ACLASS News

19. Publication and Implementation of ISO/IEC 17020:2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:27:30 GMT

19. Publication and Implementation of ISO/IEC 17020:2012

World Accreditation Day Focuses on Food and Water

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:22:10 GMT

This year's World Accreditation Day, to be celebrated June 9, will focus on how accreditation supports the availability of safe food and clean drinking water. The theme for the celebration is "Accreditation - Supporting Safe Food and Clean Drinking Water."

In a joint statement, Randy Dougherty, Chair of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and Peter Unger, Chair of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), stressed the importance of access to sufficient food and water.

"It is critical that consumers have confidence in the safety, security, and authenticity of the food and water they consume," Dougherty and Unger said. "This confidence is gained through the application of common food safety management systems, supported by credible testing and inspection regimes, both within the national economy but also across international borders from source to consumption."

While a growing number of organizations provide services such as laboratory testing and calibration, inspection, and certification, accreditation is the means by which these organizations are deemed impartial and competent to provide their services. Accreditation bodies sign arrangements managed by IAF and ILAC that support the acceptance of accredited results and certificates across national borders and eliminate the need for redundant tests, checks, and certifications.

Major events, press campaigns, workshops, and seminars will take place in conjunction with the celebration of World Accreditation Day.

Read the IAF-ILAC statement on World Accreditation Day 2012

Download promotional brochure (print-ready or web version)

Download promotional poster (print-ready or web version)

NIST to Host Free Conformity Assessment Workshop

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:39:48 GMT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will host a free public workshop on best practices in federal conformity assessment activities April 11, 2012, at NIST's Gaithersburg, MD, site.

The workshop will examine current approaches to conformity assessment at federal agencies and in the private sector. It will provide a forum for federal agencies, private industry, and other stakeholders to give feedback to NIST on conformity assessment practices and the challenges encountered and how these challenges are being addressed.

The workshop will include panel discussions on the breadth of conformity assessments in the federal arena, and examine case studies. Randy Dougherty of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ANAB will participate in an afternoon panel on international conformity assessment in his capacity as chair and president of the International Accreditation Forum. Peter Unger, chairman of ILAC, will also participate in the panel.

NIST is required under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act to coordinate federal, state and local standards activities and conformity assessment activities with the private sector with the goal of eliminating unnecessary duplication and complexity.

For more information on the workshop and to register, see www.nist.gov/director/sco/ca-workshop-2012.cfm.

Listen: Gordon Gillerman, director of standards services for NIST, discussed conformity assessment and the NIST workshop on Federal News Radio.

18. Yet Another False Claim of Accreditation

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:55:40 GMT

18. Yet Another False Claim of Accreditation

17. RM Traceability for ISO/IEC 17025

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:28:35 GMT

17. RM Traceability for ISO/IEC 17025

16. FBI QAS Audits

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:58:43 GMT

16. FBI QAS Audits

15. Another False Claim of Accreditation

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:25:02 GMT

15. Another False Claim of Accreditation

FQS Accredits Puerto Rico Law Enforcement Agency

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:13:43 GMT

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/FQS has accredited the Forensic Science Institute of Puerto Rico, making it the first law enforcement agency in the Americas to become accredited to ISO/IEC 17020 for forensic inspection.

ISO/IEC 17020 is the international standard for accreditation of various types of bodies that perform inspection. FQS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 is based on an assessment of the agency against the requirements in the standard. The assessment covers the agency's procedures, technical qualifications, and competence for conducting specific testing activities within the scope of the standard.

"FQS's assessment and accreditation of the Forensic Science Institute of Puerto Rico provides formal recognition of this excellent forensic laboratory and its crime scene investigative work, which is among the best in the United States and its territories," said Terry Mills, FQS Manager of Accreditation.

FQS launched its ISO/IEC 17020 program for police forensic units in 2011. Previously, accrediting bodies in the United States accredited crime scene units to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for analytical testing laboratories. ISO/IEC 17020 is more appropriate for the forensic work performed by crime scene investigation units.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides accreditation services under the FQS, ACLASS, and ANAB brands. Under the FQS brand, the organization accredits ISO/IEC 17020 forensic inspection agencies and ISO/IEC 17025 forensic testing agencies. FQS is recognized by the FBI to conduct DNA QAS accreditation assessments.

ACLASS Provides Accreditation for Smart Grid Electrical Devices

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:03:14 GMT

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS now provides accreditation for the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP). Smart Grid accreditation will help ensure that new electrical devices will be ready to plug into the nation's next-generation power grid.

The SGIP process by which test laboratories and certifying organizations are accredited for evaluation of Smart Grid products is outlined in the Interoperability Process Reference Manual (IPRM) recently released by NIST.

"Following the IPRM guidelines will ensure that products entering the marketplace are high-quality, easily installed, and able to work together seamlessly," said Keith Greenaway, Vice President of ACLASS and FQS. "Accredited testing labs are crucial to ensure this interoperability and speeding the implementation of the new Smart Grid."

Smart Grid technologies aim to transform the nation's aging electric power system into a network that integrates modern communication technologies with the power-delivery infrastructure. These changes will enable two-way flows of energy, communication, and control capabilities.

The SGIP membership is developing hundreds of new standards to which electrical devices will need to adhere if they are to function as intended. The IPRM process allows the accreditation of testing labs and certification bodies to support these standards, with accreditation providing assurance of high quality of testing and consistency of test results between different labs.

To ensure that consumer products work as advertised, accreditation organizations such as ACLASS evaluate the procedures used by testing laboratories. The IPRM outlines the process followed to accredit a testing and certification lab and the process labs must follow to test products.

"The testing and certification process is critical to ensure the interoperability of devices made for the Smart Grid," said NIST's George Arnold, the National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability. "The framework for lab accreditation in the updated manual adheres to international standards, which will be valuable for ensuring products that meet these labs' requirements can reach markets worldwide."

APSP Requires Testing by Accredited Lab

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:14:10 GMT

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), an ANSI-accredited standards developer, has indicated that spa manufacturers in the United States intending to meet the requirements of ANSI/APSP 14 will need to ensure that all testing is done by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. In some cases the spa manufacturer may pursue accreditation and in other cases the company may outsource the tests to an accredited lab.

ACLASS accredits laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025, and as part of the ANSI family is well informed on the ANSI/APSP 14 requirements. More information on ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation can be found here, where you can learn about how to become accredited and accreditation requirements. You can also search for laboratories that are already accredited at our Company Search. For more information, call Matt Holofchak at 703-836-0025, ext. 207, or send e-mail to Matt.

Winter Quickbytes Newsletter Published

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:27:07 GMT

ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board Acquires Forensic Quality Services, Inc.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board has acquired Forensic Quality Services, Inc. (FQS), expanding the company's range of conformity assessment services to include accreditation of forensic testing agencies. Read

ACLASS Offers Accreditation for Special Inspection Agencies

ACLASS has expanded its accreditation areas to include Special Inspection Agencies, with specifics targeted to New York City. Read

CPSIA and Third-Party Testing in 2012

The New Year will ring in new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requirements for testing. Read

Muse Named PIC Chair at APLAC General Assembly

Roger Muse of ACLASS was elected Public Information Committee Chair at the APLAC General Assembly meeting hosted by PAO in the Philippines in September. Read

Monthly EQM Training Offered

On the third Wednesday of every month, ACLASS offers customer training on the EQM database, which allows you to track your progress through the accreditation cycle, directly upload corrective actions, manage invoices, and more. Read

Joint Declaration on Metrological Traceability Issued

The four international bodies responsible for metrology in November issued a Joint Declaration on Metrological Traceability. Read

ASQ World Quality Month Reflections

November 2011 was ASQ's second annual observance of World Quality Month, where the organization celebrated the global quality community and its accomplishments. ASQ released its inaugural list of 40 Under 40 (registration required)-a group of young, up-and-coming quality professionals, and celebrated the one-year anniversary of ASQ's Influential Voices blogging community. Read

Input Invited to ANAB-IAAR Survey

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board's ANAB brand has partnered with the Independent Association of Accredited Registrar to launch an all-stakeholder survey for the management systems conformity assessment industry. Read

Standards Make Shopping a Cinch

Thanks to standards, even the Grinch will find online shopping a cinch this holiday season, as retailers gear up for what promises to be a record holiday season for online sales. Read

Collins Celebrates Five Years with ACLASS

Lead Client Coordinator Erica Collins recently celebrated her fifth anniversary with ACLASS. Read

14. ACLASS Policy Change Pending ILAC P14 Review

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:55:00 GMT

14. ACLASS Policy Change Pending ILAC P14 Review

13. Publication of Revised Document 3

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:54:27 GMT

13. Publication of Revised Document 3

12. False Claim of Accreditation

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:53:35 GMT

12. False Claim of Accreditation

11. ACLASS Policy Changes and Clarifications

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:52:52 GMT

11. ACLASS Policy Changes and Clarifications

10. USA-Mexico Telecommunications MRA Signed

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:49:18 GMT

10. USA-Mexico Telecommunications MRA Signed

9. New Program Coordinator, Environmental Programs

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:48:14 GMT

9. New Program Coordinator, Environmental Programs

8. Internal Proficiency Testing Programs - New Forms Required

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:46:21 GMT

8. Internal Proficiency Testing Programs - New Forms Required

ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board Acquires FQS

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:31:07 GMT

Ben Perillo, president of Forensic Quality Services; John Knappenberger, president and CEO of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, and Keith Greenaway, ACLASS vice president met in Milwaukee to formalize the acquisition of FQS.

