Standards family

Labs, Inspection & Healthcare

Laboratories, inspection bodies and product certification bodies are accredited, not certified. Accreditation confirms technical competence and impartiality, and is assessed by a national accreditation body. We prepare you for it.

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Which standard do I need?

Start from the service you provide

Each standard is assessed by a national accreditation body for a defined scope of activities.

Testing & calibration ISO/IEC 17025 ISO/IEC 17025:2017

Competence of testing, calibration and sampling laboratories.

ISO/IEC 17025 → Medical laboratories ISO 15189 ISO 15189:2022

Quality and competence of medical laboratories, including POCT.

ISO 15189 → Inspection ISO/IEC 17020 ISO/IEC 17020:2026

Impartial, competent inspection, with transition by March 2029.

ISO/IEC 17020 → Product certification ISO/IEC 17065 ISO/IEC 17065:2012

Bodies certifying products, processes and services.

ISO/IEC 17065 →
Compare

Side by side

StandardForEditionWho decidesTypical engagement
ISO/IEC 17025Testing and calibration laboratories2017National accreditation body6 to 12 months
ISO 15189Medical laboratories2022National accreditation body6 to 12 months
ISO/IEC 17020Inspection bodies2026National accreditation body6 to 12 months
ISO/IEC 17065Product certification bodies2012National accreditation body6 to 12 months
How we work

One methodology to accreditation

Delivered by registered lead auditors with hands-on sector experience.

  1. AssessGap assessment, scope and roadmap
  2. DesignProcesses, risks and documented information
  3. ImplementProcesses embedded on the ground
  4. TrainAwareness to internal auditor competence
  5. VerifyInternal audit, management review, mock audit
  6. Certify & sustainCertification audit support, then surveillance

A quality system that supports accreditation.

Laboratories and inspection bodies with ISO 9001 can use Option B management system requirements, so one system serves both.

Integrated management systems
Training Academy

Laboratory and inspection training

CQI/IRCA Approved Training Partner. In-house, public, virtual or hybrid.

  • ISO/IEC 17025: Awareness, Implementer and Internal Auditor
  • Measurement uncertainty and method validation workshops
  • In-house ISO/IEC 17020:2026 and ISO 15189:2022 transition briefings
View the Training Academy
Questions

Accreditation FAQ

Does AEC accredit organisations?

No. Accreditation is granted by national accreditation bodies such as UKAS, DAkkS or PNAC. AEC prepares your organisation for that assessment.

What is the difference between accreditation and certification?

Certification bodies certify management systems or products. Accreditation bodies assess laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies for competence and impartiality.

What changed recently?

ISO 15189:2022 is now the only accepted edition, and ISO/IEC 17020:2026 was published in March 2026 with a transition to March 2029.

Is accreditation recognised internationally?

Yes, through the Global ACI mutual recognition arrangement, which brings together national accreditation bodies worldwide.

Plan your accreditation

Tell us your services, scope and current processes. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, technical records and accreditation readiness.

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Accreditation decisions are made by national accreditation bodies. AEC prepares organisations for accreditation and does not guarantee outcomes.