Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Welcome to the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories course, designed to equip the learner with advanced skills in auditing and managing laboratory quality systems. Aligned with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, the course provides the learner with the knowledge required to assess, verify, and enhance the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring accurate, reliable, and traceable results.
The learner explores management system requirements, technical competence, calibration practices, quality assurance procedures, and risk management, developing the ability to evaluate laboratory operations effectively. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, the learner gains hands-on experience in planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on audits, while identifying areas for continuous improvement.
By the end of the course, the learner is prepared to lead ISO/IEC 17025:2017 audits confidently, helping laboratories achieve and maintain accreditation, improve operational efficiency, and deliver high-quality results that comply with international standards.
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
|
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
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.
