ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training - Testing and Calibration Laboratory Competence at Bureau Veritas Cambodia

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training - Testing and Calibration Laboratory Competence at Bureau Veritas Cambodia

1. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training Course at Bureau Veritas Cambodia

On 13 and 14 September 2019, VINTECOM International’s training experts conducted an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 training course for Bureau Veritas Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as part of VINTECOM International’s overseas training and consulting cooperation activities.

The training program focused on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 – General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, with particular emphasis on both management-system requirements and technical requirements applicable to testing and calibration laboratories.

The program was designed to help laboratory personnel understand the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and apply them to practical laboratory activities, including personnel competence, testing methods, equipment, environmental conditions, sampling, measurement uncertainty, technical records and test reporting.

Figure 1: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training Course conducted by VINTECOM International at Bureau Veritas Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 13–14 September 2019.

2. Objectives of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training Program

The main objective of the training was to provide participants with a practical understanding of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the principles required to demonstrate the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.

The training addressed key subjects including:

Understanding the structure and requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Impartiality and objectivity in laboratory activities.
Confidentiality and protection of customer information.
Risk and opportunity management.
Competence of laboratory personnel.
Management and control of testing and calibration equipment.
Facilities and environmental conditions.
Selection, verification and validation of test methods.
Measurement uncertainty.
Sampling and handling of test and calibration items.
Technical records and traceability.
Reporting of test and calibration results.
Evaluation of laboratory activities and continual improvement.

The training approach combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and realistic laboratory situations.

3. Understanding and Applying ISO/IEC 17025:2017

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 establishes general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.

The standard applies to organizations performing testing, calibration and related laboratory activities. Its requirements are intended to ensure that laboratory results are technically valid, reliable and generated through controlled and competent processes.

During the training, participants reviewed the relationship between management requirements and technical requirements.

Particular attention was given to the fact that laboratory competence cannot be demonstrated solely through documented procedures. The laboratory must also demonstrate that its personnel, equipment, methods, facilities, records and technical processes are capable of producing valid results.

4. Validation and Verification of Test Methods

One of the important technical topics of the training was the selection, verification and validation of test methods.

Participants learned how laboratories should determine whether a method is suitable for its intended application and how objective technical evidence can be used to demonstrate method performance.

Depending on the nature of the method and application, the training discussed relevant characteristics such as:

Bias;
Precision;
Accuracy;
Repeatability;
Reproducibility;
Stability;
Detection capability, where applicable;
Comparison with validated or established methods;
Use of certified reference materials or reference materials; and
Interlaboratory comparisons.

Method validation should be based on the intended use of the method and appropriate technical evidence. The laboratory needs to establish that the selected or developed method is suitable for the activities it performs.

The training therefore emphasized the importance of combining documented procedures with objective technical evidence.

5. Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty was another major technical subject addressed during the course.

Participants were introduced to the principles for identifying and evaluating sources of uncertainty associated with measurement and testing processes.

Depending on the laboratory activity, potential sources may include:

Measuring equipment;
Reference standards;
Calibration;
Environmental conditions;
Sample preparation;
Test methods;
Personnel;
Measurement resolution; and
Other relevant factors affecting measurement results.

The objective is not simply to calculate an uncertainty value, but to establish a technically justified approach that reflects the laboratory's actual measurement process.

Understanding measurement uncertainty is particularly important for calibration laboratories and for testing activities where uncertainty contributes to the interpretation and reporting of results.

6. Sampling, Technical Records and Reporting

The training also covered sampling, technical records and reporting of results.

Sampling activities can directly affect the validity and representativeness of laboratory results. Therefore, laboratories need to establish appropriate sampling processes based on the applicable methods, customer requirements and intended use of the results.

Participants discussed requirements related to:

Sampling plans;
Sampling methods;
Identification of samples;
Handling and transportation;
Environmental conditions where relevant;
Recording sampling information; and
Traceability of samples and related records.

The course also emphasized the importance of maintaining complete and traceable technical records.

Technical records should provide sufficient evidence that the laboratory activities were performed according to the applicable requirements and that the reported results can be technically supported.

Reporting requirements were also discussed, including the appropriate presentation of test or calibration results and relevant technical information.

7. Risk-Based Thinking in Laboratory Activities

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 incorporates a risk-based approach into the operation of laboratories.

During the training, participants examined how laboratories can identify risks and opportunities associated with their activities and determine appropriate actions.

Risk-based thinking may be applied to areas such as:

Impartiality;
Personnel competence;
Equipment and measurement systems;
Test methods;
Sampling;
Environmental conditions;
Data integrity;
Confidentiality;
Validity of results; and
Laboratory operations.

The purpose is to ensure that potential risks affecting the validity of laboratory activities are identified and appropriately controlled.

