Select your ISO 17025 Auditor Course

What is ISO 17025?

ISO 17025 (or, to give it its full title, ISO 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories) is an internationally recognized standard that sets out the requirements for a Testing and Calibration Laboratory Management System (TCLMS). This Standard is the revision of the previous ISO/IEC 17025:2005 version.

The ISO 17025 standard lays out the general requirements for proving the competence, impartiality, and consistent operations of laboratories that perform testing, sampling, and calibration.

Its guidelines apply to all types of laboratories- private and public- and include a wide range of organizations from academic institutions to research centers and government regulators.

Why is the standard sometimes called ISO 17025 and sometimes ISO / IEC 17025? Is there a difference?

The standard is called ISO / IEC 17025 because it is jointly published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

In formal contexts such as accreditation certificates, regulatory references, technical documentation, and the standard itself, the full designation ISO/IEC 17025 is normally used to reflect the shared responsibility for developing and maintaining the standard.

In informal discussions, it’s often shortened to “ISO 17025” for convenience.

What is the purpose of ISO 17025?

The purpose of the Standard is to specify the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories.

It enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work nationally and worldwide.

Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, reduces costly duplication of effort and improves international trade.

How does ISO 17025 compare to ISO 9001?

ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 share some characteristics but serve different purposes.

ISO/IEC 17025 is designed specifically for testing and calibration laboratories. It focuses on technical competence and the reliability of laboratory results. Organizations use it primarily to obtain laboratory accreditation, which demonstrates that a laboratory can produce valid and reliable results.

ISO 9001, in contrast, is a general quality management system standard that can be applied to any type of organization. Organizations use it for quality management certification rather than laboratory accreditation.

Although their scopes differ, ISO 17025 includes many quality management principles similar to ISO 9001. Because of this overlap, laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 already operate a structured quality management system tailored to laboratory activities.

Does ISO 17025 Accreditation cover all Test Laboratory services?

No. And some offer reports with a variety of logos. Check these carefully. Remember that those reviewing tender documents are unlikely to be inexperienced. They will recognize a poor Accreditation Certificate instantly.

And your offer will go directly into the rubbish bin with the hard work you’ve expended to develop Laboratory or calibration services you are proud of will be totally wasted when an ISO Auditor finds such a bogus Certificate.

Does ISO 17025 Accreditation cover all Calibration Laboratory services?

See the previous answer. Some Calibration Laboratories still offer ISO 9001 Certification and claim that it is an ISO 17025 equivalent. This statement is untrue.

ISO 9001 is not equivalent to the detailed sampling, testing, and reporting requirements of ISO 17025. Therefore, wherever possible, you should seek out laboratories accredited to ISO 17025.

What’s new in the ISO 17025 2017 Standard?

The main changes included in the 2017 standard include the following.

1. The ISO 17025 standard used to be composed of 5 parts. Now, it comes with 8 parts (with Parts 4 to 8 auditable).
2. There’s now more focus on competence instead of Qualification and Monitoring.
3. Requirements for and Monitoring of Product and Service Providers have been expanded.
4. It now features a more robust complaint process.
5. Risk Identification and Handling have been improved.
6. That goes for better opportunity identification and handling as well.
7. Confidentiality Requirements are also now more detailed.
8. New requirements for Impartiality have been introduced.
9. Handling Decision Rules and their inclusion in Statements of Conformity have also been improved.
10. The functionality of LIM Systems is to be established.
11. Similarly, calibration (Metrology) requirements have been expanded and clarified.
12. Finally, proficiency testing is now mandatory.

What are the benefits of having ISO/IEC 17025 certification?

When talking about ISO/IEC 17025, some people tend to confuse accreditation with certification. This usually happens because both terms indicate formal recognition of compliance with the standard, but they apply to different entities and serve different purposes.

• Accreditation (for laboratories): Granted by a recognized accreditation body, accreditation confirms that a laboratory meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. It focuses on technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration activities, giving formal recognition that the laboratory’s results are reliable and internationally accepted.
• Certification (for individuals): Certification demonstrates that a professional has verified knowledge and competence to audit, manage, or advise on laboratory management systems and technical processes in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. It validates practical expertise, builds professional credibility, and supports career development in laboratory quality and technical roles.

Both forms of recognition offer value in their respective contexts and below are some of them.

What kinds of professionals benefit from ISO/IEC 17025 certification?

Professionals involved in testing and calibration activities—whether technical, managerial, or support-focused—can benefit from ISO/IEC 17025 certification. It is particularly valuable for individuals responsible for ensuring the technical validity of results, managing laboratory operations, or supporting compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Below are examples of professional roles that benefit from ISO/IEC 17025 certification and how it supports their work:

What is ISO 17025 Training?

ISO/IEC 17025 training refers to structured learning programs that help individuals understand and apply the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard used by testing and calibration laboratories.

It is often taken by professionals who are involved in implementing, maintaining, or auditing a laboratory management system.

Organizations use this training to prepare staff for laboratory accreditation and to improve the overall quality and consistency of their laboratory operations while individuals take this training to prepare for roles in laboratory accreditation, develop their auditing or implementation skills, and improve their ability to support quality and reliable laboratory operations.

What are ISO/IEC 17025 Training Courses?

ISO/IEC 17025 training courses are specialized courses designed to develop expertise in the management and auditing of Testing and Calibration Laboratory Management Systems (TCLMS).

These courses provide knowledge and practical skills to assess, implement, maintain, and improve laboratory processes. 

They also prepare professionals to effectively audit, manage, or advise on ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.

Below is a table showing the types of ISO/IEC 17025 training courses deGRANDSON offerS, what each course covers, and who they are intended for.

Do You Need ISO 17025 Accreditation?

Yes. A claim of compliance with the Standard is meaningless and of no commercial value without accreditation. You receive test laboratory reports or calibration laboratory certificates that do not have accreditation body logos in addition to the Laboratory’s logo, you should always ask why.

The use of ISO 17025 is so widespread globally nowadays that you should expect to see accreditation body logos on all test laboratory reports or calibration laboratory certificates.