FQS has provided ISO/IEC 17025 accreditations to forensic testing agencies in the United States longer than any other organization.

"The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board will maintain the FQS brand because we recognize its enduring value," said John J. Knappenberger, president and CEO of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. "We will also retain FQS's employees because their knowledge and expertise in the forensics field are unmatched."

With the acquisition of FQS, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board builds on its services, which include accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories, inspection bodies, reference material producers, proficiency testing providers, and certification bodies that audit and issue certificates to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other management systems standards.

"The FQS brand benefits by joining forces with the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board's family of brands," said Ben Perillo, president of FQS. "The combined resources of ANAB, ACLASS, ANSI, ASQ - and now FQS - provide a full range of customer-focused conformity assessment services in the United States and elsewhere."

FQS is internationally recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) through the signing of multilateral recognition arrangements that facilitate the acceptance of test data between FQS-accredited laboratories and the international community.

"With this acquisition, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board becomes the leader for independent third-party accreditation of forensic testing agencies," said Keith Greenaway, ACLASS vice president. "Current FQS customers will experience no change in accreditation status and no interruption to their accreditation cycles. Their FQS accreditations will maintain the same international recognition they have today."

Forensic Quality Services is a not-for-profit membership organization incorporated in Florida. FQS accredited the first U.S. forensic testing agency to ISO/IEC 17025 and the first U.S. forensic crime laboratory to ISO/IEC 17025. FQS has been recognized by the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation since 2004, and is a signatory of the multilateral recognition arrangements of ILAC and IAAC. FQS is recognized by the Federal Bureau of Investigations to perform QAS DNA assessment and by the National Institute of Justice as a provider. In addition to its accreditation services, FQS offers a variety of training, workshops and academic programs. For more information about FQS, visit www.forquality.org.

ANAB and IAAR Invite Input to All-Stakeholder Survey

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:26:37 GMT

Does accredited conformity assessment meet the needs of consumers of the products and services of certified organizations? In hopes of finding out, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ANAB and the Independent Association of Accredited Registrars (IAAR) have launched an all stakeholder survey for the management systems conformity assessment industry.

The objective of the survey is to gain feedback on accredited third-party management systems conformity assessment from all stakeholders for knowledge and improvement. Respondent categories include ABs, CBs, certified companies, regulatory bodies, trade associations, certified company customers, and consumers of certified companies' products. Areas of inquiry include ISO, IAF, ABs (including assessors), CBs (including auditors), certified companies, training providers, and consultants. The survey is being managed through Isometric Solutions.

While ANAB routinely surveys the certification bodies it accredits and IAAR-member certification bodies survey their clients, this survey is an attempt to get feedback from those who rely on accredited third-party conformity assessment. Survey results will be used to build knowledge and as a basis for continual improvement.

The survey will be accessible for an extended period of time. After a substantial quantity of results is obtained, ANAB and IAAR will evaluate whether or not to continue gathering data.

ANAB has a link to the survey on its website (http://www.anab.org/), and IAAR will also link to the survey from http://www.iaar.org/. ANAB and IAAR invite all stakeholders to participate in the survey.

ACLASS Offers Accreditation for Special Inspection Agencies

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:39:13 GMT

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board has expanded its accreditation areas to include Special Inspection Agencies, with specifics targeted to New York City.

ACLASS accreditation for inspection bodies and inspection agencies allows you to assure your customers of your compliance with international standards and international recognition of good practices, and your technical competence to perform specific types of inspections. ACLASS accreditation also provides a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable inspection services to meet their needs.

ACLASS uses ISO/IEC 17020 and IAF/ILAC A4 for accreditation of inspection bodies. This program is also based on the requirements of the International Building Code. The application form includes a list of inspection areas for which accreditation may be applied.

ACLASS welcomes the opportunity to accredit inspection agencies within the New York City metropolitan area whose goal is to become compliant with the rules of NY section 101-06.

The mission of ACLASS is to be a leader in guiding the international development of accreditation processes that build confidence and value for stakeholders worldwide and providing high quality and reliable accreditation services with the most professional value-added services for customers and end users.

ACLASS is one of the most respected accreditation bodies in the United States and worldwide. As a signatory to the ILAC multilateral recognition arrangement (MRA), ACLASS is held to the strictest standards of assessment and accreditation.

To learn more about ACLASS accreditation, e-mail Roger Muse or call toll free 877-344-3044., ext. 202.

Board Member is Milwaukee CFO of the Year Winner

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:48:05 GMT

Charles (Chuck) Stadler, who serves as treasurer on the board of directors of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, is among the winners of The Business Journal's 2011 CFO of the Year awards. Stadler was recognized for his work as chief financial officer of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc., Milwaukee.

"This is a great group of honorees," said Mark Kass, editor of The Business Journal. "They are making a real difference in our community, both at work and in community endeavors. CFOs can often go unnoticed, but this group shows how important the position is to the success of a company."

This is the fourth year that The Business Journal has honored Milwaukee's most influential CFOs. The winners will be honored in a special section in the Oct. 7 issue of The Business Journal and at an awards event the same day at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Stadler was recognized as a 2011 CFO of the Year in the Nonprofit Organizations categories. Other award categories are Publicly Held Companies, Medium Private Companies ($50 Million - $250 Million), Small Private Companies (Less Than $50 Million), Education, Government, and Career Achievement Award.

Volume 6, Issue 3 - Fall 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:23:25 GMT

Volume 6, Issue 3 - Fall 2011

False Claim of Accreditation

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:18:57 GMT

It has come to the attention of ACLASS that PaternityLab.co.us, with an address of 20 Hogan Mews, London, United Kingdom W2 1UP, phone number 0845 269 3502, and web identity of paternitylab.co.uk may be issuing ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test reports with the ACLASS accreditation mark. This organization is not accredited by ACLASS, has not been a customer of ACLASS, and is using the ACLASS accreditation mark without authorization.

ACLASS Gains TNI NEFAP Recognition

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:22:45 GMT

ACLASS has been granted preliminary TNI NEFAP recognition to perform accreditation of Field Sampling and Measurement Organizations (FSMOs) for sampling and testing as defined in the TNI FSMO Standards Volumes 1 and 2.

A TNI National Environmental Field Activities Program (NEFAP) evaluator conducted an off-site document review prior to notifying ACLASS of its preliminary recognition. This review was to verify that ACALSS has a management system in place that meets the requirement of TNI FSMO Volume 2. The next step in the evaluation process is an onsite technical witnessing of ACLASS's FSMO activities.

FSMOs interested in accreditation to the TNI standard are invited to download NEFAP FSMO accreditation requirements and submit an application to ACLASS. For more information, contact Roger Muse, 877-344-3044.

Volume 6, Issue 2 - Summer 2011

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:17:47 GMT

Volume 6, Issue 2 - Summer 2011

ACLASS’s Greenaway Speaks on Food Safety Modernization Act

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:22:54 GMT

On June 6, 2011, Keith Greenaway, Vice President ACLASS, gave a brief talk at the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Public Meeting: Focus on Inspections and Compliance. His prepared remarks follow and you can view the accompanying slides.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides accreditation services to public- and private-sector organizations in the areas of management systems, laboratories, inspection, reference material producers, proficiency test providers, product certification, and personnel certification. We are jointly owned by the American National Standards Institute and the American Society for Quality.