A practical risk-based approach should be proportionate to the nature and complexity of the laboratory's activities rather than becoming a purely documentation-driven exercise.

8. Practical Training and Case-Based Exercises

VINTECOM International used an interactive approach throughout the training program.

Instead of relying solely on theoretical presentations, participants were involved in practical discussions, examples and simulated laboratory situations.

The exercises were designed to help participants:

Interpret ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements;
Identify potential nonconformities;
Analyze laboratory situations;
Determine appropriate corrective actions;
Evaluate objective evidence;
Apply risk-based thinking; and
Understand how requirements can be implemented in actual laboratory operations.

The training also incorporated assessment techniques based on the objectives and risks associated with laboratory activities.

This approach helped participants connect the requirements of the standard with their daily laboratory responsibilities.

9. Techniques for Assessing Laboratory Activities

The course included practical guidance on evaluating laboratory activities and determining whether objective evidence demonstrates conformity with applicable requirements.

Participants were introduced to techniques for reviewing:

Documents and procedures;
Technical records;
Personnel competence;
Equipment and calibration status;
Test methods;
Method validation and verification records;
Sampling activities;
Measurement uncertainty evaluations;
Environmental conditions;
Test reports; and
Other relevant laboratory evidence.

The training emphasized evidence-based assessment rather than conclusions based solely on interviews or documentation.

Effective assessment requires the evaluator to understand both the requirement and the technical process being evaluated.

10. Examination and Post-Training Assessment

At the end of the training program, participants completed an examination covering the key requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and assessment techniques based on ISO 19011:2018, which was the applicable edition at the time of the 2019 training program.

The assessment was designed to evaluate participants' understanding of the standard and their ability to apply relevant assessment techniques to practical situations.

The examination and practical exercises provided an additional means of confirming the participants' understanding following the training sessions.

Historical note: The training described in this case study was conducted in September 2019. Accordingly, ISO 19011:2018 is referenced because it was the edition used for the assessment-related training at that time.

11. VINTECOM International – ISO/IEC 17025 Training and Consulting

VINTECOM International provides professional ISO/IEC 17025 training and consulting services for organizations developing, implementing, maintaining or improving laboratory management and technical processes.

The consulting approach can be adapted to the laboratory's scope, technical activities, organizational structure and applicable customer or regulatory requirements.

Depending on the project scope, consulting and training may address:

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements;
Laboratory management system implementation;
Laboratory competence;
Impartiality and confidentiality;
Personnel competence;
Equipment and metrological traceability;
Test and calibration methods;
Method verification and validation;
Measurement uncertainty;
Sampling;
Technical records;
Reporting of results;
Internal assessment;
Corrective action;
Risk and opportunity management; and
Preparation for laboratory accreditation assessment.

VINTECOM's approach emphasizes practical implementation and objective evidence rather than documentation alone.

12. Why ISO/IEC 17025 Training Is Important

For testing and calibration laboratories, technical competence is fundamental to the credibility and reliability of laboratory results.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 provides a framework for demonstrating that a laboratory operates competently and is capable of producing valid results consistently.

Effective training helps laboratory personnel understand not only what the requirements are, but also how the requirements should be implemented and demonstrated through objective evidence.

This is particularly important for organizations preparing for or maintaining laboratory accreditation, expanding their testing or calibration scope, improving technical processes, or strengthening the competence of laboratory personnel.

13. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training and Consulting Services

VINTECOM International can develop customized ISO/IEC 17025:2017 training and consulting programs according to the customer's laboratory activities and objectives.

Training may be organized as:

In-house training;
Practical laboratory training;
Internal auditor training;
Technical personnel training;
Awareness training;
Customized technical workshops; and
Training combined with consulting and implementation support.

Consulting services can also be structured according to the laboratory's current status, identified gaps and target scope.

Before proposing a program, VINTECOM can review the laboratory's requirements, scope of activities, existing management system and technical processes to determine an appropriate training or consulting approach.

14. Registration and Quotation

Organizations interested in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training and Consulting Services can contact VINTECOM International to discuss their requirements and request a customized quotation.

The proposed program can be developed according to:

Laboratory scope;
Number of participants;
Training location;
Training duration;
Technical subjects;
Existing laboratory management system;
Target accreditation scope; and
Specific customer or regulatory requirements.

For organizations with specific technical activities, VINTECOM can also customize the training content around actual laboratory processes and practical situations.

📶📶📶 Contact to register for Training and Consulting services for ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory

Customers, Organizations and Enterprises require the Training course, Consulting and certification services of ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory. Please click on "Registration - Quotation" or on the right toolbar below the PC screen to receive a quotation for Training, Consulting and Certification services.

📶📶📶 Further information, Please contact us as below:

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