Home Certification Schemes ISO/IEC 17025
Conformity Assessment ISO/IEC 17025 2017

Testing & Calibration Laboratories

General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Establishes requirements for laboratories demonstrating competence and generating valid results, forming the basis for laboratory accreditation.

laboratories testing calibration metrology
About This Standard

ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, forming the basis for laboratory accreditation by bodies such as UKAS, A2LA, and ILAC signatories. It specifies requirements for technical competence, valid results, and impartial operation.

The 2017 revision introduced a process approach, added risk-based thinking, and strengthened requirements for measurement uncertainty, method validation, and the validity of results. It applies to laboratories conducting chemical analysis, physical testing, biological testing, calibration, and non-destructive testing.

ACI-certified ISO/IEC 17025 auditors assess laboratory management systems and technical operations, evaluating method validation, measurement uncertainty, and the adequacy of quality assurance programmes for test and calibration results.

Examination Topic Areas
Laboratory impartiality management and confidentiality
Technical competence requirements for laboratory personnel
Measurement uncertainty estimation, expression, and reporting
Equipment calibration, maintenance, and performance verification
Method validation, verification, and fitness for purpose
Quality assurance of testing and calibration results
Sampling procedures, sample management, and traceability
Proficiency testing participation and interlaboratory comparisons
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO/IEC 17025.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO/IEC 17025
Edition 2017
Category Conformity Assessment
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO/IEC 17025

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO/IEC 17025?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.