Calibration Standards

Standards are codified requirements for a process such as calibration or compliance. Promulgated by cooperative industry bodies and/or governmental entities, standards are the cornerstone of calibration.

Three key industry standards govern the way calibration is done around the world today:

ISO/IEC/EN 17025 (compliant): the most rigorous globally-accepted standard. Prescribes "General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories". The service organization providing this calibration meets the requirements of ISO17025.
ISO/IEC/EN 17025 (accredited): the most rigorous globally-accepted standard. Prescribes "General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories". This is verified by an independent accrediting body operating under ISO17011.
ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 (R2002): known as "Z540". A U.S. standard that sets compliance guidelines for "Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test Equipment".
ISO 9001: a set of quality management process standards that confirms adherence to quality guidelines, including calibration and maintenance.

Every compliant calibration will be accompanied by a calibration certificate and other documentation attesting to the standards that have been followed.

A compliant calibration means confidence in the results. Sometimes a freshly "calibrated" instrument comes back to its owner out of specification or with incomplete documentation about traceability and procedures. This may imply that the instrument was calibrated with non-compliant tools or procedures.

Proper calibration means compliance with standards, including traceability requirements, documentation, processes, and competencies. Without this compliance, the calibration—and its measurement results—may be invalid.

Standards Facts

Specific industries, local regulations, or your customers may require 17025-compliant calibration on your test equipment.
Local governmental regulations may add requirements beyond calibration standards.
Calibration in an ISO 9001-compliant facility does not guarantee accreditation.