E36 - Accreditation & Certification

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice for performance testing provides guidance to performance test sponsors, developers, and delivery providers for the planning, design, development, administration, and reporting of high-quality performance tests. This practice assists stakeholders from both the user and consumer communities in determining the quality of performance tests. This practice includes requirements, processes, and intended outcomes for the entities that are issuing the performance test, developing, delivering and evaluating the test, users and test takers interpreting the test, and the specific quality characteristics of performance tests. This practice provides the foundation for both the recognition and accreditation of a specific entity to issue and use effectively a quality performance test.  
3.2 Accreditation agencies are presently evaluating performance tests with criteria that were developed primarily or exclusively for multiple-choice examinations. The criteria by which performance tests shall be evaluated and accredited are ones appropriate to performance testing. As accreditation becomes more critical for acceptance by federal and state governments, insurance companies, and international trade, it becomes more critical that appropriate standards of quality and application be developed for performance testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers both the professional certification performance test itself and specific aspects of the process that produced it.  
1.2 This practice does not include management systems. In this practice, the test itself and its administration, psychometric properties, and scoring are addressed.  
1.3 This practice primarily addresses individual professional performance certification examinations, although it may be used to evaluate exams used in training, educational, and aptitude contexts. This practice is not intended to address on-site evaluation of workers by supervisors for competence to perform tasks.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 In a situation where an organization is performing an evaluation of another, either formally or informally, the single most important element in the evaluation may well be the selection and assignment of a properly qualified assessor/assessment team to perform an on-site assessment. Therefore it is imperative that the person(s) performing the assessment be selected and assigned with care by the assessing organization. Two basic types of individuals normally participate in an on-site assessment: assessors/auditors and technical experts; each perform separate functions (see definitions).  
3.2 This guide focuses on providing guidance regarding the responsibilities and obligations of an assessing body in the selection, training, assignment and monitoring of assessors/auditors and technical experts to carry out their evaluation functions.
Note 1: In some cases, others may also participate in an assessment who are beyond the control of the assessing body: for example, government regulatory personnel, or other observers specified by a client. Such participants are not covered by this guide.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides guidance to organizations that need to utilize persons to perform assessments/audits (assessing bodies) of other organizations (assessed bodies) for purposes of recognition, accreditation or other type of approval to perform a function.  
1.2 An assessing body should consider the contents of this guide and apply it according to its unique situation. The elements of this guide should be applicable to the selection, assignment, and monitoring of assessors, auditors, and technical experts whether they are contract or permanent staff members.  
1.3 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:
(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,
(b) Special Inspection, and
(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specific...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Today’s labor shortages demand competency-based workplace learning (CWL) programs that are validated by industry. A standard practice relative to CWL programs formalizes this important type of skill-based, workforce preparation by offering industry a framework for success. CWL programs that result in a credential increase the total number of individuals holding credentials, allowing for worker advancement (upskilling and reskilling), portability, and a talent pipeline of highly skilled workers for the employer.  
4.2 This standard practice will have a positive impact on worker-learners from various populations, generally those who develop their skills while working on the job and will streamline the process for employers transitioning employees to in-demand, high-quality employment opportunities, allowing for more sustainable economic mobility.  
4.3 CWL programs offer learning opportunities for individuals seeking skills that may not be attained in a traditional classroom. For workers, CWL programs are designed to provide new job skills, hands-on training experiences, and interaction with individuals with expertise in the occupation as facilitators in the learning and assessment processes. For employers, CWL programs are designed to provide a pipeline of skilled talent to meet specific industry needs.  
4.4 While CWL programs have attributes in common with other credentialing programs, such as certification and certificate programs, they are a distinct credentialing program type. All three programs have a summative assessment component. Certificate programs and CWL programs have a learning component aligned with its assessment, while certification does not. Of these credentialing programs, only CWL programs have formative assessments as a specified assessment method and experiential learning as a specified learning method. Lastly, unique to CWL programs is that they must be implemented in a real or simulated workplace setting. These last three attributes are...
SCOPE
1.1 This standard practice provides instruction to entities for developing and administering competency-based workplace learning (CWL) programs.  
1.2 This standard practice provides guidance to stakeholders in determining the quality of CWL programs.  
1.3 This standard practice does not contain instructions or guidance pertaining to certification of persons, certificate programs, or education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification covers agencies engaged in system analysis and compliance assurance for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this standard's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building. The system analysis agency is responsible for determining whether a building system, including the design, materials, and fabrication process, is in conformance with applicable requirements. The documents of the system analysis function are: product description document, compliance assurance manual, and installation documents. The general procedures for system analysis are presented in details. The tasks of system analysis project manager, technical staff evaluating building systems, technical staff evaluating compliance assurance manuals, and project manager evaluating building systems are presented in details. The requirements and criteria for compliance assurance agencies are presented. The task of compliance assurance agency project manager, technical staff preparing compliance assurance manuals, compliance assurance supervisor of inspection, and compliance assurance inspector are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides the criteria for the administrative agency that has regulatory authority as granted by the authority having jurisdiction AHJ to evaluate the capabilities and qualifications of building evaluation agencies, that performs system analysis or compliance assurance or both for certification of manufactured building on behalf of an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) that meet the needs of regulatory programs. Administrative agencies and building evaluation agencies (third-party agencies) are the primary users of the standard.  
1.2 To establish an appropriate degree of intra- and inter-state credibility regarding building system evaluations made through governmental or private agencies, the authorities having jurisdiction should utilize an oversight and approval process for the building-evaluation agencies that provide the services of system analysis or compliance assurance on behalf of the AHJ that may include: approval by the AHJ for both oversight and or auditing of the regulatory body, or approval by the AHJ and oversight, and or auditing by an independent auditor for the regulatory body, or approval with the AHJ and oversight, and auditing by an independent accreditation agency.  
