The document outlines the accreditation process for laboratories, particularly focusing on A2LA, an independent accreditation body that recognizes laboratories' competence in various testing fields. It elaborates on the benefits of accreditation, including increased customer confidence and enhanced laboratory performance through continuous improvement and proficiency testing. The document emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, documentation, and compliance with ISO standards to achieve and maintain accreditation.

1. © ASTM International
Achieving Accreditation: Understanding The
Process, Benefits and Proficiency Testing

2. © ASTM International 2
What is A2LA?
- A2LA is a:
- Non profit
- Non governmental
- Independent 3rd party
- Accreditation body
- Established in 1978
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3. © ASTM International 3
What is A2LA?
- A2LA provides accreditation to:
- ISO/IEC 17025:2005 – Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- ISO 15189:2012 – Medical Laboratories
- ISO Guide 34:2009 – Reference Material Producers
- ISO/IEC 17043:2010 – Proficiency Testing Providers
- ISO/IEC 17065:2012 – Product Certification Bodies
- ISO/IEC 17020:2012 – Inspection Bodies
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4. © ASTM International 4
Webinar Learning Objectives
- Define and explain accreditation.
- Explain the accreditation process as it relates to laboratories.
- Describe the purpose and key benefits of accreditation.
- Describe the role proficiency testing plays in obtaining and maintaining
accreditation.
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5. © ASTM International 5
Webinar Learning Objectives
- Define and explain accreditation.
- Explain the accreditation process as it relates to laboratories.
- Describe the purpose and key benefits of accreditation.
- Describe the role proficiency testing plays in obtaining and maintaining
accreditation.
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6. © ASTM International 6
Laboratory Accreditation
Defined as a procedure by which an authoritative body* gives
formal recognition that a Conformity Assessment Body fulfills
specified requirements and is competent to carry out specific
tasks.
Usually using ISO/IEC 17025
*(e.g. A2LA, NVLAP, NATA, UKAS, etc.)
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7. © ASTM International 7
Accreditation Ten Second Tutorial
Do what you say you are doing
and be able to prove it!
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8. © ASTM International 8
Three Critical Thoughts
Does the laboratory “say” what they do?
• Are there written documents (policies,
procedures, arrangements) that meet the
requirements of ISO 17025?
Does the laboratory “do” what they say?
• Are they in compliance with their own
quality system, test methods and ISO
17025?
Can they “prove” it with their records?
• Including everything from training records
to standards preparation records to work
books to client reports to audit reports and
everything in between?
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9. © ASTM International 9
Accreditation Requirements
AB’s
Policies/Procedures
and Company’s QMS
Supplementary
Field-Specific Criteria
(e.g. AOAC Food Testing)
& Any Specific PT Requirements
Technical Requirements of Specific
Test Methods and Procedures
ISO /IEC 17025 Accreditation Criteria
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10. © ASTM International 10
One Test, Accepted Everywhere
Mutual Recognitions…
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11. © ASTM International 11
Mutual Recognition Between
Accreditation Bodies
A conformity assessment body (testing lab)
accredited by one partner has equivalent competence to
carry out the same conformity assessment tasks as a
conformity assessment body (testing lab) accredited by
the other partner(s).
The Fundamental Purpose:
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12. © ASTM International 12
Primary Objective of Mutual
Recognition
Eliminate conformity assessment as a Technical
Barrier to Trade
through
Recognition of Competence
between
Accreditation Bodies.
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13. © ASTM International 13
Recognized Accreditation Bodies
- Operate to ISO/IEC 17011:2004 by:
- Using ISO/IEC 17025 as minimum criteria for labs.
- Undergoing periodic peer evaluations.
- Are signatories to regional and international mutual
recognition arrangements.
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14. © ASTM International 14
Regional Accreditation Co-
Operations
ILAC
EA APLAC
IAAC
SADCA
ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (www.ilac.org)
EA European co-operation for Accreditation
APLAC Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
IAAC Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation
SADCA Southern African Accreditation Cooperation
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15. © ASTM International 15
Webinar Learning Objectives
- Define and explain accreditation.
- Explain the accreditation process as it relates to laboratories.
- Describe the purpose and key benefits of accreditation.
- Describe the role proficiency testing plays in obtaining and maintaining
accreditation.
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16. © ASTM International 16
Preparations Requiring an Early Start
- Develop, implement, and review all policies, procedures
and the quality manual with staff assistance.
- Proficiency Testing data needed for:
- Each major testing sub-discipline.
- As many analytes/methods as possible.
- Estimates of Measurement Uncertainty:
- Develop procedures and identify contributing factors.
- Train personnel to perform calculations.
- Traceability of Calibrations:
- Through an unbroken chain of comparisons, each step having stated
uncertainties.
