3. Set the calendar

Setting the timetable is not the laboratory's responsibility, but rather that of the accreditation body.

The accreditation timetable comprises four major phases (the deadlines given are estimated and do not take account of special cases):

• The first phase, "day 0", is when the laboratory submits its application to the accreditation body.

• The second phase, "day 60": after examination of the application, the laboratory will be invited to sign the accreditation agreement. This agreement defines the reciprocal obligations of the laboratory and the accreditation body, including the laboratory's commitment to meeting accreditation requirements, and the accreditation body's commitment to doing its utmost to assess the laboratory's competence. A signed agreement means that the accreditation...