COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of this course lies in the shift from simple quality management to the verification of specific technical capabilities within a testing or calibration environment. While general quality standards focus on administrative consistency, ISO/IEC 17025 is uniquely designed to ensure that a laboratory is technically solvent and capable of producing valid, reproducible results. This program provides the analytical framework needed to evaluate the "Five Pillars of Competence": personnel, facilities, methods, equipment, and metrological traceability.

The scope of the training addresses the practical application of the 2017 standard, with a heavy emphasis on the technical requirements of Section 6 (Resource) and Section 7 (Process). It covers the methodology for verifying that analytical methods are fit for their intended use and that technical staff possess the underlying scientific knowledge to interpret complex data. Participants will explore the technical nuances of internal quality control, the role of proficiency testing in proving competence, and the assessment of measurement uncertainty.

The coverage includes a comprehensive look at how to conduct technical "witnessing" of laboratory activities and how to audit the "technical record" to ensure data integrity. The course emphasizes the interpretation of "Decision Rules" in conformity assessment and the management of non-conforming technical work. By mastering these assessment protocols, participants will be able to perform rigorous internal or second-party audits that truly challenge the technical heart of the laboratory operation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Interpret the technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accurately.
• Evaluate the technical competency of laboratory personnel through witnessing.
• Assess the suitability of laboratory environmental conditions for testing.
• Verify the metrological traceability of all measurement results.
• Audit method validation and verification records for technical rigor.
• Analyze measurement uncertainty budgets for completeness and accuracy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal quality control (QC) schemes.
• Interpret proficiency testing (PT) results and the "Z-score" performance.
• Assess the laboratory's process for handling non-conforming technical work.
• Verify the integrity and security of laboratory information systems (LIMS).
• Formulate technical findings based on objective analytical evidence.
• Lead the transition from basic quality checking to technical competence assessment.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Technical Managers, Quality Assurance Officers, Senior Analysts, and Internal Auditors in scientific and calibration laboratories.

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.