What do I need to become a NRTL?
Our customer frequently ask us to perform a calorimeter on the HVAC compressors we sell to them. Typically we have the factory do this for free but the factory is in Korea, so this takes time. So we then started to consider getting our own machine and doing the test ourselves. That quickly migrated to getting NRTL and purchasing a psychrometric room in addition to the calorimeter. So my question is what do I need to become a NRTL, I'm seeing that I would need accreditation from an A2LA or similar organization. And if I am understanding this correctly we would need ISO 17025 to get the accreditation. So my question is am I understanding this correctly? I hope this made sense its a long story and I am sure you don't want all the crazy details. Any help or advise you can give would be appreciated.
Assign topic to the user
ISO 17025 DOCUMENTATION TOOLKIT
Step-by-step implementation for smaller companies.
Find out more 
ISO 17025 DOCUMENTATION TOOLKIT
Step-by-step implementation for smaller companies.
Find out more
ISO 17025 DOCUMENTATION TOOLKIT
Step-by-step implementation for smaller companies.
Find out more
Yes, ISO 17025 is the international Standard that is applicable to testing and calibration laboratories, providing general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories. The first step to establishing your Quality Management system is to purchase a copy of ISO 17025:2017. I then recommend some training to assist you understand the purpose, scope and intent of the standard. Thereafter do a project plan to make sure everyone involved understand what it will take to implement the mandatory policies, processes, document the mandatory procedures, perform risk assessments and implement the record keeping and technical requirements. Once you have implemented all the activities, and have some evidence of successful implementation, for example an audit programme and corrective action procedure, the next step will be to contact your accreditation body to obtain a quote for you initial assessment. Ensure you have completed a full gap audit before the assessment, allowing enough time to close the gaps.
Have a look at how the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Documentation Toolkit may assist you, available at https://advisera.com/17025academy/iso-17025-documentation-toolkit/
and download some free tools at https://advisera.com/17025academy/free-downloads/
- Project Plan for ISO/IEC 17025 implementation
- Diagram of ISO 17025 Implementation Process
For some more information here are some useful resources, Download the complimentary white papers:
- Clause-by-clause explanation of ISO 17025:2017 at https://info.advisera.com/17025academy/free-download/clause-by-clause-explanation-of-iso-17025/
- Checklist of mandatory documents required by ISO 17025:2017 at https://info.advisera.com/17025academy/free-download/checklist-of-mandatory-documents-required-by-iso-17025
and watch the Free webinar – What are the steps in the ISO 17025 accreditation process? https://advisera.com/17025academy/webinar/what-are-the-steps-in-the-iso-17025-accreditation-process-free-webinar-on-demand/
Comment as guest or Sign in
Sep 29, 2020