About ISO 17025 Certification
ISO 17025 Certification for laboratories demonstrates the high-level performance of the laboratory's quality management system and its technical competence. It establishes confidence in the laboratory's ability to generate valid, reliable results. This globally recognized standard - the current edition is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - is suitable for all testing and calibration laboratories, and helps reduce or eliminate waste and the need for re-testing.
About the ISO 17025 standard
ISO/IEC 17025 is the globally recognized standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It sets out the requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a laboratory's overall performance - covering both the management system and the technical competence behind the laboratory's work - so it can consistently deliver valid results across testing, calibration, and sampling.
What is the importance of ISO 17025 Certification?
ISO 17025 Certification shows that a laboratory has strong control over its operational processes. It enhances clients' confidence in the laboratory's testing and calibration results, strengthens the laboratory's reputation regardless of size, and helps win new business - including from overseas, since results from a competent laboratory are trusted internationally.
Procedure for ISO 17025 Certification
- a) Establish documentation and implement the ISO 17025 system
- Documenting and implementation: implement a systematic quality management system, well documented and in line with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
- Training programme: train staff on the relevant parts of the standard - sampling plans, analytical method validation, use of reference materials, measurement uncertainty, and so on.
- Internal audit and document review: review the documentation and run an internal audit to confirm the management system is suitable and meets ISO/IEC 17025.
- b) Preliminary (Stage 1) audit
A preliminary review of the laboratory's documentation and readiness, carried out before the main assessment to identify and close any gaps.
- c) External assessment (Stage 2)
An independent body conducts an external assessment - including a technical assessment of competence - to determine whether the laboratory meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
- d) Surveillance and reassessment
After the certificate/accreditation is granted, the laboratory is monitored through periodic surveillance visits, with a full reassessment before the cycle ends (typically a three-year cycle).
The requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- General requirements - impartiality and confidentiality.
- Structural requirements - the laboratory's organization and management.
- Resource requirements - competent personnel, facilities, equipment, and externally provided products and services.
- Process requirements - method selection and validation, sampling, handling of items, ensuring valid results, and reporting.
- Management system requirements - documentation, records, actions for risks and opportunities, improvement, internal audits, and management reviews.
Benefits of ISO 17025 Certification
- Demonstrates competence and enhances reputation
- Increases client and customer satisfaction
- Improves visibility and traceability of results
- Increases accuracy and reduces waste and re-testing
- Provides access to the global marketplace
- Brings international recognitio
About IACS
Integrated Assessment Certification Services (IACS) supports organizations across the UAE, with representatives throughout the Gulf - including Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia - and offices in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Thailand. IACS is also a leading training provider for ISO/IEC 17025, offering lead auditor, internal auditor, and awareness/foundation courses.
Contact us or explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about ISO 17025 certification.