Instructions for Completing an Application

A General Application Form must be completed and submitted with every application for accreditation. The General Application must be signed by the Authorized Representative of the applicant laboratory. Before submitting an applicationfor accreditation, the Authorized Representative should review the entire application package and become familiar with NVLAP accreditation requirements.

Program-Specific Application

A Program-Specific Application must be completed for each Field of Accreditation for which an applicant laboratory is requesting accreditation. Most Program-Specific Application forms contain a test method selection list that shows the NVLAP Test Method Code, Test Method Designation, and Title of each test method available for accreditation in a particular field. From this list, applicants select the methods to be considered for accreditation.

In the Calibration Laboratories program, applicants select from a list of calibration laboratory parameters and provide the uncertainty desired for each parameter.

Fee Calculation Worksheets

There are two Fee Calculation Worksheets: one for the Testing Fields of Accreditation and one for the Calibration Laboratories program. An applicant laboratory must complete the appropriate Fee Calculation Worksheet using the current NVLAPFee Schedule , and remit a fee with the application. Payment may be made by check, purchase order, or charge card. An application will not be processed until payment is received.

NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements

Each applicant should thoroughly review the NVLAP accreditation requirements in NIST Handbook 150 before submitting an application for accreditation. NIST Handbook 150 presents the basic procedures under which NVLAP operates and the general requirements for accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories. Clauses 4 and 5 of the handbook include all managerial and technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

To view and print a copy of NIST Handbook 150:2006 , click here.

Program-Specific Handbook

NVLAP currently offers eighteen program-specific handbooks for the testingand calibration accreditation programs. These handbooks are published as part of the NIST Handbook 150 series and contain the procedures and technical requirements that are specific to a given program. The program-specific handbooks complement and supplement the information contained in NIST Handbook 150. Program-specific handbooks also contain interpretive comments that make the general NVLAP criteria specifcally applicable to a program.

To view and print a copy of a program-specific handbook for a particular program,click here.

Submitting an Application to NVLAP

When documents have been reviewed and application forms have been completed, send the forms with payment to:

NVLAP/Accounts
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Building 101/Room A800
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1624
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1624

Checks and purchase orders should be made payable to : National Institute of Standards and Technology. Print "NVLAP" on the check or purchase order to ensure that payment will be credited to the proper account. To make payment by charge card, complete the Authorization to Charge Mastercard or Visa that is included with the Fee Calculation Worksheet.

To continue, please proceed to the NVLAPFee Policy.

Date created: January 02, 1999
Last updated: February 14, 2008