We operate predominately in the realm of ISO international standards, which are developed, based on consensus, and then adopted globally, and subsequently adopted as American National Standards. Two organizations provide oversight and a recognition infrastructure for accreditation bodies operating inside this global infrastructure. The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) was established to oversee laboratory and inspection body accreditation and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) was established to oversee management systems and product and personnel certification. Recognized accreditation bodies then accredit conformity assessment bodies (that is, inspection agencies, laboratories, certification bodies, and product certifiers) to specific international standards who then audit and/or test for competence.

This generic third-party conformity assessment [slide 4] model illustrates the conformity assessment activities that are offered competently and credibly by ILAC and IAF member bodies. We developed the model in conjunction with the National Institute of Justice and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support a new private-public sector partnership for accredited third-party conformity assessment activities with oversight.

The FDA must embrace a model based on international consensus standards that has already proven to work across international borders and within multiple industries through the existing recognition infrastructure of ILAC and IAF. In today's political environment, uncertainty remains whether funding will even be available for the mandated inspectors under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Given this uncertainty, it is imperative that the FDA work together with the private sector under the existing international infrastructure and rely on accredited private sector conformity assessment bodies to work in coordination with appropriate government inspectors to help fulfill the mission of the FDA under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The food industry is already operating under a realm of uncertainty as they prepare for both private sector food safety certification programs and government inspections. This is unnecessary duplication, which increases costs to the consumer and wastes taxpayer money.

The infrastructure that's used globally and by many U.S. regulators will support the FDA's role in protecting our nation's food supply under the Food Safety Modernization Act, and it will do so without adding unnecessary duplication for private industry and without wasting taxpayer dollars.

To have a truly effective food safety system in the United States, we must have a level of oversight that works in partnership and supports the role of the FDA to provide confidence in the entire lifecycle of the product. The best way to achieve this type of system is through accredited third-party conformity assessment services with oversight, through which an independent party verifies and provides written assurance of conformance to internationally recognized standards.

June 9 is World Accreditation Day 2011

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:40:09 GMT

June 9 will mark World Accreditation Day 2011, a global initiative established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation-related activities.

World Accreditation Day will be celebrated around the world to communicate the value of accreditation to government, regulators, and the business community.

This year's focus is on how accreditation is used to support the work of regulators. There is increasing recognition of accreditation by regulators, who are adopting accreditation as a mechanism to deliver a multi-discipline solution that can support or act as an alternative to legislation.

In complex and highly competitive markets, confidence is required when products or services are traded between economies. Governments and regulators have come to appreciate the importance of credible accreditation programs based on internationally-recognized standards in providing confidence. With restricted budgets, many regulators can no longer do it all themselves and increasingly must rely on third-party organizations to support their objectives. Accreditation provides a fair and meaningful basis for identifying qualified and competent providers.

The influence and use of accreditation continues to grow across a wide range of economies and domestic policy areas. A 2010 survey of ILAC members confirmed the growing use of accreditation by regulators in all of the 55 economies that responded.

World Accreditation Day provides an opportunity for the accreditation community to extend its influence and demonstrate how accreditation can be applied to a wide variety of assessment, approval, and evaluation tasks that can be used to address a wide range of regulatory requirements.

World Accreditation Day 2011 Resources

Video: Short film promoting World Accreditation Day

High resolution poster

Print-ready poster

Screen-ready poster

EPA to Require Accreditation For Field Sampling Measurement Organizations

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:47:30 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published the Policy to Assure Competency of Laboratories, Field sampling, and Other Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data Under Agency-Funded Acquisitions. The policy, which is effective from February 22, 2011, requires that organizations (for example, laboratories, field sampling and measurement) generating environmental data under EPA-funded acquisitions submit documentation of their competency, which may include participation in applicable certification and/or accreditation programs

Read more here or at the EPA's Forum on Environmental Measurements site.

Volume 6, Issue 1 - Spring 2011

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:48:53 GMT

Volume 6, Issue 1 - Spring 2011

ACLASS-Accredited Labs Invited to Participate in HSF Mark Testing

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:47:55 GMT

ACLASS-accredited laboratories are invited to participate in the Hazardous Substance Free (HSF) Mark Consortium testing activities and help define how to manage the testing process.

Since the ECC Corp. launched the IEC IECQ Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) standard and certification program four years ago, approximately 2,700 manufacturing facilities worldwide have implemented HSPM systems and undergone certification.

The HSF Mark, developed exclusively for IECQ HSPM certified companies, can be used on product packaging and marketing materials to indicate to consumers and business-to-business buyers that the product was manufactured in a facility that has demonstrated the knowledge and controls necessary to assure compliance with the demand for hazardous substance free products.

To ensure the integrity and proper use of the HSF Mark, each country designates a single organization to manage independent HSF testing of products sold locally. The ECC Corp. manages the HSF Mark program in the United States. All products will be listed on the HSF Mark website with detailed information related to compliance.

"Essentially, the HSF Mark will signify that products have been manufactured under the control of a quality management system certified compliant with IECP QC 080000," Keith Greenaway, ACLASS vice president, said. "Labs that participate in this program will be engaged by ECC Corp. to test off-the-shelf products for hazardous substances and validate the manufacturers' claims that the products are hazardous substance free."

The customer of the lab is not the product manufacturer, as ECC Corp. pays the lab for the test and purchase of the product. The eventual goal is to test 140 million products per year. The initial phase will include electrical and electronic-related materials, including packaging, where labs will test components and products to determine if hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.) exist.

For more information on becoming an HSF Mark testing lab, send e-mail to ECC Corp. or call 541-847-0644.

TNI Recognizes ACLASS as Accreditor for Proficiency Test Providers

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:04:28 GMT

The NELAC Institute (TNI) has recognized the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS as an accrediting organization for proficiency test (PT) providers that provide PT samples to laboratories under TNI's National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP).

TNI established NELAP to recognize laboratories that have demonstrated competence to perform environmental analyses. All PT providers accredited under TNI's program are required to undergo on-site assessments conducted by accrediting organizations such as ACLASS.

To determine that ACLASS programs meet the goals to be a PT provider accreditor, TNI reviewed ACLASS's organizational polices, evaluation practices, and standards. As a condition of TNI's recognition, ACLASS will be evaluated at least once every two years.

EPA Recognizes ACLASS for NLLAP

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:59:28 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS as a laboratory accrediting organization working in cooperation with the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program.

EPA established the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) to recognize laboratories capable of accurately analyzing paint films, dust, and soil samples for lead. Laboratories accredited by ACLASS for such analysis will be recognized as being capable by the NLLAP.

ACLASS is identified as an EPA-recognized NLLAP body on the EPA website. EPA also makes public a list of laboratories that have been accredited.

All laboratories recognized by NLLAP are required to undergo on-site audits conducted by accrediting organizations such as ACLASS participating in the NLLAP. Laboratories recognized under the NLLAP are also required to perform successfully on a continuing basis in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program.

EPA recognizes accrediting organizations capable of performing adequate laboratory assessments meeting the criteria of ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing and calibration labs.

To determine that ACLASS programs meet the goals to be an NLLAP accrediting organization, EPA reviewed ACLASS's organizational polices, laboratory evaluation practices, and standards. As a condition of EPA's NLLAP recognition, ACLASS will be evaluated at least once every three years.

ACLASS Signs Agreement with Japan on EMC Testing

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:47:03 GMT

ACLASS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan's General Incorporated Foundation VCCI Council (VCCI) that allows ACLASS-accredited testing laboratories to be recognized in Japan for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

Formed as a voluntary organization in 1985 by four Japanese industry associations, the VCCI became a juridical corporate body in April 2009. The VCCI recommends voluntary technical control for electromagnetic emissions from information technology equipment, such as computers, telecommunication products, and electronic office products.

Based on an exchange of letters between the government of Japan and United States Trade Representative, the VCCI will accept test results for IT equipment from accredited U.S. laboratories that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and specific VCCI requirements.

ACLASS now joins the list of VCCI-recognized accreditation bodies.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission, in turn, accepts test results for IT equipment from accredited Japanese laboratories that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and specific FCC requirements.