1.3 Building-evaluation agencies examined under this specification may include governmental or private agencies or both.  
1.4 Practice E651 may be used to support the evaluation of building-evaluation agencies. Other criteria such as independence, financial stability, and objectivity may need to be considered.  
Note 1: Practice E651 is intended as a companion standard to Specification E541 and includes questions that should be asked of system analysis and compliance assurance agencies in order for the administrative agency to evaluate their competency.  
1.5 These criteria set forth the minimum personnel requirements and the technical and organizational procedures required for building-evaluation agencies engaged in evaluating manufactured building.  
1.6 Criteria are included for building-evaluation agencies evaluating innovative as well as conventional building systems, against applicable requirements.  
1.7 Building-evaluation agencies involved in testing, quality assurance, and evaluating building components can be evaluated by using Specification E699.  
1.7.1 Specification E699 is used in conjunction with Specification E541 and P...

ABSTRACT
This practice is intended as a companion standard to ASTM Standard E 541, Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in System Analysis and Compliance Assurance for Manufactured Building. Standard E 541 covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or both, in the evaluation and inspection of manufactured building. This standard includes questions that should be asked of system analysis and compliance assurance agencies in order for the administrative agency to evaluate their competency. The preferred method for utilizing this standard is for qualified personnel of the administrative agency to visit the system analysis and compliance assurance agencies’ headquarters to speak to qualified personnel and examine pertinent records and documentation. Alternatively, the evaluation may be done at any location provided the agency being evaluated is fully informed as to the material and personnel they will need to have on hand for the evaluation.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended as a companion standard to Specification E541, Specification for Agencies Engaged in System Analysis and Compliance Assurance for Manufactured Building. Specification E541 covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or both, in the evaluation and inspection of manufactured building. This standard 2 includes questions that should be asked of system analysis and compliance assurance agencies in order for the administrative agency to evaluate their competency. Personnel matters are not highlighted in this standard since they are covered in detail in Specification E541. This is not meant to imply that they are not important.  
1.2 The preferred method for utilizing this practice is for qualified personnel of the administrative agency to visit the system analysis and compliance assurance agencies' headquarters to speak to qualified personnel and examine pertinent records and documentation. Alternatively, the evaluation may be done at any location provided the agency being evaluated is fully informed as to the material and personnel they will need to have on hand for the evaluation.  
1.3 Some of the following will not be applicable in the evaluation of an agency that has not had prior experience as a building-evaluation organization. It is not the intent of this practice to preclude acceptance of such an agency provided it can otherwise demonstrate that its organizational procedures and experience in other product categories and experience of key personnel reflect a keen awareness of the problems and processes involved in manufactured building evaluation and thus warrant acceptance. In such instances the administrative agency may wish to consider extending provisional acceptance over a definite period of time, during which it is expected that the agency will have opportunity to gain the requisite experience and demonstrate its capabilities and compliance assurance functions for manufactured building.  
1.4 Failure of an agency to respond satisfactorily to one or more criteria in the following should not be sole cause for rejection. Such failure should be brought to the agency's attention and be subject to close scrutiny during subsequent reevaluations.  
1.5 This practice is intended to achieve uniformity in the regulation of manufactured building. It may be necessary to make changes and modifications in order to adapt to legislative or other regulatory requirements of some jurisdictions.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This i...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides basic criteria for the development and operation of a certification body, the development and operation of a certification program, and the development and use of customary mechanisms to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability.  
4.2 The basic criteria provided by this practice are intended to be supplemented by more specific criteria serving the requirements of the certification body.  
4.3 The certification body and its program, accredited according to the requirements of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 and this practice, shall be considered as having met the full intent of this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides supplemental requirements to those of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 for bodies that certify personnel engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection. ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 provides generic requirements that can be adapted to any discipline where assurance that certified individual meets the requirements of the certification scheme. Therefore, certification bodies certifying personnel engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection, must meet the requirements of this practice and ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024.  
1.2 This practice may be used as a reference by:  
1.2.1 Developers of standards requiring personnel certification in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection, as a reference to harmonize terminology and reduce confusion among users;  
1.2.2 Personnel certification bodies that establish criteria and certify construction inspection, construction testing, and Special Inspection agency personnel against specific requirements,  
1.2.3 Accreditation bodies that accredit certification bodies, and  
1.2.4 Users and specifiers as a reference when requiring personnel certification.  
1.3 This practice follows the format of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 and provides additional requirements where needed.  
1.4 Certification may be specific to a single test or inspection method or practice or a grouping or collection of methods or practices (any such method, code, or practice being hereinafter referred to as “method,” or collectively as “methods”).  
1.5 Personnel certification is an important aspect of the quality system of agencies engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection. Certification of personnel is required to meet the personnel qualifications of Practice E329.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Certificate programs are typically offered by community colleges and universities, government agencies, employers, independent for-profit training organizations, and professional and trade associations. While quality guidelines do exist for continuing education and training providers in general (for example, ANSI/IACET 1-2013) and for entities offering personnel certification programs (for example, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2012), currently, no quality guidelines exist specifically to aid entities offering certificate programs. This practice aims to change that and has been developed to:  
4.1.1 Provide certificate program developers and certificate issuers guidelines for quality program development and administration;  
4.1.2 Form the foundation for a recognition or accreditation system, or both, that enable consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely upon a skilled workforce to distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials;  
4.1.3 Assist stakeholders in differentiating between certificate programs from personnel certification; and  
4.1.4 Assist stakeholders in differentiating certificate programs from other programs that confer certificates, including but not limited to certificates of attendance or certificates of participation.  