- Demonstrable competence performing calibration.
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17. © ASTM International 17
What is Needed to Start?
- Application;
- Quality Manual;
- Quality and Technical SOPs & WIs;
- Completed ISO 17025 Assessor Checklist;
- Equipment List & Technical Staff Matrix;
- Scope: Test names w/corresponding method IDs;
- PT (General): Enrollment & Successful PT
- Commercially available and relevant PT data for all tests
and/or methods (if available) for which accreditation is
sought (such as ASTM PT programs).
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18. © ASTM International 18
On-site Assessment Actions
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19. © ASTM International 19
Assessor Prior Review
- Review of quality manual and lab procedures (including test
methods):
- Do they contain required polices and procedures?
- Review of past PT results:
- Do they cover the Scope?
- Are there outliers or evidence of “concern”?
- Report on potential areas of noncompliance:
- Allows lab to make minor fixes in advance.
- Serves as warning if major problems exist.
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20. © ASTM International 20
What is Audited?
Management System:
- Management /administrative activities, such as -
purchasing of consumable materials;
management of calibration system;
contracts / client interactions;
document control and revision;
training records.
- Strict adherence to documented procedures.
- Audit can be conducted by non-technical personnel.
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21. © ASTM International 21
What is Audited?
Technical:
- Scientific judgment
performance of test;
sampling activities;
preparation of reagents and/or samples;
Results / data analysis.
- Strict adherence as well as technical correctness.
- Audit must be conducted by those familiar with test/technology.
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22. © ASTM International 22
Watch Performance of Activity
- Confirm that technicians are following procedure;
- Judge technical skill;
- Gain information about training and supervision;
- Observe status of equipment;
- Confirm answers.
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23. © ASTM International 23
The End of the Assessment and
Beyond
- Assessor leaves a deficiency report detailing any
areas of non-conformance.
- Initial corrective action response required within 30 days of the exit briefing.
- A new applicant must resolve all deficiencies within 6 months of the date of the exit
briefing.
- Corrective action is reviewed by A2LA staff; additional
information is requested, if needed.
- The Accreditation Council is balloted.
- Accreditation is granted when all issues are resolved.
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24. © ASTM International 24
About Corrective Action-Responses
- Root cause is reviewed / evaluated for relevance.
- Responses require full objective evidence -
- Staff review – non technical responses.
- Assessor review – technical responses.
- Accreditation Council review – full assessment package, once complete.
- Do Not:
- Provide draft documents.
- Supply inappropriate / irrelevant sections of larger documents.
Keep in mind that the reviewers have not been there,
so the “story” must be complete, but succinct..
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25. © ASTM International 25
What is a Root Cause Analysis?
- A system of problem-solving methods aimed at identifying
the root causes of problems or incidents.
- Predicated on the belief that problems are best solved by
attempting to correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed
to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms.
- By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is hoped
that the likelihood of problem recurrence will be minimized.
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26. © ASTM International 26
Accreditation Cycle
- Initial accreditation effort takes 4-6 months on average.
- Two year accreditation term.
- On-site surveillance after 1st year of accreditation.
- On-site renewal every two years.
- On-going proficiency testing participation.
- Annual submission of Internal Audits and Management
Reviews to A2LA.
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27. © ASTM International 27
Webinar Learning Objectives
- Define and explain accreditation.
- Explain the accreditation process as it relates to laboratories.
- Describe the purpose and key benefits of accreditation.
- Describe the role proficiency testing plays in obtaining and maintaining
accreditation.
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28. © ASTM International 28
Accredited Laboratories:
Documented Technical Competence
A laboratory accredited by a reputable accreditation body:
 Has achieved a prescribed level of technical
competence to perform specific activities.
 Is capable of producing data that are accurate,
traceable and reproducible.
Using an accredited laboratory:
 Increases confidence in data.
 Reduces uncertainties associated with decisions.
 Increases public confidence because accreditation is
a recognizable mark of approval.
 Eliminates redundant reviews and improves
efficiency of the assessment process (may reduce
costs).
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29. © ASTM International 29
Benefits: Customer-Related
Requirements
- Contract review:
- Requests and project proposals are reviewed for sufficient
resources and the lab’s ability to perform the work.
- Discrepancies are discussed with the customer and all
information is added to the record.
- Emphasis is placed on meeting customer requirements.
- Misunderstandings that could lead to rework and delayed
completion are prevented.
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30. © ASTM International 30
Benefits: Continuous Improvement
Requirements
- Corrective actions are issued for:
- Problem data uncovered in the recheck process.
- Processes not followed as written.
- Sample traceability issues.
- QC or PT problems.
- Customer complaints.
- Audit non-conformances.
-Preventive actions are issued when a potential problem is noted. They are
usually more complex and a longer term fix is needed.
