NELAP Accredited Laboratories

The NELAC structure requires a laboratory to seek accreditation first from the state of residence. If that state is not a NELAP-approved accrediting authority, the laboratory may seek accreditation from any other state NELAP-approved accrediting authority. Likewise, if the state program does not grant accreditation for a particular program or type of analysis, the laboratory may seek accreditation, for those areas outside the resident state's scope, from any other NELAP-approved state accrediting authority. Some states may elect to accredit out-of-state laboratories through the use of third party assessor bodies.

As the program expands and additional accrediting authorities are approved, laboratories desiring NELAP accreditation will need to follow the development of the program and determine which state or states would be the appropriate accrediting authorities to meet their accreditation needs.