4.2 Currently, it is challenging to distinguish a certificate earned through the focused learning and assessment offered through a certificate program from one granted through other means. That a certificate is issued is not a distinguishing factor. The word“ certificate” is used broadly as a document awarded to designate the attainment or completion of something. An individual might receive a certificate from an education or training provider as verification of attendance at a learning event (often called a certificate of attendance) or receive a certificate as verification of active participation in a learning event’s learning experiences (often called a certifi...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidance to certificate issuers for developing and administering quality certificate programs and to stakeholders for determining the quality of certificate programs.  
1.2 This practice includes requirements for both the entity issuing the certificate and requirements for the specific certificate programs for which it issues certificates.  
1.3 This practice provides the foundation for the recognition or accreditation, or both, of a specific entity to issue a specific certificate or certificates to individuals after successful completion of a certificate program.  
1.4 This practice does not address guidance pertaining to certification of individuals nor does it address guidance pertaining to education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This specification provides basic criteria for evaluating the qualifications of agencies utilizing the ASTM test methods to test and evaluate manufactured building components. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, municipal, or nongovernmental body is not necessary for the use of this specification. These criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria for particular classes of testing, quality assurance, and evaluative agencies.  
4.2 The intent of this specification is to provide a “consensus-system” standardized basis for evaluating a testing, quality assurance, or evaluating agency with respect to its capability to provide the specific service(s) needed by the user without prejudice to the agency offering other services or being affiliated with other agencies or organizations. In those situations where a strict literal interpretation of the phrase “shall be made available,” as used in this specification, would be inordinately burdensome to an agency, it will generally be sufficient that the agency concerned has the information available for “on-site” review. This specification is not intended to be used by accredited agencies or personnel in the performance of Special Inspection services listed in the IBC Code or any other Code.  
4.3 The criteria of this specification are described in terms of the basic information necessary for an accrediting authority to evaluate the capability, with respect to objectivity, and competency of a testing, quality assurance, and evaluating agency regarding common characteristics pertaining to the organization, human resources, material resources, and quality systems employed by the agency in performing the services offered. Typically, accreditation of an agency involves the following three essential phases:  
4.3.1 Submittal, to an involved accrediting authority, of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification by an interested agency.  
4.3.2 Evaluation...
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in inspections and testing performance in accordance with ASTM standards for factory built building components and assemblies.  
1.2 The criteria in this specification are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designation testing, quality assurance, and inspection.  
1.3 This specification does not cover Special Inspections or construction materials testing or inspection, or both. See Specification E329 for these items.  
1.4 The criteria presented herein are divided into three categories of endeavor, namely,
Part A—Standards and Criteria for Testing Agencies
Part B—Standards and Criteria for Quality Assurance Agencies
Part C—Standards and Criteria for Evaluating Agencies  
1.5 The fundamental purpose of this specification is to provide criteria for evaluating an agency as denoted in 1.4 either by a user of that service or by an accrediting authority.  
1.6 It is not the purpose of this specification to provide a basis for determining the quality of a product or service being evaluated.  
1.7 This specification is not intended for the evaluation of those activities normally associated with the production and sale of products and the like, such as a manufacturer's internal quality program. However, any organization may request or perform an evaluation of its own in-house facilities under this specification if it so desires.  
1.8 It is not the intent of this specification to be the basis for the determination of the type of agency to be selected by the user.  
1.9 This specification is used in conjunction with Specification E541 and Practice E651/E651M.  
1.10 The use of SI or inch – pound units, or combination of, will be the responsibility of the technical committees referred to in this standard.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:
(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,
(b) Special Inspection, and
(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specific...

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:
(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,
(b) Special Inspection, and
(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specific...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice for performance testing provides guidance to performance test sponsors, developers, and delivery providers for the planning, design, development, administration, and reporting of high-quality performance tests. This practice assists stakeholders from both the user and consumer communities in determining the quality of performance tests. This practice includes requirements, processes, and intended outcomes for the entities that are issuing the performance test, developing, delivering and evaluating the test, users and test takers interpreting the test, and the specific quality characteristics of performance tests. This practice provides the foundation for both the recognition and accreditation of a specific entity to issue and use effectively a quality performance test.  
3.2 Accreditation agencies are presently evaluating performance tests with criteria that were developed primarily or exclusively for multiple-choice examinations. The criteria by which performance tests shall be evaluated and accredited are ones appropriate to performance testing. As accreditation becomes more critical for acceptance by federal and state governments, insurance companies, and international trade, it becomes more critical that appropriate standards of quality and application be developed for performance testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers both the professional certification performance test itself and specific aspects of the process that produced it.  
1.2 This practice does not include management systems. In this practice, the test itself and its administration, psychometric properties, and scoring are addressed.  
1.3 This practice primarily addresses individual professional performance certification examinations, although it may be used to evaluate exams used in training, educational, and aptitude contexts. This practice is not intended to address on-site evaluation of workers by supervisors for competence to perform tasks.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:
(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,
(b) Special Inspection, and
(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specific...

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Certificate programs are typically offered by community colleges and universities, government agencies, employers, independent for-profit training organizations, and professional and trade associations. While quality guidelines do exist for continuing education and training providers in general (for example, ANSI/IACET 1-2013) and for entities offering personnel certification programs (for example, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2012), currently, no quality guidelines exist specifically to aid entities offering certificate programs. This practice aims to change that and has been developed to:  
4.1.1 Provide certificate program developers and certificate issuers guidelines for quality program development and administration;  
4.1.2 Form the foundation for a recognition or accreditation system, or both, that enable consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely upon a skilled workforce to distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials;  
4.1.3 Assist stakeholders in differentiating between certificate programs from personnel certification; and  
4.1.4 Assist stakeholders in differentiating certificate programs from other programs that confer certificates, including but not limited to certificates of attendance or certificates of participation.  
