NISTaccredited

NISTaccredited denotes laboratories, calibration facilities, testing centers, or inspection bodies that have earned accreditation from NVLAP, the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, administered by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NVLAP accreditation indicates that the organization has demonstrated technical competence and quality management in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and program-specific requirements.

NVLAP conducts on-site assessments, performance of proficiency testing, equipment calibration verification, and management system reviews. The accreditation scope is defined for each discipline or service area, and successful labs receive an accreditation certificate and may display the NVLAP mark for the defined scopes. NIST itself does not certify products; it operates NVLAP as the accreditation body and provides oversight. International recognition is supported through multilateral recognition arrangements such as ILAC MRAs, facilitating acceptance of NVLAP-accredited test and calibration results in many countries.

The accreditation process generally includes preparation of a quality management system, demonstration of technical competence and measurement traceability to SI units, on-site evaluation by NVLAP assessors, and ongoing surveillance. Accreditation is granted for specific test or calibration capabilities and must be renewed periodically.

For buyers, regulators, and industry, NIST-accredited labs offer assurance of traceability to SI units, documented quality systems, and demonstrated competence. However, accreditation covers defined scopes and does not guarantee every result; laboratories must maintain compliance to retain accreditation.

Related topics include ISO/IEC 17025, NVLAP, ILAC, traceability, and NIST standards and reference materials.