Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Accreditation Isn’t the Finish Line

Getting accredited feels like crossing a finish line.
But here’s the truth: for your lab, it’s actually the starting point.

Achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation proves your competence today. Maintaining it proves your consistency tomorrow — and every day after that.
That’s where surveillance assessments come in.

I’ve seen labs breathe a sigh of relief after their initial accreditation, only to scramble a year later when the surveillance notice hits their inbox. It’s not that they stopped caring — it’s that they didn’t realize accreditation is an ongoing relationship, not a one-time certificate.

Surveillance assessments are how your accreditation body checks that your lab’s management system and technical operations still meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. They’re less intense than the initial audit — but they’re just as important.

If you treat them like a formality, they can trip you up.
If you treat them like a system health check, they can help you improve, stay confident, and strengthen your credibility with clients.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what happens during surveillance assessments, what assessors focus on, and how you can maintain your accreditation without the stress.

Understanding ISO/IEC 17025 Surveillance Assessments

Here’s the thing most labs don’t realize right away — accreditation isn’t permanent.
Once you’ve earned your ISO/IEC 17025 certificate, your accreditation body will check in periodically to make sure your system is still effective. Those check-ins are called surveillance assessments.

They’re not full-blown re-accreditations, but they’re far more than a casual visit.
Think of them as a progress review — a structured look at how your quality system, calibration practices, and technical procedures are holding up over time.

What Is a Surveillance Assessment?

A surveillance assessment is a follow-up evaluation your accreditation body conducts to verify that your lab continues to meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements after initial accreditation.
It’s essentially a maintenance audit. The focus is narrower than your first assessment — but the goal is the same: proving your competence hasn’t slipped.

Surveillance assessments are usually scheduled every 12 to 18 months (depending on the accreditation body).
If your system has changed significantly — say you added a new test method or relocated — the body might adjust the timing or scope.

Surveillance vs. Reassessment

It’s easy to mix the two up, so let’s clear it up:

• Initial Assessment: Full accreditation audit when you first apply.

• Surveillance Assessment: A focused review that keeps your accreditation active during the 4-year cycle.

• Reassessment: A full system audit at the end of that 4-year cycle to renew accreditation.

So while your surveillance visits are “lighter,” they’re not optional. If you skip or fail one, your accreditation can be suspended.

Why It Matters

Surveillance keeps your credibility alive. It tells clients and regulators that your results aren’t just valid once — they’re consistently reliable.
Accreditation bodies use these audits to ensure that your system hasn’t slipped into bad habits or outdated practices.

Pro tip:
Treat each surveillance as a real-time benchmark for how your lab performs under daily conditions — not a scramble to prepare once a year.

Common Misconception

Some labs assume surveillance is just a repeat of the first audit, so they “reuse” old documentation and audit responses.
Assessors notice that immediately.
They’re looking for evidence of active maintenance — updated records, retrained staff, recalibrated equipment, and continuous improvement.

Bottom line:
Surveillance assessments aren’t about catching you off guard. They exist to prove your lab is still competent, consistent, and improving — exactly what accreditation is meant to represent.

Typical Surveillance Assessment Timeline and Scope

If your initial accreditation was the “big exam,” think of surveillance as your annual performance review — shorter, focused, but just as meaningful.
The key difference? You already know what’s expected.

Still, a lot of labs underestimate how much time to set aside for surveillance and what assessors will actually look at. So let’s walk through the timeline and scope step by step.

1. Notification and Planning (1–2 Months Before)

Your accreditation body will notify you well in advance — usually 8 to 12 weeks before your scheduled surveillance date.
You’ll receive:

• A proposed audit plan

• The names of assessors

• A list of requested documents (like internal audit reports, training records, and equipment calibrations)

This is your early warning to tidy up records, confirm staff availability, and make sure nothing major has slipped through the cracks since your last audit.

Pro tip:
Don’t wait for the notice to start preparing. Keep your system “audit-ready” year-round, and the planning phase will take days instead of weeks.

2. Document Review

Some accreditation bodies conduct a remote document review before the on-site visit.
They’ll check updates to your quality manual, recent calibration records, or management review results.
If assessors flag any concerns early, you’ll have time to fix them before they arrive — saving you both time during the audit.