4.2 Currently, it is challenging to distinguish a certificate earned through the focused learning and assessment offered through a certificate program from one granted through other means. That a certificate is issued is not a distinguishing factor. The word“ certificate” is used broadly as a document awarded to designate the attainment or completion of something. An individual might receive a certificate from an education or training provider as verification of attendance at a learning event (often called a certificate of attendance) or receive a certificate as verification of active participation in a learning event’s learning experiences (often called a certifi...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidance to certificate issuers for developing and administering quality certificate programs and to stakeholders for determining the quality of certificate programs.  
1.2 This practice includes requirements for both the entity issuing the certificate and requirements for the specific certificate programs for which it issues certificates.  
1.3 This practice provides the foundation for the recognition or accreditation, or both, of a specific entity to issue a specific certificate or certificates to individuals after successful completion of a certificate program.  
1.4 This practice does not address guidance pertaining to certification of individuals nor does it address guidance pertaining to education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 In a situation where an organization is performing an evaluation of another, either formally or informally, the single most important element in the evaluation may well be the selection and assignment of a properly qualified assessor/assessment team to perform an on-site assessment. Therefore it is imperative that the person(s) performing the assessment be selected and assigned with care by the assessing organization. Two basic types of individuals normally participate in an on-site assessment: assessors/auditors and technical experts; each perform separate functions (see definitions).  
3.2 This guide focuses on providing guidance regarding the responsibilities and obligations of an assessing body in the selection, training, assignment and monitoring of assessors/auditors and technical experts to carry out their evaluation functions.
Note 1: In some cases, others may also participate in an assessment who are beyond the control of the assessing body: for example, government regulatory personnel, or other observers specified by a client. Such participants are not covered by this guide.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides guidance to organizations that need to utilize persons to perform assessments/audits (assessing bodies) of other organizations (assessed bodies) for purposes of recognition, accreditation or other type of approval to perform a function.  
1.2 An assessing body should consider the contents of this guide and apply it according to its unique situation. The elements of this guide should be applicable to the selection, assignment, and monitoring of assessors, auditors, and technical experts whether they are contract or permanent staff members.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Certificate programs are typically offered by community colleges and universities, government agencies, employers, independent for-profit training organizations, and professional and trade associations. While quality guidelines do exist for continuing education and training providers in general (for example, ANSI/IACET 1-2013) and for entities offering personnel certification programs (for example, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2012), currently, no quality guidelines exist specifically to aid entities offering certificate programs. This practice aims to change that and has been developed to:  
4.1.1 Provide certificate program developers and certificate issuers guidelines for quality program development and administration;  
4.1.2 Form the foundation for a recognition or accreditation system or both that enable consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely upon a skilled workforce to distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials;  
4.1.3 Assist stakeholders in differentiating between certificate programs from personnel certification; and  
4.1.4 Assist stakeholders in differentiating certificate programs from other programs that confer certificates, including but not limited to certificates of attendance or certificates of participation.  
4.2 Currently, it is challenging to distinguish a certificate earned through the focused learning and assessment offered through a certificate program from one granted through other means. That a certificate is issued is not a distinguishing factor. The word“ certificate” is used broadly as a document awarded to designate the attainment or completion of something. An individual might receive a certificate from an education or training provider as verification of attendance at a learning event (often called a certificate of attendance) or receive a certificate as verification of active participation in a learning event’s learning experiences (often called a certifica...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidance to certificate issuers for developing and administering quality certificate programs and to stakeholders for determining the quality of certificate programs.  
1.2 This practice includes requirements for both the entity issuing the certificate and requirements for the specific certificate programs for which it issues certificates.  
1.3 This practice provides the foundation for the recognition or accreditation or both of a specific entity to issue a specific certificate or certificates to individuals after successful completion of a certificate program.  
1.4 This practice does not address guidance pertaining to certification of individuals nor does it address guidance pertaining to education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:
(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,
(b) Special Inspection, and
(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specific...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:(a) Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction,(b) Special Inspection, and(c) Testing of materials used in construction.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and  
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specification ca...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in:(a) Inspection of construction activities and materials used in construction,(b) Testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, and(c) Special Inspection.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and  
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This spe...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice for performance testing provides guidance to performance test sponsors, developers, and delivery providers for the planning, design, development, administration, and reporting of high-quality performance tests. This practice assists stakeholders from both the user and consumer communities in determining the quality of performance tests. This practice includes requirements, processes, and intended outcomes for the entities that are issuing the performance test, developing, delivering and evaluating the test, users and test takers interpreting the test, and the specific quality characteristics of performance tests. This practice provides the foundation for both the recognition and accreditation of a specific entity to issue and use effectively a quality performance test.  
3.2 Accreditation agencies are presently evaluating performance tests with criteria that were developed primarily or exclusively for multiple-choice examinations. The criteria by which performance tests shall be evaluated and accredited are ones appropriate to performance testing. As accreditation becomes more critical for acceptance by federal and state governments, insurance companies, and international trade, it becomes more critical that appropriate standards of quality and application be developed for performance testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers both the professional certification performance test itself and specific aspects of the process that produced it.  
1.2 This practice does not include management systems. In this practice, the test itself and its administration, psychometric properties, and scoring are addressed.  
1.3 This practice primarily addresses individual professional performance certification examinations, although it may be used to evaluate exams used in training, educational, and aptitude contexts. This practice is not intended to address on-site evaluation of workers by supervisors for competence to perform tasks.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the approved project plans and specifications.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in:(a) Inspection of construction activities and materials used in construction,(b) Testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, and(c) Special Inspection.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and  
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This spe...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in:(a) Inspection of construction activities and materials used in construction,(b) Testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, and(c) Special Inspection.  
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and  
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to assess a...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The inspection and testing of construction activities and the materials used in construction are important elements in obtaining quality construction in general compliance with the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.  
