ISO 17025 Lab Overview

ISO/IEC 17025

The ISO/IEC 17025 standard enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world. It also helps facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies by generating wider acceptance of results between countries. Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, improves international trade.

First ISO/IEC 17025 Lab for NG9-1-1

The NG9-1-1 Conformance and Interoperability Testing Project from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate provided initial funding to develop an ISO/IEC 17025 Lab for NG9-1-1 to ensure that at least one such lab exists. The project deliverables included:

• Developing all the documentation necessary to become accredited, and share it publicly
• Going through the audit process to obtain accreditation

The Texas A&M Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN) will be undergoing the requisite accreditation audit in the near future. CACN is making all of the documentation and training publicly available, so that other labs can use them to become accredited.

Accreditation Process

The sequence of steps to become and remain an ISO accredited lab are:

1. Preparation for Accreditation
   1. Define Scope
      • The scope of the work to be accredited is defined. For example, conformance testing, interoperability testing, end-to-end testing, etc.
   2. Develop Policies
      • Policies are defined for impartiality, confidentiality, and quality.
   3. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
      • Standard operating procedures are created for every aspect of the lab's operation. Some examples include: documentation control and management, managing confidentiality, monitoring validity, handling of items to be tested, conducting the tests, and more.
   4. Develop Supporting Documents
      • Forms, Lists, Logs, and other miscellaneous documents are created to support the Standard Operating Procedures.
   5. Develop Training and Train the Staff
      • Training modules are developed, and the lab staff is trained on all the policies and procedures.
2. Operate the Lab
   • The lab begins operating according to the defined policies and procedures
3. Undergo an Audit
   • An approved ISO auditor visits the lab in person and confirms that the lab is operating according to the defined policies and procedures.
4. Repeat
   • Accredited labs must undergo regular audits every few years to maintain their accreditation.