3. On-Site or Hybrid Assessment (1–3 Days)

The on-site portion is shorter than your initial audit — typically 1 to 3 assessor days, depending on your lab size and scope.
Assessors focus on areas that have changed or that were weak in the past. Expect them to review:

• Corrective actions from the last audit

• Internal audits and management reviews

• Calibration traceability and reference standards

• Competence evaluations and training updates

• Equipment maintenance and environmental controls

• A few selected technical methods (not your full scope)

In many cases, they’ll also observe a live test or calibration to verify consistency.

4. Post-Audit Reporting and Corrective Actions

After the assessment, you’ll receive a summary report listing any nonconformities (NCs) or observations.
You’ll typically get 30–60 days to close those findings and submit evidence of corrective actions.

Pro tip:
Always respond with documentation — not just explanations. Assessors want proof that fixes were implemented, not promises they’ll happen.

5. Certificate Maintenance

Once your corrective actions are accepted, your accreditation status continues uninterrupted.
If there were major findings that weren’t properly resolved, your certificate might be suspended or downgraded — but that’s rare for well-prepared labs.

How the Scope Is Determined

Unlike your initial accreditation, surveillance focuses on representative samples of your work, not every test or calibration.
However, if you’ve added new parameters or expanded your scope, expect the audit to include those areas too.

Example:
A calibration lab that added temperature calibration to its scope since the last audit will need to demonstrate full traceability and competence for that new area.

Bottom line:
Surveillance assessments are shorter and more focused, but they’re still thorough.
If you stay ready year-round, the entire process becomes a structured review—not a mad dash to clean up before the assessor walks in.

What Assessors Focus On During Surveillance

Here’s something I tell every lab I work with:
Assessors don’t come to catch you—they come to confirm you’re still competent.
And to do that efficiently, they focus on a few key areas that tell them everything about how your lab’s system is performing in real life.

If your team understands these focus points and keeps them in good shape, you’ll sail through most surveillance audits with minimal findings.

1. Corrective Actions from the Previous Audit

This is always the first thing on an assessor’s checklist.
They’ll revisit every nonconformity (NC) or observation raised during your last audit to verify it’s been properly addressed.

That means:

• Root causes were analyzed (not just symptoms).

• Corrective actions were implemented.

• Evidence of effectiveness is documented.

Pro tip:
Keep a “Corrective Action Tracker” that includes clause references, root causes, actions taken, and verification dates. It shows assessors you take continuous improvement seriously.

2. Internal Audit and Management Review

Assessors use these as indicators of how well your system is maintained.
They’ll look for:

• Recent internal audit reports covering both management and technical clauses.

• Clear evidence of findings and follow-ups.

• Management review minutes showing discussion of performance, resources, and risks.

Common pitfall:
Labs often complete the audit but skip recording follow-ups or decisions made in the management review. Assessors will notice missing continuity.

3. Equipment Calibration and Traceability

Equipment records are a surveillance audit magnet.
Assessors will pick a few instruments and trace their calibration records back to national or international standards.

They’ll check:

• Valid calibration certificates

• Uncertainty budgets

• Equipment maintenance logs

• Labels showing calibration status

If even one key instrument is overdue or lacks traceability, expect a finding.

4. Staff Competence and Training Records

Assessors know procedures don’t execute themselves—people do.
They’ll verify that staff performing key tests or calibrations are still competent and trained for their tasks.
Expect them to review:

• Competence matrices

• Training plans

• Records of technical evaluations or requalifications

Pro tip:
Keep records of on-the-job training and proficiency testing. Practical evidence speaks louder than paper certificates.

5. Measurement Uncertainty and Method Validity

Even in a short surveillance audit, uncertainty and method validation always make the list.
Assessors might ask you to explain how you estimated uncertainty or validated a method change since your last audit.

They want to see that you didn’t just calculate uncertainty once and forget about it—it should evolve as your methods, instruments, or materials change.

6. Customer Feedback and Complaints Handling

Many labs overlook this area until the audit reminder hits.
Assessors expect you to:

• Log customer complaints

• Investigate and document corrective actions

• Review recurring issues in management reviews

Even one ignored complaint can trigger a finding if it wasn’t analyzed for impact.

