COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of this course lies in the demystification of the ISO 17025 standard for laboratories seeking to prove their technical competence. Accreditation is not a destination but a continuous journey of quality improvement and technical rigor. This program provides the foundational understanding required to align laboratory operations with international expectations, ensuring that test results are accepted globally without further questioning.

The scope of the training focuses on the core structure and philosophy of the ISO 17025:2017 standard. It addresses the fundamental requirements for impartiality, confidentiality, and organizational structure that form the bedrock of a quality laboratory. Participants will explore the "Process Approach" to laboratory management, learning how to link personnel competency, equipment control, and method validation into a seamless system for generating reliable data.

The coverage includes a comprehensive introduction to the documentation hierarchy, the role of internal audits, and the importance of metrological traceability. The course emphasizes the "Risk-Based Thinking" required by the modern standard, providing practical examples of how to identify and mitigate risks to measurement quality. By mastering these foundational concepts, laboratory staff at all levels can contribute meaningfully to the accreditation process and help sustain a culture of analytical excellence.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the purpose and benefits of ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Differentiate between "Certification" (ISO 9001) and "Accreditation."
• Explain the core requirements of ISO 17025:2017 sections 4 through 8.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities in a Quality Management System.
• Apply the principles of "Impartiality" and "Confidentiality" in the lab.
• Describe the "Document Control" process and its importance.
• Understand the concept of "Metrological Traceability" for results.
• Participate effectively in the "Management Review" process.
• Assist in the "Corrective Action" (CAPA) and Root Cause Analysis.
• Explain the importance of "Method Validation" and "Verification."
• Recognize the role of "Proficiency Testing" in proving competence.
• Prepare for the arrival of an external Accreditation Body assessor.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Junior Chemists, Laboratory Technicians, Administrative Staff, and newly appointed Quality Officers in laboratories seeking accreditation.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.