What is NVLAP?
NVLAP, or The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories. NVLAP has accreditation programs that are established in response to the Congressional mandates or administrative actions put in place by the Federal Government, or otherwise from requests by private-sector organizations. Accreditation requirements are established in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR, Title 15, Part 285), National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, and the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
NVLAP is just another Accreditation Body for ISO 17025, just like ANAB, A2LA, L-A-B, etc. Although they are run by NIST, there are no ‘government requirements” that are required, their accreditation is to ISO 17025. Having a NVLAP accreditation is no different in the calibration and testing world than having any accreditation of the other AB’s, with the exception of PJ Labs. Their reputation is below the rest of the AB’s. As far as voluntary, I think that was just the name that was given back in the 70’s when it was formed as the accreditation was voluntary at the time. In today’s world, if you are not accredited, you are being left behind. I think they only do ISO 17025 accreditations, where some other AB’s will also do accreditations to ISO 17043 for Proficiency Testing Labs, ISO 15189 for Medical Labs, etc.
Read Who is ISO?
Read What is ISO/IEC 17025?
NVLAP consists of a series of laboratory accreditation programs (LAPs) which are established on the basis of requests and shown needs. EACH LAP includes specific calibration and/or test standards and related methods and protocols assembled to satisfy the needs for accreditation in the field of testing or calibration. NVLAP works with both public and private labs.
The accreditation criteria are established in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, NVLAP procedures and requirements and also the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
NVLAP offers accreditation to commercial labs, manufactures’ in-house labs, universities, and government laboratories. International laboratories are able to seek accreditation but they must meet the same requirements, and pay any additional fees required for travel.
The accreditation criteria are established in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, NVLAP procedures and requirements and also the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
NVLAP offers accreditation to commercial labs, manufactures’ in-house labs, universities, and government laboratories. International laboratories are able to seek accreditation but they must meet the same requirements, and pay any additional fees required for travel.
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