What is an ISO 17025 checklist?
An ISO 17025:2017 checklist is a tool used by laboratory managers or metrologists to determine if a laboratory meets the required competencies for testing and calibration set by the ISO 17025:2017 standard. It contains the 5 main sections of the standard's requirements: general, structural, resource, process, and management system requirements. Labs juggling multiple standards often pair this with broader compliance software to track certification status in one place.
What to include in an ISO 17025 checklist
An ISO/IEC 17025 checklist is built around the key clauses of the standard that testing and calibration laboratories must meet to demonstrate technical competence and consistent operations. What are the main sections or clauses covered in an ISO 17025 checklist?
Scope – Defines what types of testing and calibration activities are covered.
Normative references – Lists related standards and documents.
Terms and definitions – Clarifies important terminology.
Clause 4: General requirements – Focuses on impartiality and confidentiality in laboratory activities.
Clause 5: Structural requirements – Defines roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure to ensure accountability.
Clause 6: Resource requirements – Covers personnel competence, facilities, environmental conditions, equipment, and traceability of measurement standards. Many labs manage this with a laboratory information management system to keep instrument records audit-ready.
Clause 7: Process requirements – The largest section, detailing operational procedures:
Review of requests, tenders, and contracts
Selection and verification of methods
Handling of test/calibration items
Technical records and measurement uncertainty
Ensuring validity of results (through QC, proficiency testing, etc.)
Reporting of results
Handling complaints, nonconforming work, and corrective actions
Control of data and information management systems
The most common nonconformities under Clause 7 involve incomplete equipment calibration records, gaps in measurement uncertainty documentation, and internal audits that slip off schedule. Catching these in a self-check before the real assessment is the easiest way to avoid a finding.
Clause 8: Management system requirements – Addresses quality management systems, documentation, control of records, internal audits, management reviews, and continual improvement. A solid document control checklist confirms every procedure and record has a current version, an owner, and a review date, with outdated versions pulled from circulation and changes approved before they take effect.
How to prepare for ISO 17025 certification
To ensure that a laboratory is prepared for ISO 17025:2017 certification, a coordinated effort within the organization is required. Here are 5 steps to follow in preparation for third-party certification:
Be familiar with the ISO 17025:2017 standard; if the organization chooses option B for the standard's management system requirement, be sure to review the ISO 9001 standard as well. Accreditation bodies like A2LA publish detailed assessment checklists that show exactly what auditors look for.
Conduct internal audits to determine gaps and discover areas for improvement. Structure your internal audit programme to cover every clause of the standard at least once a year, checking higher-risk areas more often, and assign a qualified auditor to each area so findings get tracked through to closure.
Analyze the audit results and use the information collected to train employees and align processes with the standard.
Document the audit results, changes in the processes, and laboratory and employee competencies. Before your assessment, have your quality manual, procedures, current calibration and training records, and evidence of management reviews ready, plus corrective action records for any past nonconformities.
Contact a recognized third-party auditor and apply for ISO 17025 certification.
Sample ISO 17025 report
To see how this checklist template can be used to prepare for ISO 17025 certification, here's an example of a completed ISO 17025 report using a digital template:
Thermosash was able to achieve ISO certification in six months using the Mitti Platform by centralizing workflows, boosting visibility, enhancing accountability, and streamlining quality control through QA checks and automatic corrective action alerts.
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