The MOU promotes trade between the U.S. and Japan by reducing the cost for companies that are engaged in trade in these sectors.

ACLASS Announces 2011 Training Courses

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:56:03 GMT

ACLASS has announced the dates and locations of 2011 training courses. Training is offered on a variety of topics related to ACLASS accreditation programs.

An Expanded Internal Auditor Course will be offered January 24-28, 2011 in San Francisco, CA.
ISO/IEC 17025 Lead Assessor Training will be held February 7-11, 2011, in Houston, TX.
Practical Measurement Uncertainty will be held April 13-15, 2011, in Charlotte, NC.
ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditing will be held April 11-13, 2011, Charlotte, NC, and also June 15-17, 2011, in Milwaukee, WI.

More information and links are available under Training.

Historical Agreement for ILAC, IAF, and IEC

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:20:13 GMT

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have signed an agreement to help reduce the cost, time and complexity of reassessment of testing laboratories and certification bodies accredited by ILAC and IAF member accreditation bodies (ABs).

The agreement, which is unprecedented in the conformity assessment world, has a direct and positive impact on the certification bodies and testing laboratories accredited by ILAC and IAF member ABs that operate as registered members of the relevant IEC conformity assessment systems.

Under the tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in Shanghai in October, a single reassessment instead of three assessments will be accepted by all three bodies.

The new approach has been tested in a pilot program, and a dedicated website has been created to implement the tripartite MOU.

A common steering committee has been formed to develop cooperation strategies, provide support, and deal with project issues and deliverables.

The MOU is also intended to facilitate a coordinated application of ISO/IEC standards and guidance documents for assessment of certification bodies and testing laboratories, including a common understanding of the technical issues and the harmonization of the respective assessment procedures.

The MOU also provides for joint training and workshops for assessors and, when possible, joint work on the development of harmonized procedures and policies.

20 Years of Accredited Management Systems Certification

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:28:46 GMT

To fully understand how the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board came to be, you have to go back to 1957. Read the full story.

ACLASS, ANSI Provide Joint ENERGY STAR Accreditation

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:36:57 GMT

ACLASS and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are launching a joint program to provide dual accreditation for their respective ENERGY STAR programs. Certification bodies can now receive accreditation from ACLASS and ANSI through the joint program rather than applying separately to each organization's program.

ENERGY STAR is a joint initiative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices. The ENERGY STAR program encompasses more than 60 categories of products and is relied on by millions of Americans.

ANSI accredits certification bodies seeking EPA recognition to certify products under the ENERGY STAR program. Program applicants are assessed against EPA's Conditions and Criteria for Recognition of Certification Bodies for the ENERGY STAR Program; ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems; and IAF GD 5:2006 Guidance on ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996.

ACLASS offers accreditation to ENERGY STAR computer specification test methods. EPA requires that any laboratory conducting verification testing of ENERGY STAR-qualified computers be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Verification testing provides regular checks on the ENERGY STAR self-qualification process by requiring impartial testing of ENERGY STAR-qualified products in accredited laboratories.

For more information, read ANSI's news release.

Pilot Program for ISASecure Embedded Device Security Assurance Certification Announced

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:50:43 GMT

ACLASS and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have launched a pilot accreditation program based on requirements of the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) ISASecure™ Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification program.

ISASecure recognizes and promotes cyber-secure products and practices for industrial automation suppliers and operational sites. ANSI-ACLASS will serve as the accreditation body for organizations that provide product certifications in accordance with the ISASecure EDSA conformance scheme and ISO/IEC Guide 65.

Third-party accreditation by ANSI-ACLASS enhances the credibility and value of the ISASecure process by attesting to the competence and qualification of certification bodies and laboratories, offering them a significant distinction from their competitors in the marketplace.

Companies inteterested in becoming accredited ISASecure EDSA certification bodies and/or laboratories should visit the ANSI website for information on accreditation requirements, fees, and the application process. The 30-day open period to apply for accreditation under the pilot program began August 2, 2010, and ends on September 1, 2010.

Read the ANSI news release.

Volume 5, Issue 2 - August 2010

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:20:24 GMT

Volume 5, Issue 2 - August 2010

What the Move from BMC to CMC Means for Accredited Labs

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:26:31 GMT

Metrological traceability provides reliability in measurements around the world. It is transferred via calibration laboratories accredited by signatories to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) - such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - under the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM) MRA. Currently, the services provided by many accredited calibration laboratories are described using the term "Best Measurement Capability" (BMC). This terminology is in widespread use in accreditation programs around the world.

Currently, the services provided by many accredited calibration laboratories are described using the term "Best Measurement Capability" (BMC). This terminology is in widespread use in accreditation programs around the world.

NMIs have a similar description of the services provided to their customers, but use the term "Calibration and Measurement Capability" (CMC).

Change of Terminology

To address this inconsistency in terminology, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the regional metrology organizations (RMOs) have, in cooperation with ILAC and the regional (accreditation) cooperation bodies, arrived at the following conclusion:

"In the context of the CIPM MRA and ILAC Arrangement, and in relation to the CIPM-ILAC Common Statement, the following shared definition is agreed upon:

CMC is a calibration and measurement capability available to customers under normal conditions:

(a) as published in the BIPM key comparison database (KCDB) of the CIPM MRA; or

(b) as described in the laboratory's scope of accreditation granted by a signatory to the ILAC Arrangement."

This means that BMC and CMC shall be considered equal by accreditation bodies, laboratories, their customers, the market and regulators.

ILAC has therefore decided to make a change in terminology and in the future all references to BMC will be changed to CMC (see ILAC 2009-08-20 BMC to CMC Circular).

Implications for Accredited Calibration Labs

The current uncertainty of measurement quoted on your calibration certificates or reports will remain unchanged as a result of this change in terminology. If, however, you currently use the term BMC on your calibration certificates or other documentation, this will need to be changed to CMC. (Note: The term "uncertainty of measurement" remains unchanged.)

ACLASS has already begun changing this terminology on its scopes of accreditation and expects to complete the process in the next few months. It is being done as each calibration laboratory is assessed or when their scope of accreditation is revised, whichever comes first.

Greater Harmonization

The intent of this change is to achieve worldwide harmonization of terminology in dissemination of metrological traceability. Use of the same terminology by accredited calibration laboratories and NMIs will greatly assist progress toward this goal and help provide clarity in the marketplace.

While this terminology change will improve the dissemination of metrological traceability throughout the world, the ongoing technical issues relating to measurement capability (for example, contribution from device under test to the measurement uncertainty) continue to be addressed in conjunction with BIPM. ILAC policy documents on these issues will be published in the future.

Further Information

• ILAC 2009-08-20_BMC to CMC Circular is at http://www.ilac.org/publicationsandresources.html

• Calibration and Measurement Capabilities - a Paper by the Joint BIPM/ILAC working group available at http://www.ilac.org/publicationsandresources.html

Contact Details

For more information, please call 703-836-0025 to speak with Terry Burgess, ext. 225.

Notice for Customers of Calibration Services

The calibration certificates and reports you receive should still be accepted even though there may have been a change in terminology from BMC to CMC. The source of traceability, technical competence, and capability of the calibration laboratories, as assessed by the accreditation bodies, has not changed as a result of this change in terminology.

ACLASS-accredited laboratories are encouraged to share this information with their customers and include appropriate contact information (laboratory address, contact number, e-mail address, etc.)

EPA Recognizes ACLASS for Energy Star® Accreditation

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:15:15 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized ACLASS to provide accreditation for laboratories that perform product testing in support of Energy Star product test methods and requirements. ACLASS is identified as an EPA-recognized accreditation body for Energy Star on the EPA website.

Testing laboratories seeking EPA recognition must provide objective evidence of compliance to ISO/IEC 17025. Laboratories can be accredited by ACLASS for ISO/IEC 17025 to meet this requirement.

Laboratories currently accredited by ACLASS can supply objective evidence of compliance with additional EPA requirements to facilitate EPA recognition for testing Energy Star products.

EPA's Conditions and Criteria for Recognition of Laboratories for the Energy Star® Program includes the following requirements for testing laboratories:

1. Maintain accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories," by an EPA-recognized accreditation body.

2. Develop and maintain separate laboratory test procedures for each accredited Energy Star test method that detail how testing will be conducted utilizing the laboratory's test facilities, fixtures, equipment, and personnel.

