ISO 17025
ISO 17025 is an internationally recognized quality standard that testing and calibration laboratories must follow to prove they operate competently and can produce valid results. Think of it as a "seal of approval" that shows a laboratory follows strict quality rules. When someone mentions ISO 17025 on their resume, it means they have experience working in or managing a laboratory that follows these international standards. It's similar to other quality systems like ISO 9001, but specifically focused on testing laboratories. You might also hear it called "laboratory accreditation" or "testing laboratory certification."
Examples in Resumes
Managed quality system documentation and internal audits for ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
Led team of technicians in ISO/IEC 17025 compliant testing procedures
Implemented ISO 17025 requirements for new testing methods and equipment calibration
Typical job title: "Laboratory Quality Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Laboratory Quality Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a major non-conformance discovered during an external audit?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss investigation process, root cause analysis, corrective actions, preventive measures, and communication with accreditation bodies. They should emphasize documentation and follow-up verification.
Q: How do you ensure continuous quality improvement in a laboratory setting?
Expected Answer: Should explain management review processes, quality metrics tracking, staff training programs, internal audit schedules, and how to implement corrective actions based on findings and feedback.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key elements of a laboratory quality manual?
Expected Answer: Should mention scope of testing, organizational structure, quality policies, procedures, document control, and testing methods. Should understand how these elements work together.
Q: How do you maintain traceability in laboratory measurements?
Expected Answer: Should explain calibration processes, reference standards, documentation requirements, and how to track measurement uncertainty in simple terms.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of document control in a laboratory?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of keeping procedures up-to-date, ensuring staff use correct versions, and maintaining records of changes.
Q: How do you handle quality control samples in testing?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic quality control procedures, documentation requirements, and what to do when results are outside acceptable ranges.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of quality control procedures
- Document control and record keeping
- Following standard operating procedures
- Basic laboratory testing methods
Mid (2-5 years)
- Internal audit participation
- Quality manual maintenance
- Staff training coordination
- Non-conformance management
Senior (5+ years)
- Quality system management
- External audit management
- Laboratory accreditation maintenance
- Strategic quality planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic quality control concepts
- Lack of documentation experience
- Poor attention to detail in following procedures
- No experience with laboratory operations
- Unable to explain corrective action processes
Related Terms
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