7. Evidence of Continuous Improvement

Assessors love seeing signs that your system is alive—improved processes, updated procedures, or staff suggestions implemented.
You don’t need flashy initiatives—just consistent small steps that show awareness and progress.

Example from the Field

A calibration lab I supported used a simple monthly “system health” meeting to review calibration backlogs, complaints, and internal audit progress.
By the time their surveillance came around, every assessor comment started with: “I see you’ve already addressed this.”
That’s the level of readiness you want.

Bottom line:
If you stay sharp in these core areas—previous NCs, audits, equipment, staff competence, and uncertainty—you’ll not only pass surveillance smoothly but also prove your lab is genuinely committed to maintaining technical excellence.

Preparing for a Smooth Surveillance Audit

Here’s the secret most accredited labs eventually learn:
You don’t prepare for surveillance once a year—you maintain readiness all year.
The labs that stay audit-ready don’t panic when the notification email arrives. They just organize their records, confirm staff schedules, and keep moving.

Preparation isn’t about rushing—it’s about discipline and consistency. Let’s break it down into practical steps that actually work.

1. Keep Your System “Alive” Year-Round

ISO/IEC 17025 isn’t a set of binders you dust off once a year—it’s a living system.
That means:

• Regularly updating your procedures when processes change.

• Recording calibration and maintenance activities as they happen.

• Conducting internal audits and management reviews on schedule.

Pro tip:
Set recurring reminders for system reviews—quarterly works best for most labs.
It’s easier to manage four 1-hour reviews than one 12-hour scramble before an audit.

2. Plan Internal Audits Strategically

Your internal audit is your dress rehearsal. Don’t treat it like a box-ticking exercise.

• Cover all ISO/IEC 17025 clauses over the year.

• Revisit technical areas that caused previous findings.

• Follow up on corrective actions and verify closure.

If you find something off, fix it before assessors do—it saves time, embarrassment, and paperwork.

Example:
One small materials testing lab I worked with rotated internal auditors quarterly.
By the end of the year, every clause was reviewed, and every finding was closed well before surveillance.
Their assessor literally said, “You made this easy for us.”

3. Refresh Staff Competency Records

Don’t wait until audit week to collect signatures or training proofs.
Keep an updated competency matrix showing who is authorized for what, and when each qualification was last verified.

If you’ve onboarded new staff, ensure they’ve been trained under supervision and that their records reflect that.
Assessors always ask: “Who’s authorized to perform this method?” — be ready with proof.

4. Verify Equipment and Calibration Records

This is where most surveillance findings come from.
Make sure:

• All calibration certificates are valid and traceable.

• Equipment is labeled with current calibration status.

• Maintenance and verification logs are complete.

Pro tip:
Audit your equipment list every month. It takes 10 minutes and prevents the “Oh no, this is expired” moment during surveillance.

5. Review Proficiency Testing and Method Validation

Assessors will check that you’ve participated in relevant proficiency tests (PTs) or interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) since your last audit.
Keep PT records, results, and follow-up actions organized.
If a PT result was outside acceptable limits, make sure your corrective action is documented and closed.

6. Conduct a Mini Management Review

If your last full management review was several months ago, do a short update before surveillance.
Cover key metrics: customer complaints, turnaround times, training, PT results, and internal audit outcomes.
A simple one-page summary shows assessors that management remains actively involved.

7. Organize Documentation and Records

During the audit, speed matters.
When assessors ask for records, delays give the impression you’re unprepared—even if your system is solid.
Use a digital folder system or index where every clause reference points to related evidence.

Pro tip:
Label files clearly by clause number (e.g., 6.2 Staff Competence, 7.6 Measurement Uncertainty).
Assessors appreciate quick navigation—and it makes you look in control.

8. Build a “Surveillance Prep Checklist”

This simple tool keeps your entire team aligned.
Include sections for:

• Internal audit completion

• Management review minutes

• Equipment calibration status

• Training and competence updates

• Corrective action follow-ups

A shared checklist turns preparation into teamwork instead of last-minute firefighting.

