National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA)

NACLA was formed as a voluntary cooperation of regulators, specifiers, accreditation bodies and laboratories performing scientific testing to work toward a common goal: standardization of laboratory accreditation throughout the US. NACLA now has streamlined that focus to Construction Materials Testing.

NACLA is governed by the Independent Laboratories Institute, a non-profit 501(c)(3) part of ACIL, with a board of directors representing construction materials and engineering, conformity assessment, environmental and food testing and accreditation bodies. The non-profit 501(c)(3) status allows broad collaboration with regulatory agencies on problems of mutual interest. For additional information, click here.

Why is NACLA accreditation important?

Most data customers are aware that getting their data from an accredited laboratory brings them benefits, such as uniformity, predictable quality and transparency in the accreditation process.

But what about qualifications of the body providing the laboratory accreditation? NACLA provides a mechanism for these bodies to ensure:

• Stakeholder involvement
• Assessor forum and training
• Proficiency test requirements coordination
• Coordinated check-sheet development
• Guidance document coordination

More confidence and predictability in the laboratory accreditation results. In addition, laboratories are assured that their accreditation process has been thoughtfully considered to be uniform and specific to their needs. Currently recognized accrediting bodies can be found here.

To learn more about and apply for NACLA recognition click here.