3. Notify EPA/DOE immediately of any attempt to hide or exert undue influence over test results.

4. Have recorded in its scope of accreditation its specific competence to carry out the test methods as outlined in the Energy Star program for which the laboratory intends to test products.

5. Allow EPA or an EPA-appointed representative, at its discretion, to witness any testing performed for qualification or verification of qualification to the requirements of the Energy Star program.

There are also requirements for inter-laboratory comparison testing and for reporting.

The EPA site also has more information about Energy Star Products and Program Requirements.

To learn more about how to become a recognized laboratory under the EPA Energy Star Program, contact Roger Muse at rmuse@anab-aclass.org or 703-836-0025, ext. 202.

Standards Announced for Private Sector Preparedness

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:56:32 GMT

ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board to Offer Accreditation for Government-Private Sector Effort

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement of adoption of standards for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification (PS-Prep) program marks a major milestone. Under an agreement with DHS, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board will be the accreditation body for the PS-Prep Program. Accreditation will be offered under the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board's ANAB brand.

"Private organizations across the country - from businesses to universities to non-profit organizations - have a vital role to play in bolstering our disaster preparedness and response capabilities," said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. "These new standards will provide our private sector partners with the tools they need to enhance the readiness and resiliency of our nation."

The adoption of the standards - developed by the National Fire Protection Association, the British Standards Institution, and ASIS International - was published in a June 16, 2010, Federal Register notice following a series of regional public meetings and the incorporation of public comments.

The PS-Prep program is a partnership between DHS and the private sector that came about following a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission to improve private sector preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Title IX of Public Law 110-53 required that DHS establish a voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program.

Since DHS awarded the accreditation body contract to ANAB in June of 2008, ANAB has worked closely with DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to develop the program. In addition to regular meetings of the DHS-FEMA PS-Prep Working Group to determine the best way forward for the program, the development process included numerous public meetings sponsored to solicit input.

ANAB also drew on its 20 years of experience in management systems accreditation and worked with preparedness experts and stakeholders to develop a credible and robust voluntary program for accredited certification available for private sector businesses.

The ANAB program will allow private sector organizations to demonstrate through formal certification and other means their compliance with voluntary preparedness and business continuity standards. The three standards designated by DHS provide businesses with a flexible range of options from which to choose to enable them to become more resilient.

"The PS-Prep program recognizes the importance of up-front planning to ensure business continuity even when calamitous events occur," Connie Conboy, Chair of ANAB's Board, said. "It facilitates the application of national and international standards in support of U.S. private sector homeland security preparedness requirements."

ANAB will be responsible for carrying out independent accreditations, overseeing the certification process, and monitoring the operations of any third-party conducting certifications for disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs.

Certifiers will be accredited by ANAB to audit and issue certification to private sector organizations that conform with the designated standards. A publicly accessible list of organizations with accredited PS-Prep certification will be maintained.

Read the DHS news release on PS-Prep standards

Improvements for ENERGY STAR Label

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:44:01 GMT

The ENERGY STAR labels on appliances and electronics should soon be more reliable, as reported in the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports.

The U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, which oversee ENERGY STAR program, have imposed new requirements to put more substance behind the ENERGY STAR designation.

Energy-use test results from an approved EPA-recognized lab will be required before products qualify for the label. In addition, manufacturers will have to have EPA approval before they can display the ENERGY STAR label on products. Previously, there was an automated approval process and neither agency reviewed or approved applications individually.

ACLASS offers approved accreditation for ENERGY STAR computer specification test methods.

Volume 5, Issue 1 - April 2010

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:20:46 GMT

Volume 5, Issue 1 - April 2010

ANSI and ACLASS Offer Joint Assessments

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:07:00 GMT

In response to strong client interest, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board's ACLASS brand have teamed up to offer clients a new globally recognized service: ANSI-ACLASS joint assessments that incorporate standards requirements from both ISO/IEC Guide 65 (for product certification bodies) and ISO/IEC 17025 (for lab accreditation).

This integrated approach has been designed to benefit our current and future clients through the economization of concurrent assessments, with the added value of acquiring or maintaining ANSI and ACLASS accreditation at the same time. This innovative ANSI-ACLASS service packaging has attracted organizations that face the prospect of multiple disparate conformity assessment evaluations each year from unrelated accreditors.

This new offering is especially advantageous for Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), whose programs are based on the aforementioned internationally accepted standards and guidelines relating to TCBs - ISO/IEC Guide 65, ISO/IEC 17025, and the specific requirements of APEC MRA signatory nations' regulatory bodies including the FCC in the United States, Industry Canada, Singapore IDA, MIC Japan, and OFTA Hong Kong.

ANSI is a recognized accreditation body for the telecommunication certification activities under the NIST-NVCASE program since the year 2000. ACLASS was also recognized more recently by NIST-NVCASE and the FCC. Furthermore, ANSI is signatory of the IAF-PAC multilateral recognition arrangement for accreditation of product certification bodies. ACLASS is a signatory as well to those arrangements of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), and Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) for testing and calibration laboratories.

Contact Roger Muse for more information on how your organization can benefit from these services.

TCBC Workshops Announced

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:59:48 GMT

The Telecommunications Certification Body Council (TCBC) will host its April 2010 Workshops April 26-30, 2010, at the Holiday Inn - Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. The first three days will feature the spring TCB Council Workshop. The FCC will participate and topics will include:

FCC Updates and Roundtable Discussions
Approvals for 4G and LTE Technologies
Site Attenuation Issues
CTIA OTA Test Plan
Overview of Global Regulatory Approvals

There will be a TCB Council meeting the morning of April 27, and the TCB Council will sponsor a two-day Internal Audit Workshop on April 29-30. This workshop is geared toward issues for laboratories and certification bodies regarding ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC Guide 65 (future ISO/IEC 17065) internal audit requirements. Presenters from ACLASS, ANSI, NVLAP, and A2LA will be on hand. Attendees will be provided with information on how to use the ISO/CASCO standards and guides not only to meet requirements but to also make improvements in internal procedures and quality to improve efficiency.

There will be a reception on Wednesday evening as a bridge between the two workshops.

Training materials for the workshops will be available in advance on the TCB Council site. The agenda has been posted on the TCB Council site.

Please note hotel reservations must be made directly with the Holiday Inn - Inner Harbor (800-315-2621 - mention the TCBC workshop to get the discounted attendee hotel rate).

If you have questions or comments, contact Chris Harvey, Executive Director TCB Council, admin@tcbcouncil.org, 443-622-3300.

ACLASS Earns Federal Communications Commission Recognition

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:07:26 GMT

Joint ACLASS-ANSI Accreditation Now Available for Telecommunication Certification Bodies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS to accredit laboratories that perform testing of telecommunication equipment subject to FCC rules.

Based on FCC review of the information submitted by ACLASS and comments received during a public comment period, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology determined that ACLASS has demonstrated that it possesses appropriate credentials and expertise to perform accreditation of testing labs that test equipment to FCC requirements.

"The FCC recognition of ACLASS complements our NIST-National Voluntary Conformity Assessment System Evaluation (NVCASE) recognition, and allows ACLASS and ANSI to serve telecommunications customers as a one stop-shop," Keith Greenaway, Vice President of ACLASS, said.

The U.S. government relies on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to accredit telecommunication certification bodies (TCBs) under the FCC program that enforces rules for manufacturers of telecommunications and radio communication equipment. TCBs, in turn, process FCC approvals for telecommunications terminal equipment under FCC regulations.

TCBs are required to be accredited to both ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating certification systems - which ANSI provides - and to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories - which ACLASS provides. FCC recognition of ACLASS means TCBs can now be qualified jointly by ANSI and ACLASS.

Laboratories that are accredited by ACLASS will be entered in an FCC database of laboratories qualified to conduct FCC testing.

"The FCC recognition of both ACLASS and ANSI augments the confidence and credibility associated with our accreditations in the marketplace," Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI Vice President of Accreditation Services, said. "We are pleased to offer this additional value to those telecommunication certification bodies that are conducting multiple conformity assessment activities."

News Release

White Paper on Firewalled Laboratory Requirements for Toy Testing

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:30:37 GMT

Read SimpleQue's Explanation of Firewalled Laboroatory Requirements for Toy Testing.