Bottom Line

Surveillance audits go smoothly when you treat your QMS as part of daily lab life, not an annual event.
If you maintain control over your system all year, the audit becomes a confirmation—not a confrontation.

Common Findings During Surveillance – and How to Avoid Them

Even well-run labs get findings during surveillance. It’s normal.
But what separates top-performing labs from the rest is how few findings they get — and how fast they close them.

After years of helping labs through ISO/IEC 17025 surveillance audits, I’ve noticed the same mistakes appear again and again. The good news? Every single one of them is preventable with a bit of structure and foresight.

1. Out-of-Date Calibration Certificates

This one’s the classic.
An instrument used daily — balances, thermometers, multimeters — ends up with an expired calibration date.
The assessor spots it instantly, and just like that, you’ve got a nonconformity.

Why it happens: No systematic tracking.
How to avoid it:

• Maintain a calibration matrix with due dates and alerts.

• Use color coding or software reminders.

• Check it monthly, not yearly.

Pro tip:
Build a 30-day calibration reminder into your team’s shared calendar. If you manage it like an appointment, you won’t miss one again.

2. Incomplete Measurement Uncertainty Evaluations

Assessors often ask for updated uncertainty budgets — and many labs reuse the same file year after year.
The problem? Your conditions, instruments, or standards may have changed since then.

Why it happens: Labs view uncertainty as “done once.”
How to avoid it:

• Revisit uncertainty estimates when you change equipment, methods, or environment.

• Document the review date and justification even if no values change.

• Make sure staff can explain the components, not just show the formula.

Example:
A small calibration lab reduced one recurring finding simply by adding a “reviewed” column with dates and initials beside each uncertainty sheet.

3. Missed or Superficial Internal Audits

ISO/IEC 17025 expects labs to audit all relevant clauses regularly.
Skipping one or doing a rushed audit right before surveillance signals poor system control.

Why it happens: Overloaded staff or unclear scheduling.
How to avoid it:

• Plan internal audits across the year instead of all at once.

• Rotate auditors for objectivity.

• Record findings clearly — even small ones — and show follow-up evidence.

Pro tip:
Your internal audit should challenge the system, not flatter it. A clean internal audit with zero findings usually makes assessors suspicious, not impressed.

4. Incomplete Staff Competence Records

Assessors always verify that personnel performing tests or calibrations are trained, authorized, and current in their competence.

Why it happens: Training happens, but documentation doesn’t follow.
How to avoid it:

• Keep a competence matrix mapping methods to authorized staff.

• Record technical training, refresher courses, and supervision logs.

• Update authorization after equipment or method changes.

Example:
One environmental testing lab avoided repeat findings by introducing an annual “competency review week” — all records updated, all signatures renewed.

5. Gaps in Traceability of Reference Standards

Assessors will trace your equipment’s calibration back to national or international standards.
If any step in that chain is undocumented, it’s a finding.

Why it happens: Labs rely on local vendors without checking their accreditation scope.
How to avoid it:

• Ensure every calibration supplier is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025.

• Keep copies of their accreditation certificates and scope pages.

• Review vendor validity before every external calibration.

6. Outdated Procedures and Uncontrolled Documents

A document labeled “Rev. 1 – 2018” sitting on your bench is an open invitation for a finding.
Assessors will compare versions across your files and forms to check for consistency.

Why it happens: Labs fail to update controlled copies after revisions.
How to avoid it:

• Maintain a master list of controlled documents.

• Retrain staff whenever a procedure is updated.

• Archive obsolete versions — never delete them without traceability.

7. Poor Handling of Customer Complaints

Even one unresolved complaint can cause trouble.
Assessors want to see that you not only logged the complaint but also investigated, identified causes, and took action.

How to avoid it:

• Keep a complaint log with root cause and follow-up status.

• Discuss complaints during management reviews.

• Use them as improvement inputs — not just damage control.

8. Lack of Evidence for Continual Improvement

ISO/IEC 17025 expects your system to evolve.
Assessors look for proof that you’re using audit results, customer feedback, or PT outcomes to make improvements.

How to avoid it:

• Keep a “Continual Improvement Register.”

• Record actions taken and their effects (e.g., “New calibration SOP reduced turnaround time by 20%”).

