The national voluntary laboratory accreditation program

Abstract

Formally established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) is designed to examine the professional and technical competence of private and public testing laboratories at their request. The Department will grant or deny accreditation to testing laboratories based on its assessment of their competence. Actions undertaken in NVLAP are based on established standards and test methods in specific product area. NVLAP benefits consumers and manufacturers by assuring more consistent product testing. It benefits government agencies and industry associations by providing procedures for accrediting laboratories which could be used as part of their product certification programs. Additionally, NVLAP benefits laboratories by providing a focus for increased professionalism and by minimizing the number of bodies whose approvals the laboratory may find it necessary to obtain. The first accreditations were granted on 12 October 1979 to 30 laboratories that test thermal insulation materials. The Department currently has programs for three product areas: thermal insulations materials, freshly mixed field concrete, and carpet. Laboratories applying under these three programs are currently being assessed. New programs for accrediting laboratories that test other products are being considered.