NVLAP Interactive Web Site

Welcome to the NVLAP Interactive Web Site (NIWS)

Page Contents

Importance Notice for Users!

NIWS The NVLAP Interactive Web Site (NIWS) has recently been moved to a new, more secure server environment.

The new URL for the site is: https://www-s.nist.gov/niwsapp

You may wish to bookmark this link.

Access to the NIWS requires that you use an Internet browser capable of TLS 1.0 encryption. Here are the browsers and versions you can use (please note the special settings that must be enabled):

If using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE),

1) You must have version 6.0 or 7.0. To check the version, click Help | About.
2) You must enable SSL 3.0.
3) You must enable TLS 1.0.

To enable SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 in Internet Explorer,

1) Go to Tools | Internet Options | Advanced.
2) Scroll down to Security.
3) Ensure that both SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 are checked.

After making changes, restart the browser.

If using Mozilla Firefox,

1) You must have version 2.0 or newer. To check the version, click Help | About.
2) You must enable SSL 3.0.
3) You must enable TLS 1.0.

To enable SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 in Firefox,

1) Go to Tools | Options | Advanced.
2) Click the Encryption tab.
3) Under Protocols, ensure that both boxes are checked.

After making changes, restart the browser.

What is the NIWS?

NIWS stands for "NVLAP Interactive Web Site" - a way for a laboratory to apply for or renew its accreditation on-line in 4 easy steps:

Complete the General Application form
Complete the Program-Specific Application form for the program of interest
Upload the supporting documents for the accreditation
Pay by credit card, check or purchase order.

Laboratories that apply for or renew their accreditations using the NIWS do not have to mail a paper application to NVLAP! Supporting documents, such as quality manuals, may be securely uploaded through this web-based system.

The NIWS is available to laboratories enrolled in the following fields of accreditation. More fields will be added as system development proceeds.

Acoustical Testing
Airborne and Bulk Asbestos
Carpet and Carpet Cushion
Commercial Products
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Telecommunications
Energy Efficient Lighting Products.

For laboratories already accredited by NVLAP, the NIWS is available ONLY during a laboratory's renewal period. It may not be used to request changes in a scope of accreditation in between renewal anniversary dates.

For additional information contact NIWSHELP@nist.gov.

Instructions for Using the NIWS

1. The NIWS is a web-based application that allows a laboratory to securely submit its application over the Internet. You may use this system if all supporting documents required by the application, including the laboratory quality manual, are in an electronic format that can be uploaded to NVLAP. If these documents are not available electronically, do not use the NIWS, but instead mail your application to NVLAP as you have done in the past.

2. The web site address for the NIWS Login page is: https://www-s.nist.gov/niwsapp . Please ensure that your web browser is TLS v1 enabled (see web browser requirements above).

3. The first step is to request a user account. To do this, click on the link shown as New User? Request an Account! (If you already have a user account, jump to step #7.)

4. Select a Login ID and password and enter the requested information to set up a user account. You will need the following information:

Laboratory name and address
Name, title, phone number, and e-mail address of the laboratory's Authorized Representative
NVLAP Lab Code (renewing labs only).

    Tip: If you applied on-line last year, use your same User ID and password! You will be prompted to change your password when you first log in.

5.   You will receive a confirmation e-mail message, Subject line: Request for NIWS Account, stating that your request to set up an account to use the NIWS has been received by NVLAP and is being processed.

6.   Within 3 business days, you should receive another e-mail message, Subject line: Request for NIWS Account Status, stating that your request has been processed and approved. Please wait at least 30 minutes after receiving this message before attempting to log into the system. If you do not receive the account approval message within 3 business days, please contact NVLAP at NIWSHELP@nist.gov.

7.   Go to the NIWS Login page (see step #2) and log in using your Login ID and password.

8.   The application process has been designed to be self-directed from this point forward. Please read carefully the instructions found on the first page of the General Application Form. It is recommended that you print these instructions for your reference as you work your way through the application process.

9.   Renewing labs should view and edit their current application information, which will be displayed in the on-line forms, and submit their supporting documents via the NIWS Upload Supporting Documents page.

10.   The application is not complete until you have pressed the I Accept button at the bottom of the Online Payment screen.

11.   Please contact NIWSHELP@nist.gov if you need assistance with your on-line application.

Date created: July 28, 2009
Last updated: August 11, 2009