• Review the register during management review.

Bottom Line

Most findings don’t happen because labs are careless — they happen because people get busy and systems drift quietly over time.
The key is to build habits that prevent small slips from turning into audit issues.
When you stay proactive, surveillance stops being stressful — it becomes proof that your lab is truly in control.

Managing Corrective Actions After Surveillance

Every lab gets findings at some point. It’s part of the process.
What really matters isn’t how many you get — it’s how fast and effectively you close them.
That’s what separates labs that simply keep their accreditation from those that actually strengthen their systems year after year.

Let’s walk through how to handle corrective actions the right way — without overcomplicating it or turning it into endless paperwork.

1. Read the Audit Report Carefully

When the surveillance audit ends, your assessor will leave you with a report.
Before rushing to “fix” anything, take time to really understand what each finding means.

Ask yourself:

• What clause of ISO/IEC 17025 does this relate to?

• What’s the exact issue the assessor observed?

• Is this a documentation issue, a process issue, or both?

Pro tip:
Don’t assume the finding is about a single incident. Often, it’s a symptom of a wider system gap — like unclear responsibilities or weak record control.

2. Analyze Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

This is where most labs stumble.
They rush to correct the problem (“We retrained staff”) without addressing why it happened in the first place.

Use a simple approach like the 5 Whys:

1. Why did this error occur?

2. Why wasn’t it detected earlier?

3. Why wasn’t the procedure followed?

4. Why didn’t training cover this?

5. Why wasn’t responsibility clearly assigned?

When you get to a cause that points to a system gap, that’s your true root cause.

Example:
Finding: “Expired calibration certificate on a pressure gauge.”
Root cause: “No calibration reminder system in place.”
Correction: “Gauge recalibrated.”
Corrective action: “Implemented digital reminder system and monthly calibration review.”

3. Implement Practical Corrective Actions

Now that you know the root cause, fix it in a way that prevents recurrence.
Corrective actions should be:

• Specific: Target the root cause, not just the effect.

• Documented: Record what was done, when, and by whom.

• Verifiable: You should be able to show tangible evidence.

Pro tip:
Avoid vague phrases like “staff reminded” or “procedure updated.”
Be concrete: “Updated SOP 7.3, retrained technicians on traceability verification, and added audit checkpoint in monthly review.”

4. Provide Clear Evidence to the Accreditation Body

Once you’ve implemented your actions, submit proof — not just promises.
This could include:

• Updated procedures or forms

• Screenshots of revised templates

• Photos of relabeled equipment

• Records of retraining sessions

• Internal audit evidence verifying the fix worked

Example:
If your nonconformity was about incomplete training records, include both the updated training matrix and signed attendance sheets for the refresher session.

5. Verify and Close the Loop

Before you send your response, confirm that the corrective action actually solved the problem.
Do a mini internal audit, observe the process in use, or have another staff member verify the change.

Accreditation bodies often give 30 to 60 days to submit your corrective-action plan and evidence.
Submit early when possible — it leaves room for revisions if they ask for clarification.

6. Track and Review Regularly

Keep a Corrective Action Log or NC Tracker.
Include columns for:

• Finding description

• Clause reference

• Root cause

• Corrective action

• Evidence submitted

• Verification date

• Status (Open/Closed)

This simple document turns your findings into a learning tool — and it impresses assessors during the next visit.

7. Turn Findings Into Improvements

Every nonconformity is a chance to make your system stronger.
Instead of treating findings as penalties, see them as free consulting from your assessor — insight from someone who’s seen hundreds of labs.

Example:
A testing lab kept getting observations about method validation documentation.
Instead of patching it yearly, they built a digital validation record system.
The next audit? Zero findings — and faster report approval times.

Bottom Line

Corrective actions aren’t about proving you fixed something — they’re about proving you understand your system.
When you handle them thoughtfully, you not only close findings faster but also show assessors that your lab doesn’t just comply — it improves.

Turning Surveillance Into an Advantage

Here’s the part most labs miss — surveillance isn’t just about keeping your accreditation alive.
It’s your best opportunity to make your lab stronger, leaner, and more confident in its own quality system.