4.2 This specification provides minimum criteria for use in assessing the qualifications of construction inspection, testing, and Special Inspection agencies. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.  
4.3 The intent of this specification is to provide a standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, testing, or Special Inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.  
4.4 Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:  
4.4.1 Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the accreditation body by an agency desiring to be accredited to this specification,  
4.4.2 Assessment of the agency-submitted information by the accreditation body, and  
4.4.3 On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in:
a. Inspection of construction activities and materials used in construction,
b. Testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, and
c. Special Inspection.
1.2 Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.  
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Facilities and management of the agency,
1.2.1.2 Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.3 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,
1.2.1.4 Quality system, audit, and review,
1.2.1.5 Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,
1.2.1.6 Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.7 Management of records,
1.2.1.8 Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and  
1.2.1.9 Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).  
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice provides basic criteria for the development and operation of a certification body, the development and operation of a certification program, and the development and use of customary mechanisms to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability.
The basic criteria provided by this practice are intended to be supplemented by more specific criteria serving the requirements of the certification body.
The certification body and its program, accredited according to the requirements of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 and this practice, shall be considered as having met the full intent of this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides supplemental requirements to those of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 for bodies that certify personnel engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection. ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 provides generic requirements that can be adapted to any discipline where assurance that certified individual meets the requirements of the certification scheme. Therefore, certification bodies certifying personnel engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection, must meet the requirements of this practice and ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024.
1.2 This practice may be used as a reference by:
1.2.1 Developers of standards requiring personnel certification in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection, as a reference to harmonize terminology and reduce confusion among users;
1.2.2 Personnel certification bodies that establish criteria and certify construction inspection, construction testing, and Special Inspection agency personnel against specific requirements,
1.2.3 Accreditation bodies that accredit certification bodies, and
1.2.4 Users and specifiers as a reference when requiring personnel certification.
1.3 This practice follows the format of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 and provides additional requirements where needed.
1.4 Certification may be specific to a single test or inspection method or practice or a grouping or collection of methods or practices (any such method, code, or practice being hereinafter referred to as “method,” or collectively as “methods”).
1.5 Personnel certification is an important aspect of the quality system of agencies engaged in inspection and testing of construction activities and materials used in construction, including Special Inspection. Certification of personnel is required to meet the personnel qualifications of Practice E329.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction and the materials in construction is an important element in obtaining quality construction in general compliance to the contract documents. An agency providing construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.
This specification provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this specification is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.
Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this specification,
Assessing the agency-submitted information from the accreditation body, and
On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agencies engaged in:
a. Construction inspection of construction and materials used in construction,
b. Special Inspection, and
c. Testing of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria are provided for evaluating the competence of an agency to properly perform designated tests, inspections, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, test and inspection methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements if required.
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the test or inspection will be performed, or both. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Technical competency of personnel,
1.2.1.2 Validity and appropriateness of test and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.3 Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards,
1.2.1.4 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment,
1.2.1.5 Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items,
1.2.1.6 Quality assurance of test and inspection data,
1.2.1.7 Reporting of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.8 Non Conformance Report (NCR) management and records.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to assess an agency and is intended for use in accrediting agencies, public o...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction and the materials in construction is an important element in obtaining quality construction in general compliance to the contract documents. A construction inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency, or both, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.
This specification provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this specification is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.
Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this specification,
Assessing the agency-submitted information from the accreditation body, and
On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel engaged in:
a. Construction Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
b. Special Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
c. Testing of materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the competence of an agency to properly perform designated tests, inspections, or Special Inspection services, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, test and inspection methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements if required.
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the test or inspection will be performed, or both. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Technical competency of staff,
1.2.1.2 Validity and appropriateness of test and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.3 Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards,
1.2.1.4 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment,
1.2.1.5 Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items,
1.2.1.6 Quality assurance of test and inspection data,
1.2.1.7 Reporting of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.8 Non Conformance Report (NCR) management and records.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in q...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction and the materials in construction is an important element in obtaining quality construction in general compliance to the contract documents. A construction inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency, or both, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.
This specification provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this specification is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented construction inspection, Special Inspection, or testing agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.
Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this specification,
Assessing the agency-submitted information from the accreditation body, and
On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel engaged in:
a. Construction Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
b. Special Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
c. Testing of materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the competence of an agency to properly perform designated tests, inspections, or Special Inspection services, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, test and inspection methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements if required.
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the test or inspection will be performed, or both. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Technical competency of staff,
1.2.1.2 Validity and appropriateness of test and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.3 Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards,
1.2.1.4 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment,
1.2.1.5 Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items,
1.2.1.6 Quality assurance of test and inspection data,
1.2.1.7 Reporting of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.8 Non Conformance Report (NCR) management and records.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in q...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction and the materials in construction is an important element in obtaining quality construction in general compliance to the contract documents. A Construction inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency, or both, must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of their competency to perform the services properly and in compliance with the applicable building code.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented Construction Inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented Construction Inspection, Special Inspection or testing agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services without prejudice.
Typically, assessing an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Assessing the agency-submitted information from the accreditation body, and
On-site assessment of the agency by the accreditation body.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel engaged in:
a. Construction Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
b. Special Inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
c. Testing of materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the competence of an agency to properly perform designated tests, inspections, or Special Inspection services, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, test and inspection methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements if required.
1.2.1 This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency’s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, or specifications containing the requirements against which the test or inspection will be performed, or both. Specific or general requirements include:
1.2.1.1 Technical competency of staff,
1.2.1.2 Validity and appropriateness of test and inspection methods and procedures,
1.2.1.3 Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards,
1.2.1.4 Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment,
1.2.1.5 Sampling, handling, and transportation of test items,
1.2.1.6 Quality assurance of test and inspection data,
1.2.1.7 Reporting of test and inspection data or findings, and
1.2.1.8 Non Conformance Report (NCR) management and records.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying or accr...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.
Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and
On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. Building officials can use Specification E329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E329.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

ABSTRACT
This specification covers agencies engaged in system analysis and compliance assurance for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this standard's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building. The system analysis agency is responsible for determining whether a building system, including the design, materials, and fabrication process, is in conformance with applicable requirements. The documents of the system analysis function are: product description document, compliance assurance manual, and installation documents. The general procedures for system analysis are presented in details. The tasks of system analysis project manager, technical staff evaluating building systems, technical staff evaluating compliance assurance manuals, and project manager evaluating building systems are presented in details. The requirements and criteria for compliance assurance agencies are presented. The task of compliance assurance agency project manager, technical staff preparing compliance assurance manuals, compliance assurance supervisor of inspection, and compliance assurance inspector are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification was initiated to meet the needs of regulatory programs for the certification of manufactured building. The various statutes differ somewhat in the responsibilities assigned to the administrative agency responsible for implementing the rules and regulations for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this specification's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building.
1.2 To establish an appropriate degree of intra- and inter-state credibility regarding building system evaluations made through governmental or private agencies, the authorities having jurisdiction may wish to utilize an accreditation program for such agencies.
1.3 Building-evaluation organizations examined under this specification may include both governmental and private agencies qualified to act on behalf of the public as designee agents (that is, agencies) of the government office having jurisdiction.
1.4 This specification covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies, both governmental and private, may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or combination thereof, in the evaluation and inspection (certification) of manufactured building. Practice E651/E651M may be used for the evaluation of such agencies.
1.5 These criteria set forth the minimum personnel requirements and the technical and organizational procedures required for agencies engaged in evaluating manufactured building. Other criteria such as independence, financial stability, and objectivity may need to be considered.  
1.6 Criteria are included for agencies evaluating innovative as well as conventional building systems, against applicable requirements.  
1.7 Agencies involved in testing, quality assurance and evaluating building components can be evaluated by using Practice E699.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, ...

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to the credentialing of persons. These terms are offered to enable the development of future ASTM documents relating to personnel certificate and certification programs. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.
1.1.1 Since credentialing of persons is being carried out by many different bodies in many career fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all credentialing terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in the credentialing process.

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.
Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and
On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. Building officials can use Specification E329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E329.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Certificate programs are typically offered by community colleges and universities, government agencies, employers, independent for-profit training organizations, and professional and trade associations. While quality guidelines do exist for continuing education and training providers in general (for example, ANSI/IACET 1-2007) and for entities offering personnel certification programs (for example, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2003), currently, no quality guidelines exist specifically to aid entities offering certificate programs. This practice aims to change that and has been developed to:
Provide certificate program developers and certificate issuers guidelines for quality program development and administration;
Form the foundation for a recognition or accreditation system or both that enable consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely upon a skilled workforce to distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials;
Assist stakeholders in differentiating between certificate programs from personnel certification; and
Assist stakeholders in differentiating certificate programs from other programs that confer certificates, including but not limited to certificates of attendance or certificates of participation.
Currently, it is challenging to distinguish a certificate earned through the focused learning and assessment offered through a certificate program from one granted through other means. That a certificate is issued is not a distinguishing factor. The word “certificate” is used broadly as a document awarded to designate the attainment or completion of something. An individual might receive a certificate from an education or training provider as verification of attendance at a learning event (often called a certificate of attendance) or receive a certificate as verification of active participation in a learning event’s learning experiences (often called a certificate of participation). The distributio...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidance to certificate issuers for developing and administering quality certificate programs and to stakeholders for determining the quality of certificate programs.
1.2 This practice includes requirements for both the entity issuing the certificate and requirements for the specific certificate programs for which it issues certificates.
1.3 This practice provides the foundation for the recognition or accreditation or both of a specific entity to issue a specific certificate or certificates to individuals after successful completion of a certificate program.
1.4 This practice does not address guidance pertaining to certification of individuals nor does it address guidance pertaining to education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Certificate programs are typically offered by community colleges and universities, government agencies, employers, independent for-profit training organizations, and professional and trade associations. While quality guidelines do exist for continuing education and training providers in general (for example, ANSI/IACET 1-2007) and for entities offering personnel certification programs (for example, ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2003), currently, no quality guidelines exist specifically to aid entities offering certificate programs. This practice aims to change that and has been developed to:
Provide certificate program developers and certificate issuers guidelines for quality program development and administration;
Form the foundation for a recognition or accreditation system or both that enable consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely upon a skilled workforce to distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials;
Assist stakeholders in differentiating between certificate programs from personnel certification; and
Assist stakeholders in differentiating certificate programs from other programs that confer certificates, including but not limited to certificates of attendance or certificates of participation.
Currently, it is challenging to distinguish a certificate earned through the focused learning and assessment offered through a certificate program from one granted through other means. That a certificate is issued is not a distinguishing factor. The word“ certificate” is used broadly as a document awarded to designate the attainment or completion of something. An individual might receive a certificate from an education or training provider as verification of attendance at a learning event (often called a certificate of attendance) or receive a certificate as verification of active participation in a learning event’s learning experiences (often called a certificate of participation). The distributio...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidance to certificate issuers for developing and administering quality certificate programs and to stakeholders for determining the quality of certificate programs.
1.2 This practice includes requirements for both the entity issuing the certificate and requirements for the specific certificate programs for which it issues certificates.
1.3 This practice provides the foundation for the recognition or accreditation or both of a specific entity to issue a specific certificate or certificates to individuals after successful completion of a certificate program.
