accreditation aashto laboratories testing assessment accredited quality

AASHTO Accreditation# AASHTO AccreditationThe AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) formally recognizes the competency ofthousands of testing laboratories to perform specific tests on constructionmaterials. In addition to being the largest accrediting body in theconstruction materials industry, the AAP is also the most widely-accepted.AASHTO-Accredited laboratories have proven their commitment to quality and canset themselves apart from their competitors.## BenefitsAs an AASHTO-Accredited laboratory, you are able to * demonstrate conformance to specific national and international standards * enhance confidence in the testing your laboratory provides * expand your business opportunities by being eligible to work for more national, state, and local entities that require accreditation * be a member of an elite group of testing laboratories that is dedicated to quality testing and continuous improvement * influence and improve standards * stay up-to-date with trends and issues in the industry## ScopeAASHTO Accreditation applies to specific laboratory locations and does nothave umbrella coverage from the parent entity, each location must maintain itsown accreditation.Accredited laboratories undergo rigorous third-party assessments. During theseassessments, each test method is demonstrated in its entirety by thelaboratory’s technical staff, and the testing apparatus associated with eachtest is evaluated. The assessment also includes a thorough review of thelaboratory’s quality management system, including records of techniciantraining and competency evaluations as well as equipment calibration and checkrecords. Additionally, a detailed review of all accreditation requirements,including participation in the AASHTO re:source and CCRL proficiency sampleprograms, is conducted for each accredited laboratory at least once per year.The AAP accredits laboratories for over 650 AASHTO, ASTM, state, and industrystandards in the following fields of testing: * asphalt binder * asphalt mixtures * emulsified asphalt * aggregate * soil * rock * sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM) * pavement preservation| * concrete * Pozzolan * hydraulic cement * slag cement * masonry * iron and steel * cementitious materials * dimension stone * controlled low strength material (CLSM) * ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) —|— ## Obtaining Accreditation * Ensure that your laboratory’s practices and quality management system (QMS) meet the requirements of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedure Manual, AASHTO R 18, and any other ASTM quality system specifications that you may need to comply with such as C1077, D3666, D3740, and E329. * Schedule an assessment with AASHTO re:source for asphalt binder, emulsified asphalt, hot mix asphalt, aggregate, soil, sprayed fire-resistive materials, pavement preservation, or metals testing accreditation. For concrete, cement, masonry, or rebar testing accreditation, please contact CCRL for the assessment. * Enroll in the appropriate AASHTO re:source or CCRL proficiency sample programs. Enrollment in AASHTO re:source-supplied samples will be done automatically once we receive your request for accreditation. Please contact CCRL for enrollment in their program. * Complete your Annual Review form online. You can only view this documentation when logged into our website. The documentation provides us with your organizational structure, along with other basic laboratory and personnel information. * Resolve the nonconformities noted in your assessment within 60 days of the issuance of the report. Please log in to our website and click “View My Accreditation Events” to submit responses. * Laboratories granted accreditation based on an initial remote assessment or inspection shall have an abbreviated on-site assessment or inspection in approximately one year.## Maintaining Accreditation * Receive regularly scheduled assessments by AASHTO re:source and/or CCRL. * Actively participate in the applicable proficiency sample programs provided by AASHTO re:source and/or CCRL. * Follow all AAP Procedures for completion of corrective actions by the specified deadlines.## Directory of Accredited LaboratoriesUsers can search for specific laboratories by city or state/country using thedirectory of accredited laboratories. The directory is updated frequently and is the sole source for currentaccreditation information. The directory includes the following informationfor each accredited laboratory: laboratory name, address, contact information,accredited test methods, and date(s) of initial accreditation for each testingfield.## More InformationFind additional resources for AASHTO Accreditation on theAccreditation Documentspage or on ourre:Universitypages.## Service ExpectationsWe strive to provide excellent service to our customers by being professional,accurate, competent, and timely. We expect staff to always communicate to ourcustomers in a professional manner, provide detailed analysis and responses tocustomer inquiries, and review assessment corrective actions within 2 weeks ofreceiving them from the laboratory. Our goal for responses to emails and phonecalls is 2 business days, but keep in mind that we will only call you back ifyou leave a message.