I’ve seen the difference firsthand:
Labs that treat surveillance as a yearly chore stay in “reaction mode.”
Labs that treat it as an improvement tool build better systems, happier teams, and more loyal clients.

Let’s talk about how to turn those annual assessments into genuine advantages.

1. Use Assessor Feedback as Free Expertise

Assessors aren’t just there to grade you — they’re technical experts who’ve seen how top labs operate.
So when they make a comment, don’t defend — listen.

Ask follow-up questions like:

• “What best practices have you seen that work well in this area?”

• “Can you show me how other labs handle this control?”

One of my clients did exactly that during their audit.
A two-minute conversation about record indexing led to a complete overhaul of their document system — it now saves them hours every month.

Pro tip:
Treat assessors like visiting consultants. You’ve already paid for their time; squeeze out every bit of insight you can.

2. Track Audit Trends, Not Just Findings

Every finding tells a story, and over time, those stories show patterns.
Maybe your internal audits are always a month late. Or your equipment maintenance logs are consistently incomplete.

Start tracking trends from each surveillance.
Ask:

• What types of findings keep recurring?

• Which departments or processes are affected most?

• Is it a resource issue or a procedural one?

By identifying patterns, you move from fixing problems to preventing them.

3. Strengthen Your Team’s Ownership

Surveillance audits are a team sport.
When everyone understands their role in the quality system, findings drop — and morale rises.

Involve your team early:

• Share the audit schedule and scope.

• Hold short refreshers on relevant procedures.

• Let staff lead parts of the audit — it builds confidence and accountability.

Example:
One lab let its junior technician explain their calibration traceability process to assessors.
The assessor was impressed — and the technician felt like part of the system, not just a task-doer.

That’s what culture looks like.

4. Build a Continuous Improvement Habit

Don’t wait for surveillance to identify weaknesses — create an internal rhythm of review and adjustment.
Simple things like:

• Monthly “mini audits”

• Quarterly calibration file reviews

• Biannual document cleanups

These make your system stronger all year and make surveillance feel routine, not disruptive.

Pro tip:
Keep a running “Improvement Log.”
Whenever you tweak a process or update a record system, jot it down.
It’s great evidence for assessors and a morale booster for your team.

5. Modernize Your QMS

If you’re still relying on paper binders, spreadsheets, and manual sign-offs, you’re working harder than you need to.
Modern labs use digital QMS tools, LIMS systems, or even structured folders with automated alerts.

These help:

• Track calibrations and training renewals

• Store audit reports and corrective actions

• Generate reminders for management reviews

Example:
A small calibration lab switched to a simple cloud-based QMS tracker.
In their next surveillance, the assessor’s comment was short: “Excellent record control system — easy traceability.”

That’s efficiency meeting compliance.

6. Celebrate the Wins

After a successful surveillance, take time to recognize your team’s effort.
It reinforces the culture of quality and turns what could feel like an obligation into a shared achievement.
A short debrief or even a team lunch goes a long way.

Bottom Line

Surveillance doesn’t have to be stressful — it can be strategic.
Every audit is a snapshot of how your lab performs under real-world conditions.
Use it to identify strengths, close gaps, and build systems that get sharper every year.

When your team sees surveillance as a chance to improve — not survive — your accreditation stops being a burden and becomes a competitive advantage.

FAQs – Maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation

Even after years of helping labs maintain their ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, I still get the same few questions — usually right after a surveillance notice lands in someone’s inbox.
Here are the answers that clear up the confusion fast and help labs stay confident and compliant.

1. How often are surveillance assessments conducted?

Most accreditation bodies schedule surveillance audits every 12 to 18 months after your initial accreditation.
The exact interval depends on the body’s policy and your lab’s performance.
If you’ve had clean audits and solid corrective actions, they might stretch to 18 months.
If you had major findings or big scope changes, expect them sooner.

Pro tip:
Always confirm your next surveillance date before your current audit closes — that way, it never sneaks up on you.

2. Is the surveillance audit as detailed as the first accreditation?

No, it’s typically lighter and more focused.
Assessors won’t review your entire system again.
Instead, they’ll sample specific technical methods and recheck management elements like internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions.

Think of it as a targeted checkup rather than a full physical.