False Claim of Accreditation

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:27:48 GMT

DNA Medical, Tuborg Boulevard 12, 3 DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark, may be issuing ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test reports under ACLASS accreditation. This organization is not accredited by ACLASS nor has the organization ever been a customer of ACLASS.

Volume 4, Issue 3 - December 2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:12:31 GMT

Volume 4, Issue 3 - December 2009

Volume 4, Issue 2 - June 30, 2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:12:06 GMT

Volume 4, Issue 2 - June 30, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 1 - March 2009

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:11:37 GMT

Volume 4, Issue 1 - March 2009

Volume 3, Issue 4 - November 2008

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:10:33 GMT

Volume 3, Issue 4 - November 2008

Volume 3, Issue 3 - July 2008

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:10:15 GMT

Volume 3, Issue 3 - July 2008

Volume 3, Issue 2 - June 2008

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:09:53 GMT

Volume 3, Issue 2 - June 2008

Volume 3, Issue 1 - February 2008

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:09:03 GMT

Volume 3, Issue 1 - February 2008

Volume 2, Issue 4 - October 2007

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:08:21 GMT

Volume 2, Issue 4 - October 2007

Volume 2, Issue 3 - July 2007

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:07:57 GMT

Volume 2, Issue 3 - July 2007

Volume 2, Issue 2 - April 2007

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:07:33 GMT

Volume 2, Issue 2 - April 2007

Volume 2, Issue 1 - January 2007

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:07:08 GMT

Volume 2, Issue 1 - January 2007

Should Laboratories be Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or Certified to ISO 9001?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:44:21 GMT

When selecting a supplier to fulfill your testing, calibration, or measurement needs, you must be sure that they can supply you with accurate and reliable results. The technical competence of a laboratory depends on a number of factors, including:

• The qualifications, training, and experience of the staff

• The right equipment - appropriately calibrated and maintained

• Adequate quality assurance and quality control procedures

• Appropriate sampling practices

• Sound testing and/or inspection procedures

• Accurate recording and reporting of data

• Appropriate testing environment

While a laboratory can reassure you that it has these attributes, or you can attempt to evaluate the service yourself, neither approach provides you with confidence that you have selected a technically competent service. Relying on third-party accreditation assessments, however, does provide such confidence.

What if a Laboratory has ISO 9001 Certification?

Laboratories can be audited and certified to the international management systems standard ISO 9001, which is widely used in manufacturing and service organizations to evaluate their systems for managing the quality of their products and services.

While effective as a management evaluation tool, ISO 9001 is not appropriate for evaluating the technical competence of a supplier's laboratory. The evaluation of a supplier against ISO 9001 does not assure you or your customers that the test, inspection, or calibration data are accurate and reliable.

How to Be Sure a Laboratory is Technically Competent

In the United States and throughout the world, many rely on the process called laboratory accreditation as a means to independently evaluate laboratory competence.

Unlike ISO 9001 certification, laboratory accreditation uses criteria and procedures specifically developed to determine the technical competence of laboratories. Specialist technical assessors conduct a thorough evaluation of all factors in a facility that affect the production of technical data. They use criteria based on the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, which is used for evaluating laboratories throughout the world. ISO/IEC 17025 specifically addresses factors relevant to a laboratory's ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data, including:

• Technical competency of staff

• Validity and appropriateness of the methods

• Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards

• Appropriate application of measurement uncertainty

• Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment

• Testing environment

• Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items

• Quality assurance of test, inspection, or calibration data

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 also covers the quality systems elements addressed in ISO 9001 certification that are specifically relevant to laboratories. To ensure continued compliance, accredited facilities are regularly re-examined to ensure that they maintain their standards of technical expertise. These facilities may also be required to participate in regular proficiency testing programs or inter-laboratory comparisons as an ongoing demonstration of their competence.

How to Tell if a Laboratory is Accredited

Laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 usually issue test or calibration reports bearing some type of logo (or symbol) or other endorsement indicating their accreditation. A laboratory maintains a publicly available scope of accreditation. This scope of accreditation indicates the specific tests and/or measurements to which the laboratory is accredited. It also indicates ranges and the laboratory's best measurement capability.

Accreditation bodies throughout the world publish lists or directories of the laboratories they have accredited, including contact information and information on the capabilities of those laboratories. You can contact the accreditation body to find out if there are any accredited laboratories that can perform the tests or calibrations you require.

International Acceptance of ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Accreditation

In many countries, one or more organizations are responsible for accrediting of that country's laboratories. These accreditation bodies have adopted ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis for accrediting their countries' testing and calibration laboratories. This has helped countries employ a uniform approach to determining laboratory competence. It has also encouraged laboratories to adopt internationally accepted testing and measurement practices.

This uniform approach allows countries to establish agreements based on mutual evaluation and acceptance of each other's laboratory accreditation systems. Such international agreements - called mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) - are crucial in enabling test data to be accepted between countries. In effect, each partner in such an arrangement recognizes the other partner's accredited laboratories as if they themselves had undertaken the accreditation of the other partner's laboratories.

More than 50 laboratory accreditation bodies have signed the ILAC Arrangement, a multi-lateral mutual recognition arrangement that greatly enhances the acceptance of data across the borders of the signatory countries. Full details of the ILAC Arrangement and a list of signatories can be found on the ILAC Web site at www.ilac.org.

This developing system of international arrangements between accreditation bodies has enabled accredited laboratories to achieve a form of international recognition, and allowed data accompanying exported goods to be more readily accepted in foreign markets. This reduces costs for both manufacturers and importers, as it reduces or eliminates the need for products to be retested in another country.

Conclusion

There are differences in the purpose, criteria, and emphasis of the ISO 9001 quality system standard and those of the accreditation standard ISO/IEC 17025.

For laboratories concerned with demonstrating technical competence underpinned by a quality system, ISO/IEC 17025 is the appropriate standard. Suppliers seeking competent testing facilities should ensure that those facilities are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, with a scope of accreditation appropriate for the testing or calibration required.

A testing facility accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 may have reason to also maintain a certified ISO 9001 management system. For example, many laboratory-based organizations undertake activities additional to the generation of test, measurement, and calibration data. Laboratory accreditation does not address these ancillary activities. If an organization's quality system covers non-testing functions such as accounting, marketing, information services, education, etc., it may be necessary or desirable to have such activities recognized through an ISO 9001 certification process.

Where to Get More Information

For more information on laboratory accreditation, contact ACLASS Accreditation Services, an ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board Company, at 877-344-3044 or info@aclasscorp.com.

For more information on management systems accreditation to ISO 9001, contact ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) at 800-606-5394 or info@anab.org.

ACLASS and ANAB

ACLASS provides laboratory accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025, reference material producers (RMPs) to ISO Guide 34, and inspection bodies to ISO/IEC 17020. ACLASS is a signatory to the ILAC, APLAC, and IAAC multilateral recognition arrangements for ISO/IEC 17025.

ANAB is the U.S. accreditation body for management systems. ANAB accredits certification bodies for ISO 9001 quality management systems (QMS), ISO 14001 environmental management systems (EMS), ISO 27001 information security management systems, ISO 22000 food safety management systems, ANSI/AIHA Z10 occupational health and safety management systems, and numerous industry-specific requirements. ANAB is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and a signatory of the IAF multilateral cooperative arrangements (MLAs) for QMS and EMS.

More Information About ILAC

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) is the global authority on laboratory accreditation, with a membership of accreditation bodies and affiliated organizations throughout the world. It is involved with the development of laboratory accreditation practices and procedures, promotion of laboratory accreditation to facilitate trade, assistance in developing accreditation systems, and recognition of competent test and calibration facilities around the globe. ILAC cooperates with other international bodies in pursuing these aims. ILAC publishes a range of literature on accreditation, testing, trade facilitation, and related subjects. For more information, visit www.ilac.org.

More Information About IAF

The International Accreditation Forum, Inc. (IAF) is the world association of conformity assessment accreditation bodies for management systems, products, services, personnel, and similar programs. Its primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment to reduce risk for business and its customers by assuring the validity of accredited certificate. Accreditation assures users of the competence and impartiality of the body accredited. IAF members accredit certification bodies that issue certificates attesting that an organization's management, products, or personnel comply with a specified standard. For more information, visit www.iaf.nu

ACLASS and iNARTE Announce Cooperative Program

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:42:49 GMT

ACLASS and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics, Inc. (iNARTE) have signed a memorandum of agreement that provides a framework for ACLASS to cooperate in developing training for iNARTE's professional certification programs for managers and staff responsible for preparing laboratories for assessment and maintenance of laboratory quality.

