements: How laboratory operations will generate technically valid results
8. Management system requirements: Management processes required to support quality results and effective laboratory operation

This course is ideal for individuals who:

• need to understand the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025
• are responsible for setting up their facility’s management system
• are responsible for their laboratory’s conformance with ISO/IEC 17025
• work in a testing or calibration laboratory
• hold a quality or management role

The course may also be of interest to testing or calibration laboratories who are considering, or are in the process of gaining, accreditation in the NATA ISO/IEC 17025 program.

Course content is delivered using engaging learning activities that include:

• individual and group work
• activities for developing understanding and practising skills
• opportunities to evaluate understanding as the course progresses