3. Can a lab lose its accreditation after a surveillance audit?

Yes — but only if major nonconformities go unresolved or if your system has seriously degraded.
Minor findings or documentation issues won’t cost you your accreditation, as long as you correct them promptly and effectively.

Example:
A lab that ignored three consecutive findings on equipment traceability eventually had its accreditation suspended.
The issue wasn’t the mistake — it was the pattern of neglect.

4. What happens if we fail to close findings on time?

If you don’t respond to corrective actions within the accreditation body’s timeline (usually 30–60 days), your accreditation can be temporarily suspended.
You’ll need to submit evidence, sometimes including a follow-up assessment, before reinstatement.

Pro tip:
Never wait until the deadline. Submit early and ask for feedback — it shows professionalism and avoids suspension risk.

5. Are surveillance audits always on-site?

Not necessarily.
Many accreditation bodies now use hybrid or remote assessments, especially for document reviews, management system checks, or follow-up actions.
However, for observing tests, calibrations, or technical demonstrations, on-site visits are still preferred.

Example:
Some labs complete 60% of their surveillance remotely, saving travel costs and scheduling headaches.

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6. Do we need to update our quality manual every year?

No — but you should review it annually.
If there are no changes in structure, policies, or standards, just document that it was reviewed and remains current.
If new methods, equipment, or personnel were added, update it immediately and issue a new revision.

Pro tip:
Date and sign every review entry, even if “No changes” — it shows active system maintenance.

7. Can we add new scopes during surveillance?

Yes, but plan ahead.
You can request a scope extension during your surveillance visit, but it must be pre-approved by your accreditation body.
They’ll assign technical assessors for the new area and possibly extend the audit time.

8. How do we stay audit-ready all year?

Keep a rolling compliance checklist — one column for each month and line items for recurring tasks like calibration, document review, and staff competency updates.
It’s a small effort that keeps your QMS living and breathing instead of collecting dust.

9. What’s the best way to keep staff engaged in maintaining accreditation?

Involve them.
Assign small but meaningful roles — record-keeping, method updates, or equipment logs.
When staff see how their work connects to the bigger system, maintaining accreditation becomes a shared responsibility, not just a management task.

Bottom line:
Maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation isn’t about constant pressure — it’s about consistent attention.
When your systems are active, your records organized, and your people engaged, surveillance audits become routine confirmations of what you already know: your lab is competent, reliable, and improving.

Keep Your System Alive Year-Round

Earning ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is a big achievement — but keeping it is where your real professionalism shows.
Surveillance assessments aren’t interruptions; they’re proof that your lab’s quality system is alive, working, and continuously improving.

When you approach them with preparation and purpose, they stop feeling like checkups and start functioning as growth milestones.

Key Takeaways

• Stay audit-ready, not audit-anxious. The best labs don’t scramble before assessments — they stay organized all year.

• Treat surveillance as a tool, not a test. It’s an opportunity to identify improvement areas and strengthen credibility.

• Document actively. Records, reviews, and updates shouldn’t live in binders; they should reflect real, ongoing control of your lab’s work.

• Close findings quickly and completely. Every corrective action is a small investment in smoother audits and stronger systems.

• Engage your team. Accreditation lasts when everyone understands their role in maintaining it — not just the quality manager.

A Reality from the Field

One of my clients — a small calibration lab — used to dread surveillance. They’d stay up late reorganizing documents days before the audit.
Once we introduced a simple monthly checklist (covering internal audits, calibration checks, and record reviews), their next surveillance lasted a single day with zero findings.

Their secret wasn’t perfection — it was consistency.

Final Thought

ISO/IEC 17025 isn’t a certificate you hang on the wall and forget.
It’s a living standard that keeps your lab disciplined, credible, and trusted.
The more consistently you maintain your system, the easier every surveillance becomes — until audits start feeling like progress reports, not pressure tests.

If you want to make that shift, QSE Academy’s ISO/IEC 17025 Maintenance Toolkit and Surveillance Audit Readiness Checklist can guide your team step-by-step — keeping you organized, confident, and always ready for the next visit.

Because staying accredited isn’t about passing audits — it’s about proving, every day, that your lab’s competence never slips.