NABL Accreditation for Testing & Calibration Laboratories
ISO/IEC 17025 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
NABL accreditation shows that a laboratory is technically competent to produce valid results for a defined scope of tests or calibrations. Certsure helps testing, calibration and forensic science laboratories prepare for ISO/IEC 17025 assessment by NABL.
How Certsure helps with NABL (ISO/IEC 17025)
Certsure Certification is a consultancy based in Lucknow, working with organisations across India. We help you understand the requirements, close the gaps and get ready for assessment — gap analysis, documentation, implementation support, training, internal audits and support during the external audit. The certificate, licence, registration or report itself is granted by the relevant authority, accreditation board or independent auditor.
Who this is for
- Forensic science laboratories — DNA, toxicology, chemistry, ballistics, documents and cyber/digital units
- Food, water, environmental and agricultural testing laboratories
- Construction-material, mechanical, electrical and chemical testing laboratories
- Calibration laboratories and in-house laboratories of manufacturers
- Government and public-sector laboratories that need NABL-accredited reports for courts, regulators or tenders
What ISO/IEC 17025 asks of a laboratory
| Clause | What assessors look for |
|---|---|
| 4 General | Impartiality and confidentiality — risks identified and managed |
| 5 Structural | Legal identity, defined responsibilities, scope of laboratory activities |
| 6 Resources | Competent staff, suitable facilities, calibrated equipment, metrological traceability, control of external providers |
| 7 Process | Method selection, verification and validation; sampling; handling of test items; measurement uncertainty; quality control and proficiency testing; reporting; complaints; nonconforming work; control of data |
| 8 Management system | Documents, records, risks and opportunities, corrective action, internal audit and management review |
How Certsure supports your laboratory
- Scope definition — which tests or calibrations to include first, with methods and ranges
- Gap assessment against ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and NABL's specific criteria for your discipline
- Documentation — quality manual, procedures, formats and technical records that match how your bench actually works
- Technical readiness — method verification/validation, measurement uncertainty budgets, traceable calibration, and a plan for proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparison
- Training and internal audit — ISO/IEC 17025 awareness and internal auditor training, then a full internal audit and management review
- Application and assessment support — application on the NABL portal, responses to assessor findings and closure of nonconformities
For forensic units, read our guide to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for forensic laboratories. For the end-to-end route, see the NABL accreditation process for laboratories.
Not sure whether NABL (ISO/IEC 17025) is the right fit? Read how to choose the right ISO standard or ask our team.
Benefits of NABL Accreditation for Testing & Calibration Laboratories
Results that stand scrutiny
Tender and regulator requirements
Fewer repeat tests
International acceptance
Stronger technical team
Continual improvement
NABL (ISO/IEC 17025) process, step by step
- Define scope (tests / calibrations, methods, ranges)
- Gap assessment against ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- Documentation and technical records
- Method validation, uncertainty and PT/ILC planning
- Training, internal audit and management review
- Application on the NABL portal
- Assessment by NABL and closure of findings
- Accreditation decision and yearly surveillance
Timelines depend on your organisation's size, the scope and how much of the system already exists. Read how to prepare for an ISO audit.
Documents typically required
We provide a checklist tailored to your organisation. Commonly needed:
NABL (ISO/IEC 17025): frequently asked questions
Does Certsure grant NABL accreditation?
How long does NABL accreditation take?
Is proficiency testing required before applying?
Can a forensic science laboratory be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025?
How long is NABL accreditation valid?
Request a free NABL (ISO/IEC 17025) consultation
Tell us about your organisation and we'll explain the requirements, timeline and next steps — no obligation.