Introduction to the ISO/IEC 17025:2005

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General requirements for the competence of testing & calibration laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 specifies the general requirements for the competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations, including sampling. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods.

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is for use by XRF laboratories in developing their management system for quality, administrative and technical operations. XRF laboratory customers, regulatory authorities and accreditation bodies may also use it in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories. Accreditation bodies that recognize the competence of testing and calibration laboratories should use this International Standard as the basis for their accreditation.

Compliance with regulatory and safety requirements on the operation of laboratories is not covered by ISO/IEC 17025:2005.