ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratory Competence Foundation Level Training and Certification Program

Programme Summary

Build a practical understanding of how competent laboratories produce dependable testing and calibration results. Participants connect ISO/IEC 17025 requirements with sample handling, equipment, methods, personnel and reporting. Guided laboratory cases reveal how impartiality, technical evidence and management controls work together, helping teams recognise weaknesses and contribute effectively to a reliable laboratory system.

Training Objectives

1 Explain laboratory competence requirements and responsibilities; 2 Connect technical controls with valid results; 3 Recognise impartiality and confidentiality risks; 4 Understand evidence supporting laboratory assurance; 5 Prioritise practical laboratory improvement actions.

Learning Outcomes

1 Map a sample through laboratory processes; 2 Identify gaps in technical control evidence; 3 Explain a basic measurement traceability chain; 4 Distinguish verification from method validation; 5 Prepare a prioritised laboratory action list.

Target Audience

Laboratory Technicians; Laboratory Supervisors; Quality Coordinators; Technical Managers; Sample Reception Supervisors.

Target Industries

Independent Testing Laboratories; Calibration Laboratories; Food Testing Laboratories; Environmental Testing Laboratories; Materials Testing Laboratories; Industrial Quality Laboratories.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Laboratory Competence Framework: Testing calibration and sampling activities; Scope boundaries and laboratory responsibilities; Competence versus system documentation.
• Module 2 Impartiality and Confidentiality: Commercial pressures on technical decisions; Identifying impartiality risks and safeguards; Protecting customer and laboratory information.
• Module 3 Organisation and Responsibilities: Legal identity and defined structure; Technical authority and escalation routes; Communication across laboratory functions.
• Module 4 People and Working Conditions: Personnel competence and authorisation evidence; Environmental conditions affecting laboratory results; Facilities segregation and contamination controls.
• Module 5 Equipment and Traceability: Equipment suitability and calibration status; Intermediate checks and maintenance records; Traceability chains and reference materials.
• Module 6 Customer Requests and Methods: Contract review and capability decisions; Standard method selection and verification; Validation of modified laboratory methods.
• Module 7 Sampling and Sample Handling: Sampling plans and representative collection; Identification transport and acceptance checks; Storage retention and sample disposition.
• Module 8 Technical Records and Data: Contemporaneous observations and traceable calculations; Controlled methods and data transfers; Computerised systems and access controls.
• Module 9 Uncertainty and Result Validity: Sources of measurement result uncertainty; Internal quality control and trends; Proficiency testing and comparison evidence.
• Module 10 Reporting and Laboratory Decisions: Reports certificates and authorised release; Decision rules and conformity statements; Complaints and nonconforming laboratory work.
• Module 11 Management System Controls: Document control and record retention; Risks corrective action and improvement; Internal audits and management review.
• Module 12 Laboratory Case Application: Mapping requirements to working evidence; Recognising gaps affecting result validity; Prioritising actions and accountable owners.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (45 minutes): Review a fictional sample to report workflow, identify five control weaknesses and prepare an evidence based improvement list.
• Assessment criteria: Accurate requirement interpretation; Relevant technical evidence selection; Proportionate improvement priorities.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records foundation knowledge of laboratory competence requirements; it does not grant method authorisation, laboratory accreditation or assessor appointment.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

No formal qualification is required. Familiarity with testing or calibration activities is recommended; basic numeracy supports the laboratory case exercises.No formal qualification is required. Familiarity with testing or calibration activities is recommended; basic numeracy supports the laboratory case exercises.No formal qualification is required. Familiarity with testing or calibration activities is recommended; basic numeracy supports the laboratory case exercises.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a fictional laboratory workflow for 30 minutes and complete a short terminology diagnostic.Review a fictional laboratory workflow for 30 minutes and complete a short terminology diagnostic.Review a fictional laboratory workflow for 30 minutes and complete a short terminology diagnostic.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.