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Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
Accreditation Programs
The NELAC Institute (TNI) 
: (Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Radiochemistry, Air) NELAP recognized Accrediting Bodies accredit environmental laboratories to the 2003 NELAC Standard.
Note: This program is in the final stages of transition from the former National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC), National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), and the Institute for National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation (INELA) to the use of their own standards.
EPA Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program: (Chemistry, Microbiology, Radiochemistry) The Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program is managed through a cooperative effort between the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water and the Office of Research and Development. Laboratories analyzing drinking water compliance samples must be certified by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) or the State.
NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP): (Asbestos) NVLAP provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories. NVLAP’s accreditation programs are established in response to Congressional mandates or administrative actions by the Federal Government or from requests by private-sector organizations. NVLAP is in full conformance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17011.
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) : (Environmental Lead, Environmental Microbiology) The Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELLAP), recognized by the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP), accredits laboratories performing analysis of lead in environmental samples including paint, soil, dust wipes, and air. The Environmental Microbiology Accreditation Program (EMLAP), is specifically for labs identifying microorganisms commonly detected in air, fluids, and bulk samples during indoor air quality studies.
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) : (Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Radiochemistry, Air, Proficiency Testing Suppliers) A2LA is a nonprofit, non-governmental, public service, membership society. The mission of A2LA is to provide comprehensive services in laboratory accreditation and laboratory-related training. Services are available to any type of organization, be it private or government. Laboratory accreditation is based on internationally accepted criteria for competence (ISO/IEC 17025:2005). A2LA also offers programs for accreditation of inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers and product certification bodies.
Standard Sources
The NELAC Institute (TNI) : TNI is a non-profit membership organization established to promote a national laboratory accreditation program based on a set of consensus standards.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) : ANSI is a private, not-for-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Through ANSI, the U.S. has immediate access to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards development process. ISO standards are available for purchase from ANSI.
ASTM International : ASTM is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems, and services.