AS ISO IEC 17025-2018 PDF

Full title and description

AS ISO/IEC 17025:2018 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This Australian adoption reproduces the international requirements used to determine the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.

Abstract

Specifies general technical and management requirements that laboratories must meet to demonstrate competence for carrying out tests and calibrations, including sampling where relevant. The document covers structural and resource requirements, process requirements (method selection/validation, sampling, uncertainty, reporting) and management system options aligned with the ISO/IEC 17000 conformity‑assessment family.

General information

• Status: Current.
• Publication date: 16 April 2018.
• Publisher: Standards Australia (national adoption of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard).
• ICS / categories: 03.120.20 (Laboratory technology; conformity assessment / testing and calibration laboratories).
• Edition / version: AS adoption published 2018 — adoption of ISO/IEC 17025 (Edition 3, ISO/IEC 17025:2017).
• Number of pages: 29.

Scope

This document specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories and is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel. It is intended for use by laboratories, accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities and customers who need to confirm or recognize laboratory competence.

Key topics and requirements

• General requirements: impartiality, confidentiality and conflict‑of‑interest controls.
• Structural and resource requirements: organization, personnel competence, facilities, environmental control and equipment (including calibration and maintenance).
• Metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty: establishing and demonstrating traceability for measurements and evaluating uncertainty of results.
• Process requirements: review of requests, method selection, verification and validation, sampling, handling of test/calibration items, technical records, ensuring validity of results and reporting (tests, calibrations, sampling, statements of conformity).
• Management system options: two options for management system integration (Option A: full documented management system; Option B: incorporation of ISO management system elements), plus requirements for risk‑based thinking, internal audits, corrective actions and management review.
• Data and information management: control of information systems, reports and record keeping, and requirements for electronic data handling and security.
• Quality assurance activities: participation in proficiency testing, method performance verification, and handling of nonconforming work and complaints.

Typical use and users

Used by testing and calibration laboratories seeking to demonstrate technical competence and to obtain or maintain accreditation; national and regional accreditation bodies when assessing laboratories; regulatory agencies that reference accredited results; laboratory managers and quality personnel for establishing or improving laboratory quality systems; and customers who require assurance of test and calibration validity.

Related standards

Closely related to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (international text), and forms part of the broader conformity‑assessment family (ISO/IEC 17000 series). It is also used alongside accreditation guidance and standards such as ISO/IEC 17011 (requirements for accreditation bodies) and ISO 9001 for quality management interfaces. The AS edition supersedes earlier national versions (for example AS ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and related amendments).

Keywords

testing, calibration, laboratory competence, metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty, accreditation, method validation, impartiality, laboratory management system.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: A national adoption (AS ISO/IEC 17025:2018) of the international laboratory competence standard ISO/IEC 17025, specifying requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers technical and management requirements for laboratories including personnel competence, equipment and facilities, method selection/validation, measurement uncertainty, metrological traceability, result reporting, control of records and management system requirements (Options A/B).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Testing and calibration laboratories, accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities, procurement organizations and laboratory customers who rely on accredited results to demonstrate competence and ensure confidence in test/calibration outcomes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The AS adoption published 16 April 2018 remains the current Australian adoption of ISO/IEC 17025 (the underlying international standard edition is ISO/IEC 17025:2017, edition 3), and the ISO version has been reviewed and confirmed as current. Users should check with their national accreditation body for any local transition deadlines or accreditation requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/IEC 17000 family of conformity‑assessment standards and is linked operationally to standards such as ISO/IEC 17011 (accreditation bodies) and other ISO documents on metrology and conformity assessment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: testing, calibration, laboratory, competence, accreditation, measurement uncertainty, traceability, method validation, impartiality.