LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Welcome to the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories course! This comprehensive training is designed for professionals aiming to develop expertise in auditing testing and calibration laboratories in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international benchmark for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring accurate and reliable results in scientific and industrial testing environments.

In LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories course, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to assess and verify the implementation of this standard, and learn how to lead audits effectively within laboratory settings. Whether you are an experienced auditor or new to this field, this course will equip you with the tools to enhance laboratory quality management systems, ensuring compliance with global standards and improving overall operational efficiency.

The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories course provides a deep dive into the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, covering essential topics such as management system requirements, technical competence, calibration practices, and quality assurance procedures. This course will guide you through the auditing process, from planning and conducting audits to reporting findings and implementing corrective actions.

With a strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications, you will learn how to assess laboratory processes, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous improvement in laboratory operations. The program also covers risk management, data integrity, and the importance of maintaining traceability in testing and calibration processes.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be equipped with the expertise to lead ISO/IEC 17025:2017 audits and help laboratories achieve and maintain accreditation, ensuring they deliver accurate, reliable, and high-quality results to their clients.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Total Units

6

Total Credits

40

GLH

120

Qualification #

LICQ2200106

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enrol in the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
  • Educational Requirements:Candidates should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A background in science, engineering, or quality management is highly recommended. Professionals with a degree or certification in fields such as laboratory technology, metrology, or laboratory management will find the course particularly relevant.
  • Experience: While prior auditing experience is not mandatory, it is beneficial to have at least one year of professional experience in a laboratory or quality management environment. Experience in testing, calibration, or laboratory operations will help participants fully understand the practical applications of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard.
  • English Language Proficiency: Since the course is conducted in English, candidates must have proficiency in reading, writing, and understanding technical English. Basic communication skills in English are necessary to engage with the course materials and assessments.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200106-1

Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025 and its significance in laboratory operations.

8

24

LICQ2200106-2

Understanding the requirements for management and personnel competence

8

24

LICQ2200106-3

Calibration and validation of equipment and measurement processes

6

18

LICQ2200106-4

 Implementation of quality control measures and proficiency testing

6

18

LICQ2200106-5

Documentation and reporting of test/calibration results

6

18

LICQ2200106-6

Preparation for accreditation and audit processes

6

18

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Laboratory Accreditation
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the structure and key requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing and calibration laboratories.
  • Explain the importance of laboratory accreditation and how ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ensures competence in testing and calibration.
  • Identify the benefits of implementing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for laboratories and their clients.
  • Recognize the scope of the standard and its role in ensuring the quality and reliability of laboratory results.

Management System Requirements for Laboratories
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the management system requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, including roles, responsibilities, and authority within the laboratory.
  • Assess the laboratory’s management structure to ensure it aligns with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the laboratory’s quality management system (QMS) in maintaining accurate, reliable, and consistent results.
  • Implement documentation control and ensure proper record-keeping practices within laboratory settings.

Technical Competence and Calibration Procedures
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the technical requirements for testing and calibration, including methods, equipment, and personnel competence.
  • Assess the laboratory’s technical competence in performing accurate tests and calibrations in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
  • Evaluate the implementation of calibration procedures and the validity of measurement results.
  • Conduct a review of laboratory equipment, calibration processes, and testing methods to ensure adherence to standards.

Planning and Conducting Audits for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Compliance
After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Develop an audit plan for ISO/IEC 17025:2017, including objectives, scope, and audit criteria.
  • Conduct audits of laboratory processes and systems to assess compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
  • Identify non-conformities and document audit findings in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
  • Lead audit teams and manage resources effectively during the audit process.

Risk Management and Non-Conformance in Laboratories
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Apply risk management principles to identify and evaluate risks within laboratory processes.
  • Develop corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformities identified during audits.
  • Implement measures to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence of non-conformities in laboratory operations.
  • Assess the laboratory’s approach to risk management and recommend improvements for better compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Continuous Improvement and Performance Evaluation in Laboratories
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the continuous improvement process within the laboratory and the role of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in driving it.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory processes and systems through monitoring, measurement, and performance evaluation.
  • Develop strategies for continuous improvement based on audit results and performance evaluations.
  • Ensure the laboratory remains compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by promoting a culture of ongoing quality assurance and improvement.

This diploma is ideal for:

  • Quality managers, laboratory managers, and technical directors responsible for implementing or maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation within testing and calibration laboratories.
  • Internal auditors and external auditors seeking to develop skills in auditing laboratory management systems and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
  • Laboratory professionals and technicians who wish to enhance their understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and its role in ensuring accurate, reliable, and consistent testing and calibration results.
  • Consultants working with laboratories to guide them through the process of achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.
  • Professionals in industries that rely on accredited testing and calibration services, such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors.
  • Individuals aiming to pursue a career in laboratory auditing or quality assurance with a focus on compliance with international standards.
  • Organizations that want to train their staff to ensure ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance and promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.