What Is the Certificate?
ISO 10012 defines management-system requirements for measurement processes and measuring equipment. Its aim is to give assurance that measurement results are fit for their intended use and that the risk of nonconformity from erroneous measurement is managed. The concept of metrological confirmation is central to this standard.
Who Needs It?
- Manufacturing organisations where measurement directly determines product conformity
- Production facilities managing a large fleet of measuring equipment
- Organisations wanting to make their calibration and verification processes systematic
- Those wanting to deepen their implementation of ISO 9001 clause 7.1.5 (monitoring and measuring resources)
Is It Mandatory?
Not mandatory. ISO 9001 already requires the suitability of monitoring and measuring resources; ISO 10012 details how this requirement is to be met. In sectors where measurement is critical, it can be requested by customer contract.
Scope of the Standard
- General requirements of the measurement management system
- Management responsibility: the metrology function, customer focus, quality objectives, review
- Resource management: personnel competence, information resources, material resources, suppliers
- Metrological confirmation: calibration, determining confirmation intervals, indicating confirmation status, records
- The measurement process: its design, implementation, measurement uncertainty and traceability
- Analysis and improvement of the measurement management system
Certification Process
- 1ApplicationThe organisation's field of activity, headcount, number of sites and scope boundaries are determined. The number of audit days is calculated from this information.
- 2Document Review (Stage 1)The management system documentation, scope definition, risk assessment and internal-audit/management-review records are examined; readiness for the on-site audit is assessed.
- 3Certification Audit (Stage 2)It is verified on site that the system is implemented and effective. Findings are classified as major/minor nonconformity or observation.
- 4Closing NonconformitiesThe organisation submits a root-cause analysis and corrective action plan. The certificate is not issued until major nonconformities are closed.
- 5Issuing the CertificateThe certificate is issued after review by an independent decision-maker. The audit team cannot make the certification decision.
- 6Surveillance AuditsA surveillance audit is carried out at least once a year during the certificate's validity. The first surveillance cannot exceed 12 months from the last day of Stage 2.
- 7RecertificationAt the end of three years, the entire system is re-audited; it must be completed before the certificate expires.
Period of Validity
Management system certificates are valid for three years. At least one surveillance audit is carried out per year during this period; the certificate is suspended if surveillance is not carried out. A recertification audit is completed at the end of the third year.
Required Documents
- Trade registry record and operating licence
- The organisation's organisation chart and headcount
- The list of sites/branches within scope
- The management system manual or process documentation
- Internal audit and management review records
- Legal permits, licences and operating documents, if any
Certification Cost
There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.
- The headcount within scope (directly determines the number of audit days)
- The number of sites and branches; whether multi-site sampling applies
- The activity's risk level and process complexity
- The number of standards to be certified — an integrated audit reduces the number of days
- The three-year cycle: certification + two surveillance audits
Accreditation
Management system certification is carried out within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1. The certification body is accredited by an accreditation body party to the IAF multilateral recognition agreement (IAF MLA); This agreement establishes a chain of international recognition that ensures that a document issued in one country is accepted in other countries. EUROLAB has internationally recognized accreditation from IAF member accreditation bodies within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1.
The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.
Scope and authorisationsRelated Certifications
ISO 9001Quality Management System
ISO 10002Customer Satisfaction and Complaint Management
ISO 10004Customer Satisfaction Monitoring and Measurement
ISO 13485Medical Device Quality Management
ISO 15378Pharmaceutical Primary Packaging Quality Management
ISO 17034Reference Material Producers
ISO/IEC 17025Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO 21001Educational Organizations Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ISO 10012 and ISO/IEC 17025 the same thing?
No. ISO/IEC 17025 is for accrediting the testing and calibration competence of laboratories. ISO 10012 is for a non-laboratory organisation to manage its own measurement processes and equipment.