1.4 This practice does not address guidance pertaining to certification of individuals nor does it address guidance pertaining to education or training programs in general, including those that issue certificates of participation or certificates of attendance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice provides basic criteria for evaluating the qualifications of agencies utilizing the test methods promulgated by ASTM in Section 4, Construction, of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, municipal, or nongovernmental body is not necessary for the use of this practice. These criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria for particular classes of testing, quality assurance, and evaluative agencies. Specification E 329 can be used for on-site construction projects.
The intent of this practice is to provide a “consensus-system” standardized basis for evaluating a testing, quality assurance, or evaluating agency with respect to its capability to provide the specific service(s) needed by the user without prejudice to the agency offering other services or being affiliated with other agencies or organizations. In those situations where a strict literal interpretation of the phrase “shall be made available,” as used in this practice, would be inordinately burdensome to an agency, it will generally be sufficient that the agency concerned has the information available for “on-site” review.
The criteria of this practice are described in terms of the basic information necessary for an accrediting authority to evaluate the capability, with respect to objectivity, and competency of a testing, quality assurance, and evaluating agency regarding common characteristics pertaining to the organization, human resources, material resources, and quality systems employed by the agency in performing the services offered. Typically, accreditation of an agency involves the following three essential phases:
Submittal, to an involved accrediting authority, of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this practice by an interested agency.
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information by the involved accrediting authority.
Verification, “on-site,” of the agency-submitted information ...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a guide for the information to be obtained and provides specific recommended criteria for evaluating the capabilities of an agency to conduct inspections and tests and to report on tests performed in accordance with ASTM standards primarily on factory built components and assemblies.
1.2 The criteria in this practice describe the basic information used in judging the capability of an agency to perform its intended functions objectively and competently as well as to disclose possible conflicts of interest judged from the standpoint of the user of this practice. Testing, approval, and certification of a company's own products and services by its own testing agency does not necessarily constitute a conflict of interest.
1.3 The criteria presented herein are divided into three categories of endeavor, namely,
Part A—Standards and Criteria for Testing Agencies
Part B—Standards and Criteria for Quality Assurance Agencies
Part C—Standards and Criteria for Evaluating Agencies
1.4 The fundamental purpose of this practice is to provide criteria for evaluating an agency as denoted in 1.3 either by a user of that service or by an accrediting authority.
1.5 It is not the purpose of this practice to provide a basis for determining the quality of a product or service being evaluated.
1.6 This practice is not intended for the evaluation of those activities normally associated with the production and sale of products and the like, such as a manufacturer's internal quality program. However, any organization may request or perform an evaluation of its own in-house facilities under this practice if it so desires.
1.7 It is not the intent of this practice to be the basis for the determination of the type of agency to be selected by the user.
1.8 This practice can be used in conjunction with Specification E 541 and Practice E 651/E651M  
1.9 Specification E 329 specifies minimum requirements for age...

ABSTRACT
This specification covers agencies engaged in system analysis and compliance assurance for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this standard's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building. The system analysis agency is responsible for determining whether a building system, including the design, materials, and fabrication process, is in conformance with applicable requirements. The documents of the system analysis function are: product description document, compliance assurance manual, and installation documents. The general procedures for system analysis are presented in details. The tasks of system analysis project manager, technical staff evaluating building systems, technical staff evaluating compliance assurance manuals, and project manager evaluating building systems are presented in details. The requirements and criteria for compliance assurance agencies are presented. The task of compliance assurance agency project manager, technical staff preparing compliance assurance manuals, compliance assurance supervisor of inspection, and compliance assurance inspector are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification was initiated to meet the needs of regulatory programs for the certification of manufactured building. The various statutes differ somewhat in the responsibilities assigned to the administrative agency responsible for implementing the rules and regulations for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this specification's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building.
1.2 To establish an appropriate degree of intra- and inter-state credibility regarding building system evaluations made through governmental or private agencies, the authorities having jurisdiction may wish to utilize an accreditation program for such agencies.
1.3 Building-evaluation organizations examined under this specification may include both governmental and private agencies qualified to act on behalf of the public as designee agents (that is, agencies) of the government office having jurisdiction.
1.4 This specification covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies, both governmental and private, may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or combination thereof, in the evaluation and inspection (certification) of manufactured building. Practice E 651  may be used for the evaluation of such agencies.
1.5 These criteria set forth the minimum personnel requirements and the technical and organizational procedures required for agencies engaged in evaluating manufactured building. Other criteria such as independence, financial stability, and objectivity may need to be considered.  
1.6 Criteria are included for agencies evaluating innovative as well as conventional building systems, against applicable requirements.  
1.7 Agencies involved in testing, quality assurance and evaluating building components can be evaluated by using Practice E 699.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, ass...

ABSTRACT
This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria provided herein shall be used for evaluating the capability of the agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, as well as establishing essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, or independent agency is not necessary for the use of this specification, but the specification can be used as a basis for accreditation, if desired.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.
Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and
On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. Building officials can use Specification E 329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E 329.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice provides basic criteria for evaluating the qualifications of agencies utilizing the test methods promulgated by ASTM in Section 4, Construction, of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, municipal, or nongovernmental body is not necessary for the use of this practice. These criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria for particular classes of testing, quality assurance, and evaluative agencies. Specification E 329 can be used for on-site construction projects.
The intent of this practice is to provide a “consensus-system” standardized basis for evaluating a testing, quality assurance, or evaluating agency with respect to its capability to provide the specific service(s) needed by the user without prejudice to the agency offering other services or being affiliated with other agencies or organizations. In those situations where a strict literal interpretation of the phrase “shall be made available,” as used in this practice, would be inordinately burdensome to an agency, it will generally be sufficient that the agency concerned has the information available for “on-site” review.