Concurrent with the agreement, iNARTE will inaugurate a certification for Certified Test Laboratory Auditors (CTLAs). This certification is targeted at internal laboratory auditors to ensure they have the training, skills, and expertise to help prepare and maintain laboratories in compliance with accreditation requirements. While ACLASS will provide relevant training, iNARTE remains solely responsible for the certification program.

"This agreement allows ACLASS and iNARTE to share technical and procedural information and conduct training classes, workshops and similar activities," Keith Greenaway, ACLASS Vice President, said. "In doing this, we hope to broaden the understanding and appreciation of ISO and other standards and the importance of professional competence."

ACLASS and iNARTE will provide opportunities to make presentations at conventions, symposia, and workshops. They will cooperate in developing educational workshops and programs and the body of knowledge for laboratory professionals.

"One of our first projects under the terms of the MOA will be development of a training program and workshop to run in parallel with iNARTE's EMC Certification Workshop and Examination at the IEEE EMC Society Symposium 2009," Brian Lawrence, Executive Director of iNARTE, said. The Symposium will be held August 17-21, 2009, in Austin, TX.

ACLASS plans to provide regular training programs and iNARTE will provide examinations, so certified individuals can stay current with the standards and maintain their certification status.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides accreditation services under the ACLASS and ANAB brands.

Under the ACLASS brand, the organization accredits ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration laboratories, ISO/IEC 17020 inspection bodies, and ISO Guide 34 reference material producers.

Under the ANAB brand, the organization is the U.S. accreditation body for management systems and accredits certification bodies for ISO 9001 quality management systems; ISO 14001 environmental management systems; ISO 22000 food safety management systems; ISO 28000 supply chain security management systems; ISO/IEC 20000-1 information technology service management systems; ISO 27001 information security management systems; ANSI/AIHA Z10, CSA Z1000, and BS OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management systems, and numerous industry-specific requirements.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and is a signatory of the ILAC and IAF multilateral recognition arrangements. Through these arrangements, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board cooperates with other accreditation bodies around the world to provide value to the organization it has accredited and their clients, ensuring that accredited certificates are recognized nationally and internationally. The global conformity assessment system ensures confidence and reduces risk for customers engaging in trade worldwide.

The International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics, Inc. (iNARTE) is a leader in professional certification programs that recognize the credentials and achievement of individuals in the telecommunications, EMC, ESD, and product safety communities. For more information about iNARTE, visit www.narte.org.

ACLASS to Accredit Testing Labs for New Children's Products Requirments Issued by U.S. CPSC

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:41:12 GMT

ACLASS will begin accrediting testing laboratories under new Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for the safe manufacture of children's products.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requires that manufacturers and private labelers submit samples of certain children's products for testing by an independent laboratory before those products can be imported, warehoused, or sold in the United States.

The requirements apply to any product manufactured more than 90 days after the Commission has announced its conditions for conformance with a specific safety rule. The first item for action will address lead paint.

The CPSIA requires that testing be conducted by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, the international standard that defines how laboratories demonstrate that they operate a quality system, are technically competent, and are able to generate technically valid results.

"Third-party testing is a crucial step in the process of assuring parents that the products their children use are safe," said Keith Greenaway, Vice President of ACLASS. "ACLASS accreditation demonstrates that a testing laboratory doing this important work is competent."

The CPSIA also requires that accrediting bodies be recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), a global organization of laboratory and inspection accreditation bodies. ACLASS became a signatory to the ILAC mutual recognition arrangement in 2006.

"Qualification to provide accreditation services under the terms of the CPSIA is an example of our commitment to ensuring the safety of children's products," said Greenaway. "ACLASS was the only laboratory accreditation body to sit at the table with the American National Standards Institute, the Toy Industry Association, and other stakeholders when the new Toy Safety Certification Program was being developed."

"ACLASS assessors have a high level of technical competence and effective communication skills that enhance the accreditation process and provide genuine value to our customers. We look forward to working with testing laboratories to ensure that they meet the requirements outlined in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act."

About ACLASS

Under the ACLASS brand, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides laboratory accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025, reference material producers (RMPs) to ISO Guide 34, and inspection bodies to ISO/IEC 17020. ACLASS is internationally recognized by ILAC, APLAC, and IAAC through the signing of multilateral recognition arrangements.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board is also the U.S. accreditation body for management systems, providing accreditation under the ANAB brand for ISO 9001 quality management systems (QMS), ISO 14001 environmental management systems (EMS), ISO 27001 information security management systems, ISO 22000 food safety management systems, ANSI/AIHA Z10 occupational health and safety management systems, and numerous industry-specific requirements. ANAB is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and a signatory of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MLAs) for QMS and EMS.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board is the only U.S. accreditation body with both ILAC and IAF recognition.

ACLASS Makes Process Improvements

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:39:28 GMT

We recently improved upon several of our policies and procedures, and we outline them here to alert you to them. The majority of all improvements were editorial; however, we have implemented improvements to policies that have a one-year implementation period. These policies will clearly be identified below. We now consider them as requirements for ACLASS accreditation, and all are effective April 1, 2009, unless otherwise noted. They are all stated in ACLASS Document 3.

We do not see any of these new requirements as very serious issues. We expect that none of these changes to our requirements will result in a major non-conformance. We also expect that for those that may result in a minor finding, customers will have one year to implement any of the changes. Under each heading below, we will clarify which changes have a one year implementation period.

Initial Accreditation Assessments

Clarified expectations of a customer undergoing initial accreditation by adding section 1.7 to ACLASS Document 3.

Effective April 1, 2009

Symbol Usage and Use of the ILAC Mark

We modified the requirements for use of the ACLASS symbol to reflect the recent improvement and new look of ACLASS (see also December 18, 2009 letter) and added requirements regarding use of the ILAC mark. This means both the current ACLASS symbol and the new ACLASS symbol will be acceptable until July 1, 2010. After July 1, 2010, we will begin enforcing our symbol use policy. You will need to replace and update your marketing material, website, test and calibration reports, etc., to include the new symbol.

Effective January 1, 2009, however, customers will have until July 1, 2010 to implement pursuant to the December 18, 2008, letter sent to all customers.

Internal or Non-commercial PT/ILC Programs

Added requirements for laboratories that organize their own inter-laboratory comparisons or PTs (whether internal or external to their organization) must provide ACLASS with the reason for not using a commercial PT provider and must submit a plan to ACLASS. The plan must be documented and the reporting requirements of the plan are included in ACLASS Document 3, section 5.4.1.

Effective April 1, 2010 (1 Year Implementation Period)

Statement of Compliance

Clarified expectations and requirements regarding statements of compliance. We have defined the term "statement of compliance." Specifically, if the certificate, report, or data sheet contains a statement such as "is in tolerance" or "meets specifications," ACLASS considers it to be a statement of compliance. In these cases, the laboratory must take the estimated measurement uncertainty into consideration before making said statement of compliance.

Effective April 1, 2010 (1 Year Implementation Period)

Laboratory Re-Location (Move Policy)

Updated move policy. Details are found in ACLASS Document 3, section 9.1.

Effective April 1, 2009

President of Miller & Weber Receives ASTM International Award

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:38:26 GMT

Deanne Emory, president and CEO of Miller & Weber Inc., Ridgewood, NY, has received the Award of Merit from ASTM International Committee E20 on Temperature Measurement. The Award of Merit and its accompanying title of fellow is the highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities.

Emory, who joined ASTM International in 2000, was recognized for her effective and continuing leadership in the work of Committee E20 and in appreciation of her outstanding service as chair of Subcommittee E20.05 on Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers and as secretary of E20.04 on Thermocouples.

Emory earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and began her career as a laboratory chemist at the American Standards Testing Bureau. In 1983, she joined the staff at Miller & Weber, where she worked in positions of increasing responsibility before being named president and chief executive officer in 2003.

Emory serves on the ACLASS Accreditation Council and is a member of the American Society for Quality.

Memo on Use of ACLASS Symbol

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:36:11 GMT

Over the past few years, ACLASS has noticed a worsening trend in accredited laboratory references to their accreditation on their calibration certificates and test reports. While it is our preference for customers to use the ACLASS symbol on all accredited reports, we understand that to mandate its use may be an undue burden. When a customer chooses not to use the ACLASS symbol, we do require that the following statement be used in its entirety on the calibration certificate and/or test report.

