How Long Does It Take to Become Certified?

The time it takes from receipt of an application until certification can be granted varies significantly based on a number of factors. The Laboratory Certification & Registration Code specifies time limits on most steps of the process, but in many cases, the time it takes to complete each step in the process is significantly less than the maximum.

Application Review

Schedule & Perform Audit

Generate Audit Report

Facility Response

Review historical Program performance in responding to applications.

Application Review (20 business days)

The time required to review any application depends largely on the extent of the application and the extent to which the application is complete (filled out properly, a check in the correct amount is attached, acceptable PT results--where required-- are attached, and any other required materials meet specified criteria and are included). A complete application to add a test within an existing test category ccan be reviewed thge same day it is received. On the other hand, an application form a new laboratory for all test categories can take a week or more to review all the materials.

Application Scenario Example	Aprox. Review Time
Lab X is adding carbonaceous BOD. The lab is already certified for BOD.	1 day
Lab Y is a new lab requesting certification for nearly all categories including Drinking Water.	10-15 days

Schedule & Perform On-Site Evaluation (90 days)

The time required to review any application depends largely on the extent of the application and the extent to which the application is complete (filled out properly, a check in the correct amount is attached, acceptable PT results--where required-- are attached, and any other required materials meet specified criteria and are included). A complete application to add a test within an existing test category can be reviewed the same day it is received. On the other hand, an application from a new laboratory for all test categories can take a week or more to review all the materials.

In special circumstances, the Program reserves the right to waive the on-site evaluation. On-site evaluations are never waived for new laboratories, and rarely waived if the application involves a number of new technologies for an existing laboratory. The auditor may choose to waive the on-site evaluation if the laboratory was audited recently, is in good standing, and the auditor had the opportunity to review the new test(s) while on-site. An additional option, in lieu of an on-site evaluation is for the auditor to perform a "paper" audit of the test(s) under application. Typically, the auditor will ask to see sample calibration data, MDL data, initial dmonstration of capability results, an SOP, and possibly some sample raw data.

Application Scenario Example	Aprox. Time
Lab X is adding carbonaceous BOD. The lab is already certified for BOD. Laboratory was audited within the past 6 months.	Waive audit; grant certification
Lab Y is a new lab requesting certification for nearly all categories including Drinking Water.	21-45 days

Report of On-Site Evaluation (30 days)

The Program goal is to return a report of the on-site evaluation within 30 days of exiting the lab facility. For smaller labs, or labs have been audited numerous times, it may take only a week or two to generate the report. On the other hand, more complex reports may take longer than anticipated. Check in withg your auditor if 30 days has passed to inquire as to whether there is anything else you could submit to facilitate the report generation.

Response to On-Site Evaluation Report (30 days)

The Laboratory Certification and Registration Code (NR 149) allows a laboratory 30 days to respond to any deficiencies identified in the report of an on-site evaluation. To quickly resolve the audit process-and obtain your certification--be surew your response is complete and clearly addresses any deficiencies identified. It's a good idea to attach copies of any documentation available (for each deficiency) which would demionstrate that the appropriate corrective measures have beenm impolemented. You also do not have to wait for the report to begin your response. The closing conference at the conclusion of the audit should serve as a verbal summary of everything which will appear on the final report. Occasionally, additional items are included as the auditor reviews their notes during report peparation phase, but these additional items should be communicatyed to the laboratory as they arise.