ISO 17025 scope details: test methods, matrices, accreditation body review cycles, and how to read a scope certificate correctly.
What does an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation scope cover for a water testing laboratory?
An ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation scope lists the specific tests, test methods, and matrices (e.g., drinking water, wastewater, sludge) the laboratory is accredited to perform. It does not grant blanket competence — a laboratory accredited for turbidity by Method X is not automatically accredited to report turbidity by Method Y. The scope is periodically reviewed by the accreditation body. Results outside the accredited scope must be clearly labelled as not-accredited in reports.