All accredited ACLASS customers are required to implement either the use of the ACLASS symbol or the use of the following statement for all accredited tests or calibrations by August 1, 2010.

Text within parentheses and in italics is intended to be replaced by the customer with the appropriate wording and certificate and scope of accreditation number.

"(This/These calibration(s) / test(s) is/are) accredited and meet(s) the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 as verified by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board / ACLASS. Refer to certificate and scope of accreditation (insert accreditation number here)."

If you have any questions, e-mail bill.hirt@aclasscorp.com or phone at 703- 836-0025, ext. 226.

ACLASS Announces BMC Policy Change

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:31:54 GMT

In a joint resolution issued by ILAC and the BIPM, the scope statement of Best Measurement Capability (BMC) will be changed to Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) over the next two years. This will affect all laboratory customers whose scopes require a statement of a (BMC). How will this impact you? If your BMCs have been properly calculated, there will be no impact other than changing the wording in your documents and on the ACLASS scope of accreditation document.

Laboratory managers and assessors of accredited laboratories are encouraged always to consult the KCDB (http://kcdb.bipm.org) when reviewing the uncertainty statement and budget of a laboratory in order to ensure that the claimed uncertainties are consistent with those of the NMI through which the laboratory claims traceability. This consistency, stated simply, is that your CMC must be greater than that of your National Metrology Institute (NMI).

Consistent with our desire to be the industry leader and to partner with our customers, ACLASS will begin immediately to review our laboratory CMC claims and documentation. If documents have not yet been updated to reflect the new requirement, assessors will be instructed to write an opportunity for improvement serving more as a reminder to you that a change is necessary. ACLASS will also change the wording on scopes of accreditation during the review process which occurs after every assessment activity.

Information for review is available at www.ilac.org/documents/BIPM_ILAC_ CMC_BMC_241007.pdf.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Terry Burgess at extension 225 (tburgess@anab-aclass.org) or Bill Hirt at extension 226 (bhirt@anab-aclass.org).

ACLASS Accepted by NRC

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:30:00 GMT

ACLASS is now accepted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as an alternative to the methods used by licensees to qualify commercial-grade calibration service providers (as defined by 10 CFR Part 21). For more information, contact ACLASS directly.

ACLASS Accredits First Inspection Body

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:21:22 GMT

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS has awarded its first accreditation certificate for ISO/IEC 17020, the international standard for inspection bodies, to Damarc Quality Inspection Services LLC. Damarc is a boiler/pressure vessel inspection agency based in Dresser, WI.

The awarding of its first ISO/IEC 17020 certificate marks the expansion of ACLASS accreditation services to include inspection bodies, in addition to those for testing and calibration laboratories and reference material producers.

"We have moved into a complementary line of business with our other accreditation programs" Keith Greenaway, ACLASS Vice President, said. "It's exciting to have accredited our first organization to ISO/IEC 17020 and the first organization within the boiler/pressure industry to earn this accreditation."

Damarc performs third-party safety certification inspections for pressure piping, boilers, mechanical refrigeration, refineries, pressure vessels and conventional and nuclear power plants both in service and under construction. The organization also develops welding procedures and provides third-party inspection of welded repairs for clients holding the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors "R" Certificate of Authorizations.

"In the ever-changing technological world of heat and energy generation, Damarc prides itself on accountable, accurate, thorough, and timely inspections. This accreditation by ACLASS is proof of such accountability," Mark Rudek, President of Damarc, said. "Damarc is the very first accredited boiler and pressure vessel in-service inspection agency to obtain the ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation status."

Damarc was the first organization accredited by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors to perform authorized in-service safety inspections of boilers and pressure vessels. All of Damarc's inspectors hold the National Board Commission to provide safety inspections as required by the State Jurisdictions and many Federal Agencies.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides accreditation services under the ACLASS and ANAB brands.

Under the ACLASS brand, the organization accredits ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration laboratories, ISO/IEC 17020 inspection bodies, and ISO Guide 34 reference material producers.

ACLASS Signs APLAC MRA for RMPs

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:09:07 GMT

ACLASS Also Maintains APLAC MRA Status for Calibration and Testing

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS has signed the Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) for reference material producer accreditation. The signing ceremony took place in conjunction with the 14th APLAC General Assembly and Technical Meetings held December 6-12, 2008, in Singapore.

A regional cooperation of bodies that recognize laboratories, inspection bodies, and reference material producers, APLAC promotes international acceptance of endorsed test, calibration, and inspection reports and other documents issued by laboratories and inspection bodies accredited by signatories to the APLAC MRA.

ACLASS is one of only five accreditation bodies worldwide that have been approved to sign the MRA for reference material producers, also known as RMPs. The RMP arena encompasses potential accredited areas entailing a lengthy list of materials use for critical and measurable properties such as biological, chemical, clinical, pharmacological, food, physical, mechanical, engineering, environmental, and forensic sciences. Accredited RMPS must meet the international requirements of ISO Guide 34.

"Much of the value of RMP accreditation relates to international confidence in the RMPs themselves," Dr. Bill Hirt, ACLASS Senior Accreditation Manager, said. "This leads to international trade assurances, and assurances that international guidelines are followed in the production, labeling, and assignment of property values to the materials, including stability and homogeneity determinations."

At the meetings in Singapore, ACLASS was also approved for continued status as an APLAC MRA signatory for calibration and testing. Approval to sign the APLAC MRAs is granted only after a rigorous peer evaluation, which is conducted every four years after MRA signatory status is attained.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides accreditation services under the ACLASS and ANAB brands.

Under the ACLASS brand, the organization accredits ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration laboratories, ISO/IEC 17020 inspection bodies, and ISO Guide 34 reference material producers.

ACLASS Offers Accreditation to ENERGY STAR Computer Specification Test Methods

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:07:01 GMT

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS is now offering accreditation to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR computer specification test methods.

EPA will require that any laboratory wishing to conduct verification testing of ENERGY STAR qualified computers hold accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 as of July 1, 2009, pending the availability of accredited laboratories. The purpose of verification testing is to provide regular checks on the ENERGY STAR self-qualification process by requiring impartial testing of ENERGY STAR qualified products in accredited laboratories. EPA will also require that such laboratory list the ENERGY STAR computer specification test methods on its scope of accreditation.

"ACLASS is pleased to work with EPA in providing accreditation for the ENERGY STAR program," Keith Greenaway, ACLASS Vice President, said. "In doing so, we participate in a valuable process that delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices."

A joint program of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR label is now on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed symbol providing valuable, unbiased information to businesses and consumers. The label appears on thousands of products for the home and office that deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money.

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board provides accreditation services under the ACLASS and ANAB brands.

Under the ACLASS brand, the organization accredits ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration laboratories, ISO/IEC 17020 inspection bodies, and ISO Guide 34 reference material producers.

ACLASS Now Provides DoD ELAP Accreditation

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:16:12 GMT

ACLASS is now recognized to provide accreditation for the U.S. Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. Contact Roger Muse, 877-344-3044, today to get accredited! Complete details on the ACLASS program for DoD ELAP accreditation are available here.

ACLASS Gains Recognition by NIST

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:15:52 GMT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has added ACLASS to the list of U.S. laboratory accreditation bodies that are acceptable for use by U.S. laboratories seeking NIST designation to foreign economies under the EMC/Telecom Mutual Recognition Agreements for specific test methods/standards covered under the MRAs.

ACLASS Accreditation Meets Coast Guard Approval

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:15:24 GMT

Laboratories conducting testing of equipment and materials that require U.S. Coast Guard approval must be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by an ILAC member or a body recognized by NACLA. ACLASS can provide the credentials you need to meet Coast Guard requirements.

NIST Recognizes ACLASS for IPv6

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:13:22 GMT

ACLASS is recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to accredit testing laboratories under the USGv6 Testing Program. The program requires accreditation by an ILAC MRA signatory for labs performing testing of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) products for U.S. government use. NIST SP500-273 details technical requirements, including test methods and proficiency test requirements, and NIST SP500-281 is a user's guide. Additional program information can be found on the NIST site.

For more information, call Roger Muse toll free at 877-344-3044 or send e-mail to roger.muse@aclasscorp.com.