-Both CA and PA are tracked. A timeline is assigned requiring completion
and verification of effectiveness.
- CA and PA tracking allows for trending of issues and “encouragement” to
complete on time.
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31. © ASTM International 31
Benefits: Continuous Improvement
Requirements
- Management Review is a periodic
meeting of members of management
and supervisory staff. It allows for a
broad review of the quality system
including:
- Trending of corrective actions and non-
conforming testing.
- Customer complaints.
- QC and proficiency results.
- Supplier performance.
- Supervisory reports on resources and
work flow.
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32. © ASTM International 32
Benefits: Technical Requirements
- Personnel / Training:
- Training plans are required for all new personnel, changes
in position or changes in responsibilities and are assessed
regularly.
- Training records include analytical data when appropriate.
Example: Training summary spreadsheets showing current
training status and total number trained per method allows
for resource planning.
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33. © ASTM International 33
Benefits: Technical Requirements
- Equipment:
- A defined system helps ensure that all equipment is maintained
and calibrated as required.
- Measurement Traceability:
- Calibrations are required to be traceable to standard reference
materials, whenever possible.
- Calibrations must be performed by services with comparable
quality standards, whenever possible.
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34. © ASTM International 34
Overall Benefits of Accreditation
- Corrective and preventive actions, method approval
plans, and management review attach timelines to
improvement processes ensuring completion.
- Issues with methods, personnel, and equipment are
identified and resolved more quickly.
- System is continually maturing and improving.
- Customer satisfaction is improved.
- Specialized, customer quality requirements are met.
- Business opportunities may increase.
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35. © ASTM International 35
Webinar Learning Objectives
- Define and explain accreditation.
- Explain the accreditation process as it relates to laboratories.
- Describe the purpose and key benefits of accreditation.
- Describe the role proficiency testing plays in obtaining and maintaining
accreditation.
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36. © ASTM International 36
PT and Accreditation
- To achieve initial accreditation a laboratory must be
able to demonstrate successful participation in at least
one PT event.
- A laboratory must develop a plan to demonstrate how
they will cover the test methods/technologies on their
scope of accreditation over a 4-year period.
- This PT plan must include commercially available and
relevant PT such as PT offered by ASTM.
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37. © ASTM International 37
PT and Accreditation
- Proficiency testing results must be submitted to A2LA
within 30 days of receipt of the final report.
- Corrective action must be taken for any outlying results.
- Unacceptable PT results may result in an adverse
accreditation action such as suspension of that test
from the scope until the lab can demonstrate
acceptable performance.
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38. © ASTM International 38
Benefits of Proficiency Testing
- Laboratory Improvement:
- Discover sources of error.
- Systematic errors.
- Precision (inconsistency).
- Internal method comparison.
- Effectiveness of changes.
- Common understanding of method differences.
- Discovery of method sensitivities.
- Demonstration of effectiveness of changes
- To methods.
- To instructions.
- Education:
- Interpretive information.
- New or rare analytes and matrices.
- Peer communication.
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39. © ASTM International 39
A2LA Training Opportunities
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Offerings Include:
- Assessment of Laboratory Competence
- ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and Laboratory Accreditation
- Measurement Uncertainty for Testing Laboratories
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action
- And many more….
https://www.A2LA.org/training/index.cfm
or contact Julie Collins at jcollins@A2LA.org

40. © ASTM International
In Conclusion
• The accreditation process requires work to prepare but it has
many benefits to a laboratory.
• Accreditation increases customers’ and other stakeholders’
confidence in a laboratory’s results.
• The accreditation process is really about demonstrating
competence and continual improvement.
• Proficiency testing is a critical component of the accreditation
process.
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41. © ASTM International 41
Helping Our World Work Better
12,000+ ASTM
standards
operate globally
Applied to just
about everything
from steel to
sustainability.
Standards that
improve
the lives
of millions
every day
What is ASTM?
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42. © ASTM International 42
Why ASTM Proficiency Testing
Programs?
− Participation helps satisfy lab accreditation
requirements
− Lab QA Tool
− Data for monitoring lab strengths and
weaknesses
− Residual sample material useful as internal
QA sample
− Tool to evaluate other test methods for lab use
− Demonstrate testing capability to customers
− Results and associated statistics helps ASTM
validate test method performance under real world
conditions
− Used by ASTM committees to obtain valuable
feedback on methods
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43. © ASTM International 43
What is the ASTM Proficiency Testing
Program
 A program designed as a statistical quality control tool
enabling participating laboratories to assess their performance
in conducting ASTM or other committee approved test
methods, such as ISO, IP, EN, UOP, AATCC, etc.
