It suits testing and calibration laboratories in industry, government and universities. Regulators and clients often accept only results from accredited laboratories.

• A gap assessment compares the laboratory with the requirements.
• Methods are validated or verified and measurement uncertainty is estimated.
• Equipment is calibrated with traceability to national or international standards.
• The laboratory takes part in proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparisons.
• An internal audit and a management review are completed.
• An accreditation body assesses the laboratory and grants a defined scope.

The number of tests or calibrations in scope drives most of the cost. Equipment calibration and proficiency testing carry their own fees. Assessor days are charged by the accreditation body.

Laboratories often need twelve to eighteen months to reach accreditation. The scope can be extended later, one method at a time.

Laboratories are accredited against ISO/IEC 17025 rather than certified. Accreditation is granted by an accreditation body, not by a certification body.