One of the most important questions to ask a testing facility is, “Are you accredited?”.
Why? Because accreditation shows that the facility keeps up with the rigorous requirements set by accreditation bodies and has demonstrated compliance with ISO/IEC Standard 17025:2017, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Let’s clarify what accreditation means, why you should always work with accredited testing providers, and how to choose the right facility for your needs.
What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the formal recognition by an authoritative body that a testing facility meets the established standards for quality, safety, and performance.
This recognition is granted based on a rigorous evaluation process that assesses the facility’s technical capabilities, quality management systems, and compliance with international or industry-specific standards.
Accreditation is essential because it ensures any testing facility you’re considering is capable of producing reliable and trusted results.
A Quick Overview of the Accreditation Process
The accreditation process for a testing facility typically involves the following steps:
- Application: The testing facility submits an application to an accreditation body that details the scope of the tests they want to be accredited.
- Document Review: Next, the accreditation team reviews the facility's quality management system documentation, procedures, and policies to make sure they meet all of the necessary standards.
- On-Site Assessment: An on-site assessment is then conducted by a team of experts who evaluate the facility's technical competence, equipment, testing procedures, and the qualifications of their staff. This step sometimes also includes witnessing the actual tests being performed.
- Corrective Actions: If any areas for improvement are identified during the assessment, the facility needs to address these issues and implement the necessary changes.
- Final Evaluation and Decision: The accreditation body reviews the findings from the on-site assessment. If all of the requirements are met, accreditation is granted.
- Surveillance and Reassessment: Accredited facilities are subject to regular surveillance visits and periodic reassessments to ensure they continue to comply with the standards.
Common Types of Accreditation for Testing Facilities
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program
The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) is a prestigious accreditation program that provides third-party accreditation to testing facilities.
NVLAP is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The program makes sure that laboratories meet their rigorous standards and perform tests and calibrations with a high level of technical competence and accuracy.
NVLAP accreditation is a mark of high quality and reliability and is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Industries Served
- Construction and Building Materials
- Environmental Testing
- Information Technology
- Energy Efficiency
- Manufacturing Materials
- Healthcare and Medical Devices
- Fire Safety and Building Inspection
- Forensic Testing
- Product Safety
International Accreditation Service
The International Accreditation Service (IAS) is also a globally recognized accreditation body.
It operates under the umbrella of the International Code Council (ICC), a nonprofit organization that models codes and standards used in design, building, and compliance processes to construct safe and resilient structures.
Industries Served
- Construction Materials
- Environmental Testing
- Energy and Utilities
- Healthcare Testing
- Manufacturing Materials
- Food and Agriculture
- Fire Safety and Building Inspection
How to Find an Accredited Testing Facility Right for You
The first step is determining your requirements: What do you need to be tested?
From there, you’ll be able to research accredited facilities through recognized bodies like the IAS or the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) using their online directories. Evaluate each facility's services, technical expertise, and accreditation validity to see whether it fits your industry’s specific standards and regulations.
Aside from accreditation, you’ll want to assess how the facility conducts its work. You can ask questions like:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- What is your typical turnaround time?
- What is your communication process?
- How large is your facility and can it handle the scope of my project?
Make sure to check for reviews or ask around for recommendations. This will give you a better idea of their customer service and reliability and whether they’re trusted in your industry.
An A+ for Accreditation
If you need building material and product testing, an accredited facility will allow you to get accurate results with peace of mind. Facilities that have NVLAP or IAS accreditation provide trusted and reliable results that ensure your products are up to code and standards.
NGC Testing Services has conducted acoustical, fire, analytical, and structural testing for over 55 years, with a fully accredited facility with advanced testing technology.
If you’re interested in testing your products, our team of experts is ready to walk you through the process. We’ll explain the different testing capabilities we offer to meet your needs — all with lightning-fast turnaround times.
Reach out to our team now to get started.