Letter from the president.

June 9 marked World Accreditation Day, which is a global initiative to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation. This year's theme focused on how accreditation can be a global tool to support implementation of public policies. As the backbone of an effective code enforcement system, accreditation has become a key element of resiliency.

The new ISO 17025 — what to expect.

First issued in 1999 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 17025 is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world. It was recommended that the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation request that a new work item proposal be established to comprehensively revise ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The format of the new standard — "Revision of ISO/IEC 17025 ISO/CASCO/WG 44" — will be significantly changed to be more in line with new ISO formatting guidelines. The basic format is similar to other new standards such as ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17065.

John Barrios (center) is recognized for his years of service as IAS Board Chair, by new IAS Board Chair James Toscas (left) and IAS President Chuck Ramani.

IAS Board completes leadership transition; continues mission to grow U.S. and global presence.

In April, the IAS Board of Directors transitioned to new leadership for the first time in six years, a move that outgoing and incoming executives believe will further build on IAS's brand in the U.S and around the world.

World Accreditation Day recognized on June 9.

IAS celebrated World Accreditation Day on June 9. This day represents a global initiative, jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation. Learn more and download free resources.

Metal building assemblers accreditation webinar held June 2.

A webinar was held June 2 about the new IAS accreditation program for metal building assemblers. The webinar provided an overview about the AC478 Accreditation Criteria used to assess companies, benefits of the program, and real-life examples from assemblers who have completed it. Presented by the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association and sponsored by Chief Buildings and Butler Manufacturing, the recording of the webinar may be viewed here.

IAS Program Manager David Nelson stopped to take this picture during a renewal assessment of the LIUNA Training and Education Fund.

Laborers Training School displays IAS accreditation pride.

IAS Program Manager David Nelson attended a renewal assessment of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Training and Education Fund. LIUNA is an accredited training agency and curriculum developer showing compliance with IAS AC371 and AC372 Accreditation Criteria for Training Agencies for Work Force Qualification Programs.

IAS Personnel Certification Body accreditation under ISO/IEC Standard 17024 is first to be recognized by PAC.

The International Accreditation Service is the first accreditation body globally to have its Personnel Certification Body accreditation program recognized under the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC). This is a result of a detailed and stringent evaluation conducted by PAC evaluators in August 2015 that included a review of the IAS management system, witnessing of IAS assessors performing personnel certification body assessments, and completing corrective actions raised by the PAC experts.

AllSouth Pre-Engineered Components first company accredited to IAS AC473.

AllSouth Pre-Engineered Components located in Dothan, Ala., is the first company to have an IAS accredited inspection program for building systems cold-formed steel structural and nonstructural components not requiring welding. The staff at AllSouth Pre-Engineered Components, under the direction of Shaun Lokey and Jeff Robinson, is to be commended for their dedication to producing a quality product.

Accredited entities complying with the IAS Accreditation Criteria AC473 have demonstrated that they have the personnel, organization, experience, knowledge, quality procedures and commitment to operate an inspection fabrication program in accordance with specified requirements. IAS-accredited inspection programs for manufacturers of cold-formed steel structural and nonstructural components not requiring welding operate under a documented quality system developed in concert with an IAS-accredited inspection agency which conducts unannounced inspections to verify continued compliance with this criteria. Accredited entities are evaluated for their ability to consistently inspect fabrication that meets the required quality mandated by specified requirements. This criteria does not cover the products or the design or performance characteristics of the products.

Upcoming ISO/IEC standards training.

The IAS training program schedule for the first semester of 2016 is now available on the IAS website. Courses include training on ISO Standards 17020, 17021, 17024, 17025, 31000, 22000, and Special Inspection Agency Accreditation. Receive a 30-percent discount for early registrations.

ISO/IEC Standard 17024 | July 11-13 | Washington, D.C.
ISO/IEC Standard 17025 | July 18-20 | Chicago, Ill.
Uncertainty of Measurement | July 21-22 | Chicago, Ill.
Risk Analysis/ISO 31000 | June 27-29 | Los Angeles, Calif.

Spreading the word about IAS accreditation.

IAS provided accreditation information about through exhibits and/or presentations at the following events in the past few months:

North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference | Orlando, Fla.
Food Safety Summit | Chicago, Ill.
American Society of Quality | Milwaukee, Wis.
Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association Annual Conference | Clearwater, Fla.

Look for the IAS accreditation mark.

When you see the IAS Accreditation mark associated with a company or organization, you know IAS has evaluated it for competence and quality.

Seeking contract technical assessors and experts.

IAS is seeking contract technical assessors and experts with experience in assessing the management and technical processes of laboratories, inspection agencies, building departments and product certification agencies.

Let us know what you are thinking.

IAS strives to continually improve our services and solicits feedback, positive or negative, which we will use to provide better service to our clients and stakeholders. Visit the Contact Us page of the IAS website to share your comments.

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