Explore international advisories, program-specific assessment guidance, and technical resources. These topics support preparation for accreditation and the continued demonstration of competence, impartiality, and reliable results.
01 / Standards & accreditation practice
International advisories
Guidance on standards transitions, scope definition, and accurate representation of accredited activities, informed by relevant IAF and ILAC publications.
Standards transitions
Transition to New Standards
Manage changes to applicable standards through a documented transition plan that maintains competence and continuity of accredited activities.
Confirm the applicable edition and scheme-specific transition deadline with ACBNA; implementation periods vary.
Review revised requirements, identify gaps, and update procedures, personnel training, and assessment evidence.
Scope definition
Rules for Scope of Accreditation
Present the scope of accreditation with sufficient clarity and precision to identify the activities for which competence has been demonstrated.
Specify relevant services, methods, standards, locations, and any limitations.
Keep scope statements consistent across accreditation records, reports, certificates, and public communications.
Accreditation claims
Treatment of Activities Outside Scope
Clearly distinguish accredited activities from services that fall outside the approved scope, protecting customers from misleading claims.
Identify non-accredited activities clearly in mixed-service reports and promotional material.
Do not imply that accreditation extends to an unassessed activity, location, or certification scheme.
Reports & symbol usage
Use of Accredited Certificates and Reports
Issue certificates and reports that accurately identify the conformity assessment activity and the accreditation status of the results presented.
Apply the relevant standard's reporting requirements and identify the issuing organization and authorized signatories as required.
Use accreditation symbols only in accordance with ACBNA usage rules and the approved scope.
02 / Assessment pathways
Program-specific guidelines
Key assessment considerations for six conformity assessment disciplines, from application and document review to on-site evaluation, accreditation decisions, and ongoing surveillance.
ISO/IEC 17021-1
Management System Certification Bodies
Guidance covering the accreditation pathway for bodies that audit and certify management systems.
Application, document review, office assessment, and witnessed audit activities.
Auditor competence, impartial review and decisions, certification controls, and surveillance.
ISO/IEC 17025
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Assessment considerations for laboratories demonstrating the competence and consistency of their testing and calibration activities.
Document review, on-site assessment, method verification or validation, and technical records.
Equipment control, measurement uncertainty, metrological traceability, and ongoing assurance of valid results.
ISO/IEC 17065
Product Certification Bodies
Guidance for bodies certifying products, processes, and services against defined certification scheme requirements.
Scheme compliance, evaluation activities, and applicable witness evaluations.
Independent review and certification decisions, competence, and scheme-specific surveillance.
ISO/IEC 17020
Inspection Bodies
Assessment considerations for Type A, B, and C inspection bodies, with emphasis on independence and consistent inspection outcomes.
Verification of independence arrangements and the competence of inspection personnel.
Inspection procedures, witnessed inspections, reporting controls, and surveillance.
ISO/IEC 17024
Personnel Certification Bodies
Guidance for organizations certifying individuals against established competence requirements and certification schemes.
Scheme development and maintenance, eligibility criteria, and witness evaluations where applicable.
Examination security, valid assessment methods, impartial decisions, and recertification controls.
ISO 15189:2022
Medical Laboratories
Technical considerations for medical laboratory quality and competence, with patient safety central to the assessment of laboratory services.
Pre-examination, examination, and post-examination processes, including specimen handling and reporting.
Personnel competence, quality assurance, risk management, and patient-focused service delivery; contact ACBNA to confirm program availability.
03 / Measurement & quality assurance
Technical guidance
Operational considerations for laboratories and reference material producers (RMPs), covering uncertainty, traceability, proficiency testing, and the United States' measurement infrastructure.
Uncertainty evaluation
Measurement Uncertainty Guidance
Evaluate and communicate measurement uncertainty using approaches appropriate to the method, measurement process, and intended use of the result.
Identify significant uncertainty contributions and maintain documented evaluation methods.
Apply relevant estimation and reporting requirements for calibration, testing, and reference material production.
Metrological traceability
Measurement Traceability Policy
Establish traceability to the International System of Units (SI), where technically possible, through a documented, unbroken chain of calibrations.
Account for measurement uncertainty at each stage and verify calibration provider competence.
Where SI traceability is not technically possible, use appropriate accepted references and document the basis for traceability.
External performance assurance
Proficiency Testing Policy
Use proficiency testing and suitable interlaboratory comparisons to monitor performance and support confidence in technical results.
Plan participation in relation to the accredited scope, technical risks, and availability of suitable programs.
Evaluate results using appropriate statistical methods, investigate unsatisfactory performance, and verify corrective-action effectiveness.
NIST & national measurement framework
US Metrological Infrastructure
Understand the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States' measurement infrastructure and national traceability framework.
Consider national measurement standards, calibration services, and standard reference materials relevant to your activities.
Demonstrate traceability through documented evidence; a reference to NIST alone does not establish a traceable measurement result.
Document enquiries and clarification
Contact ACBNA to confirm current requirements, applicable document editions, transition arrangements, and program availability. Include your accreditation program and proposed or approved scope so your enquiry can be considered in the appropriate technical context.
These summaries do not replace applicable standards, formal accreditation policies, or program requirements. References to IAF, ILAC, or NIST are provided for technical context and do not imply ACBNA membership, endorsement, or recognition.