The criteria of this practice are described in terms of the basic information necessary for an accrediting authority to evaluate the capability, with respect to objectivity, and competency of a testing, quality assurance, and evaluating agency regarding common characteristics pertaining to the organization, human resources, material resources, and quality systems employed by the agency in performing the services offered. Typically, accreditation of an agency involves the following three essential phases:
Submittal, to an involved accrediting authority, of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this practice by an interested agency.
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information by the involved accrediting authority.
Verification, “on-site,” of the agency-submitted information ...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a guide for the information to be obtained and provides specific recommended criteria for evaluating the capabilities of an agency to conduct inspections and tests and to report on tests performed in accordance with ASTM standards primarily on factory built components and assemblies.
1.2 The criteria in this practice describe the basic information used in judging the capability of an agency to perform its intended functions objectively and competently as well as to disclose possible conflicts of interest judged from the standpoint of the user of this practice. Testing, approval, and certification of a company's own products and services by its own testing agency does not necessarily constitute a conflict of interest.
1.3 The criteria presented herein are divided into three categories of endeavor, namely,
Part A—Standards and Criteria for Testing Agencies
Part B—Standards and Criteria for Quality Assurance Agencies
Part C—Standards and Criteria for Evaluating Agencies
1.4 The fundamental purpose of this practice is to provide criteria for evaluating an agency as denoted in 1.3 either by a user of that service or by an accrediting authority.
1.5 It is not the purpose of this practice to provide a basis for determining the quality of a product or service being evaluated.
1.6 This practice is not intended for the evaluation of those activities normally associated with the production and sale of products and the like, such as a manufacturer's internal quality program. However, any organization may request or perform an evaluation of its own in-house facilities under this practice if it so desires.
1.7 It is not the intent of this practice to be the basis for the determination of the type of agency to be selected by the user.
1.8 This practice can be used in conjunction with Specification E 541 and Practice E 651  
1.9 Specification E 329 specifies minimum requirements for agencies ...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
In a situation where an organization is performing an evaluation of another, either formally or informally, the single most important element in the evaluation may well be the selection and assignment of a properly qualified assessor/assessment team to perform an on-site assessment. Therefore it is imperative that the person(s) performing the assessment be selected and assigned with care by the assessing organization. Two basic types of individuals normally participate in an on-site assessment: assessors/auditors and technical experts; each perform separate functions (see definitions).
This guide focuses on providing guidance regarding the responsibilities and obligations of an assessing body in the selection, training, assignment and monitoring of assessors/auditors and technical experts to carry out their evaluation functions.
Note 1—In some cases, others may also participate in an assessment who are beyond the control of the assessing body: e.g., government regulatory personnel, or other observers specified by a client. Such participants are not covered by this guide.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides guidance to organizations that need to utilize persons to perform assessments/audits (assessing bodies) of other organizations (assessed bodies) for purposes of recognition, accreditation or other type of approval to perform a function.
1.2 An assessing body should consider the contents of this guide and apply it according to its unique situation. The elements of this guide should be applicable to the selection, assignment, and monitoring of assessors whether they are contract or permanent staff members.

ABSTRACT
This practice is intended as a companion standard to ASTM Standard E 541, Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in System Analysis and Compliance Assurance for Manufactured Building. Standard E 541 covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or both, in the evaluation and inspection of manufactured building. This standard includes questions that should be asked of system analysis and compliance assurance agencies in order for the administrative agency to evaluate their competency. The preferred method for utilizing this standard is for qualified personnel of the administrative agency to visit the system analysis and compliance assurance agencies' headquarters to speak to qualified personnel and examine pertinent records and documentation. Alternatively, the evaluation may be done at any location provided the agency being evaluated is fully informed as to the material and personnel they will need to have on hand for the evaluation.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended as a companion standard to Specification E 541, Specification for Agencies Engaged in System Analysis and Compliance Assurance for Manufactured Building. Specification E 541 covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or both, in the evaluation and inspection of manufactured building. This standard includes questions that should be asked of system analysis and compliance assurance agencies in order for the administrative agency to evaluate their competency. Personnel matters are not highlighted in this standard since they are covered in detail in Specification E 541. This is not meant to imply that they are not important.
1.2 The preferred method for utilizing this practice is for qualified personnel of the administrative agency to visit the system analysis and compliance assurance agencies' headquarters to speak to qualified personnel and examine pertinent records and documentation. Alternatively, the evaluation may be done at any location provided the agency being evaluated is fully informed as to the material and personnel they will need to have on hand for the evaluation.
1.3 Some of the following will not be applicable in the evaluation of an agency that has not had prior experience as a building-evaluation organization. It is not the intent of this practice to preclude acceptance of such an agency provided it can otherwise demonstrate that its organizational procedures and experience in other product categories and experience of key personnel reflect a keen awareness of the problems and processes involved in manufactured building evaluation and thus warrant acceptance. In such instances the administrative agency may wish to consider extending provisional acceptance over a definite period of time, during which it is expected that the agency will have opportunity to gain the requisite experience and demonstrate its capabilities and compliance assurance functions for manufactured building.  
1.4 Failure of an agency to respond satisfactorily to one or more criteria in the following should not be sole cause for rejection. Such failure should be brought to the agency's attention and be subject to close scrutiny during subsequent reevaluations.
1.5 This practice is intended to achieve uniformity in the regulation of manufactured building. It may be necessary to make changes and modifications in order to adapt to legislative or other regulatory requirements of some jurisdictions.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, or independent agency is not necessary for the use of this specification, but the specification can be used as a basis for accreditation, if desired.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.
Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and
On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. Building officials can use Specification E 329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E 329.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.
This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, or independent agency is not necessary for the use of this specification, but the specification can be used as a basis for accreditation, if desired.
The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.
Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:
Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,
Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and
On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. Building officials can use Specification E 329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E 329.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.
1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.
1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. These materials include concrete, steel, soil, masonry and bituminous materials.
1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.
1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.