Valid testing, trusted certification.
How can we ensure validity?
In order to produce valid results, those doing the testing must be:
Qualified
Capable
Equipped
Performing
the testing in a systematic and reproducible manner
If this is not the case, then the same tests performed on the same items could give different results (so not comparable). This would call into question the validity of all results.
For the credibility of the IECQ approved component scheme, it is vitally important that results coming from any source within the scheme be valid and comparable.
This means that all test results, on the same items, under the same conditions, should be identical, no matter from which testing laboratory within the scheme they have come.
In this way, the testing results will have value because they are credible and comparable.
Importance for the schemes
For the credibility of the IECQ Approved component scheme, it is vitally important that results coming from any source within the scheme be valid and comparable.
This means that all test results, on the same items, under the same conditions, should be identical, no matter from which testing laboratory within the scheme they have come.
In this way, the testing results will have value because they are credible and comparable.
The process for qualifying an independent testing laboratory
A candidate ITL makes an application to an IECQ CB, including all the appropriate documentation on its internal quality procedures.
The IECQ CB then checks the application and does a complete document review on the internal quality procedures. If the application and document review results are positive, the IECQ CB proceeds with the certification process.
It performs a site assessment of each of the testing sites for which a certificate is to be issued.
The assessments cover the intended scope of each site and ensure that the sites meet at least:
- the requirements of the IECQ ITL scheme,
- the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025,
- and that they are sufficiently free from external influences which would prevent them from acting in an impartial manner.
The assessment team also takes into account any comparable approvals granted by a recognized international, regional, or national accreditation body. If the assessment is successful, a site assessment report (SAR) and an IECQ certificate based on the SAR are issued.
In order to maintain the certification, surveillance assessments are conducted by the IECQ CB at least annually.
Related documents
Get the briefing paper
IECQ Rules of Procedure
03-6
IECQ 03-6 ed.3.1 (EN)
IECQ Rules of Procedure - Part 6: IECQ ITL Scheme - Independent Testing Laboratory Assessment Program Requirements
03-6
IECQ 03-1 ed.3.1 (EN)
IECQ Rules of Procedure - Part 1: General Requirements for all IECQ Schemes
OD 015 ed.1.0 (EN)
Operational Document - IECQ On-Line Certificate of Conformity System Guidelines for creating IECQ On-Line Certificates of Conformity
How to get involved
Certification Bodies seeking to provide this IECQ service should submit an application to the IECQ Secretariat using the forms provided.
CB Application Forms
Form CB Application ed.9.0 (EN)
Standard Form MC-129-Q - IECQ CB Application Form
This form is to be completed by certification bodies seeking acceptance as an IECQ Certification Body (IECQ CB) and once completed is to be reviewed and endorsed by one of the IECQ Member Bodies (IECQ MBs) and then forwarded to the IECQ Secretariat as indicated on the form.
Form CB Extension of Scope ed.10.0 (EN)
Standard Form MC-130-Q - IECQ CB Application for Extension of Scope
This application & capability declaration form is to be completed by accepted IECQ Certification Bodies (IECQ CBs) when seeking to extend their scope of IECQ acceptance to other IECQ Services and new or revised Standards / Specifications. The completed form is then forwarded to the IECQ Secretariat as indicated on the form.