Laboratory accreditation

The CMEC’s laboratory accreditation program provides laboratory assessments, quality management system evaluations and proficiency testing based on AASHTO, ASTM and/or state methods of testing to construction material testing laboratories that work with the following materials: 

• Concrete
• Aggregate 
• Masonry 
• Soil
• Pavement Preservation
• Cement 
• Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials
• Hot Mix Asphalt 
• Asphalt Binder
• Rebar

The process of becoming accredited helps your laboratory improve its quality through a detailed review of your test methods, equipment and quality management system. Many laboratories that are new to the program find the process to be a bit overwhelming, but ultimately they appreciate the benefits of knowing that their laboratory is maintaining the highest standards in the industry.

All laboratories are required to conform to the requirements of AASHTO R18, the Recommended Practices for Establishing and Implementing a Quality Management System for Construction Materials Testing Laboratories to become accredited through the CMEC Accreditation Program.

The on-site assessment and quality management system evaluation requirements specified by the CMEC Accreditation Program includes a visit by CMEC laboratory assessors to evaluate the apparatus and procedures used to conduct the physical tests for which the laboratory requested accreditation. The laboratory assessors will also evaluate the laboratory’s quality management system implementation efforts and ensure that the laboratory is following all necessary procedures. These visits allow CMEC to closely monitor the laboratory’s performance and conformance to accreditation standards.

A laboratory seeking accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025 must submit an application along with a copy of its current quality management system and supporting documentation (such as standard operating procedures), a copy of its most recent internal audit report, and a copy of the records from its most recent management review. 

CMEC will contact the laboratory if the quality management system is in compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 or if additional information is required to confirm compliance. CMEC will then schedule a date for the initial on-site audit of the laboratory.