VIPAS
Accreditation Program for Proficiency Testing Providers(VIPAS)
Introduction to the Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation SchemeProgram
The accreditation program for Proficiency Testing Providers (VIPAS) has been implemented since 2023 has been implemented since 2023. This is a newly developed accreditation scheme by the National Accreditation Bureau (BoA), designed to meet emerging societal needs.
Although newly implemented, the VIPAS accreditation program has already established a solid foundation and is being systematically carried out. Like the BoA's other traditional accreditation programs, VIPAS is operated in full compliance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17011.
VIPAS employs a team of lead assessors who are professionally trained according to international standards. In addition, VIPAS has a highly qualified pool of technical experts selected from specialized regulatory agencies, universities, research institutes, laboratories, medical laboratories, and experienced proficiency testing providers.
The National Accreditation Bureau (BoA) is proud to be a pioneer in accrediting Proficiency Testing Providers (PTPs) in Vietnam.
Benefits of Accreditation
- Enhances the technical and management competence of proficiency testing providers (PTPs).
- Delivers high-quality, professional proficiency testing services to clients.
- Ensures the accuracy and reliability of proficiency testing programs provided by accredited PTPs.
- Facilitates the integration of Vietnam’s proficiency testing accreditation practices with regional and international standards.
Target Clients
- Proficiency Testing Providers (PTPs)
- Other organizations (including laboratories) that implement proficiency testing (PT) programs
- Regulatory agencies involved in delivering or overseeing proficiency testing activities
Accreditation Standards
- VIPAS applies the international standard ISO/IEC 17043, along with relevant regulations and supplementary requirements specific to each field within the Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation Scheme.
Fields of Accreditation for Proficiency Testing Provider
- Testing: Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceuticals, Mechanics, Construction Materials, Electrical – Electronics, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Measurement and Calibration
- Medical Laboratory Testing: Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Pathology, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), etc.
FAQs
Accreditation may be required by government or federal regulatory bodies, industry organizations, local government requirements, or individual customers.
What is the process to be accredited according to ISO/IEC 17011:2017?
Refer to "How to get accredited?" The key technical factors mentioned in the standard include:
- Validity and suitability of the method
- Technical competence of personnel
- Traceability of measurements to national and international standards
- Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment
- Handling of testing/calibration items
- Quality control and assurance processes
- Reporting of results
The BOA (BAC) Accreditation Criteria packages include several documents available for download.
BOA's general documents include informational materials and do not serve as accreditation criteria.
There are General Accreditation Criteria applicable to all facilities and Specific Accreditation Criteria designed for specific fields and industry activities. These documents outline the mandatory accreditation criteria that must be met.
- General accreditation criteria
- Specific accreditation criteria
The General Accreditation Guidelines and Specific Accreditation Guidelines provide non-mandatory recommendations.
- General accreditation guidelines
- Specific accreditation guidelines
ISO/IEC 17011:2017 is the international standard that outlines the requirements for accreditation bodies assessing and recognizing conformity assessment bodies (CABs). This standard specifies the criteria for accreditation bodies to operate in a consistent, impartial, and transparent manner. It ensures that CABs—such as testing laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies—are competent and produce reliable results.
VIPAS
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Benefits of being a BoA accredited organisation
The Bureau of Accreditation (BoA) accredits organizations engaged in activities such as testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, medical laboratories, proficiency testing providers, and reference material producers for their products and services. This provides consumers with the necessary confidence to make safe, healthy, and reliable choices.
Choosing to become an organization accredited by BoA offers several competitive advantages for your business.
Accreditation contributes to the promotion of international trade. Once accredited, the results of conformity assessment activities (certification, testing, inspection) are recognized by other countries, thereby facilitating the import and export of goods.
Accreditation enhances the reliability of products, goods, and services, as they are inspected and assessed by competent organizations.
In order to be accredited, organizations must establish, maintain, and continuously improve their conformity assessment activities in accordance with international standards. Therefore, accreditation helps ensure the competence of conformity assessment bodies.
Accreditation increases the trustworthiness of conformity assessment results, enabling outcomes achieved in one location to be accepted in many others.
Accreditation helps reduce compliance costs for businesses by eliminating the need to repeat testing or assessment activities.