 We provide management and the administrative support:
o Program registration, contract negotiations for sample
preparation and distribution, data collection and generation
of statistical summary reports
 Coordinate the preparation and distribution of test samples
o Test samples are prepared by outside contractors
 Our program provides reporting instructions, lab test
worksheets and electronic data report forms for submitting lab
data, all accessible on the ASTM PTP website portal
PTP’s
exercising
proficiency in
over 330
different test
methods
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44. © ASTM International 44
Over 20 years of Proficiency Testing Experience
ASTM Proficiency Testing Programs
 Launched in 1992, the program has grown
from there to include several different
facets and material types such as
petroleum products, plastics, metals,
textiles, insulating fluids, engine coolants
aromatic hydrocarbons, and more
 We provide uniform, homogenous
samples that are analyzed by participating
labs using specified methods and results
are reported for statistical treatment
 Post testing, we issue a program specific
statistical report summarizing the testing
performed by labs across the world
52
proficiency testing
programs involve 4,700
Laboratories and 6,500
units of participation
58% of participation
from outside USA
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45. © ASTM International 45
ASTM Proficiency Testing Program
Types
Metals Testing
 Mechanical Properties Testing of Metals
 Plain Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel (Chemical
Analysis)
 Stainless Steel (Chemical Analysis)
 Aluminum (Chemical Analysis)
 Determination of Gold in Bullion
11
PTP Programs
in Metals and
Plastics Testing
Plastics Testing:
 Polyethylene Plastics Testing
 Multiple Plastics - Mechanical Properties
Testing
 Polypropylene - Mechanical Properties Testing
 Flammability of Plastics Testing
 Thermal Analyses of Plastics
 Elemental Analyses of Plastics
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46. © ASTM International 46
ASTM Proficiency Testing Program
Types
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Testing &
 Engine Coolants
 Diesel Exhaust Fluids
7
PTP Programs in
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons,
Textiles and Electrical
Insulating Fluids
Aqueous Solution Testing
 Insulation Fluid Quality– In-Service
Insulating Fluid
 Dissolved Gas Analyses
Electrical Insulating Fluids
 Heavy, Medium, and Heavy Fabric Testing
 Yarns and Threads
Textiles
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47. © ASTM International 47
ASTM Proficiency Testing Program
Types
Petroleum Products and Lubricants
26
Different proficiency
testing programs in
petroleum based products
─ Turbine Oils
─ Lubricating Greases
─ Crude Oils
─ In-Service Diesel Oils
─ In-Service Hydraulic Fluid Oils
─ Base Oils
─ Petroleum Wax
─ General Gas Oils
─ Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel
─ Fuel Ethanol
─ Biodiesel(B100) Fuel
─ Petroleum Coke
─ Octane Testing
− Engine Oil Lubricants
− #2 Diesel Fuel
− Aviation Turbine Fuel - (Jet A) Fuel
− Military Aviation Turbine - (JP8) Fuel
− Motor Gasoline
− Reformulated Gasoline
− #6 Fuel Oil
− Automatic Transmission Fluid
− Gear Oils
− Industrial Gear Oils
− Hydraulic Fluids & Oils
− Automotive Lubricant Additives
− Naphtha
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48. © ASTM International 48
ASTM Proficiency Testing
Registration
All attributes of program
participation are online.
 Our website offers a
single place to find
full details about all of
our programs
Full Drop down menu here or
link to the specific PTP program
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49. © ASTM International 21 June 2021 49
ASTM Proficiency Testing
Registration
All attributes of program
participation are online.
 View all program information
 Annual cost of the program
 Test cycle schedule
 Sample type details
 Test methods used
Click here to register

50. © ASTM International 50
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
A Paperless Service
 You are provided with a
PTP account number
and unique password to
access our PTP website
portal
 This is a one stop service
point for ASTM PTP
anywhere in the world
and 24 hours a day
“Your Company Name”
Click here
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51. © ASTM International 51
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
PTP Website Portal Features
 A company can
see all of the PTP
programs it
participates in
 Enter data
 View reports
 View important
dates
 View your
submitted data
 Download
documents such
as lab instructions
0123456
Your "Company Name”
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52. © ASTM International 52
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
View of Website Portal Options
 Enter data
Your “Company Name” and Address Here
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53. © ASTM International 53
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
View PTP Website Portal Options
 View reports
 See current year
reports
 See up to one past
year
 Request your lab’s
coded lab ID
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54. © ASTM International 54
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
View PTP Website Portal Options
 Check important
dates relative to
the program
test cycle
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55. © ASTM International 55
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
View PTP Website Portal Options
 View your lab’s
submitted data for
specific test cycle(s)
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56. © ASTM International 56
My ASTM Proficiency Testing
Website Portal
View PTP Website Portal Options
 Download cycle
specific lab
worksheets and
test instructions
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