DATA ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

Calibration Certificate Analysis

Revision 6.0 – Updated UL internal document approvers only. No other document changes.

For Client Labs

Purpose • This document specifies the general requirements for the calibrations
performed on Test and Measurement Equipment.

• This document applies to all organizations performing testing, including

third-party laboratories.

Why is this requirement • Calibration of equipment (including calibration standards) must be

important? traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, or
other national metrology institution, and to a calibration service provider
accredited under ISO Standard 17025. See “When calibration is
performed by a non-accredited laboratory” on page 3.

Requirements/ Procedures
• Calibration certificates are required for all test and measurement
equipment used to control critical test functions or acquire test data;
Equipment calibration
certificates • Calibration certificates must contain specific information to assure
compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.

• Each calibration certificate is to include at least the following information

which is required by ISO/IEC 17025 5.10 unless the calibration laboratory
has valid reasons for not including it. Refer to Note 1 below.

1. A valid accreditation body endorsement for the calibrations

performed (refer to example list of accreditation endorsements
below) in the form of an accreditation body logo. As an alternative
to the accreditation body logo being applied on the calibration
certificate, the calibration certificate shall contain the following four
elements on the first page of the calibration certificate:

a) A statement that the calibration meets requirements of

ISO/IEC 17025,
b) The name of the accreditation body which accredited the
calibration laboratory,
c) Reference to their accreditation certificate number, and
d) A statement that the calibration is within their scope of
accreditation

2. a title (e.g. “Calibration Certificate”);

3. the name and address of the laboratory, and the location where
the calibrations were carried out, if different from the address of
the laboratory;
UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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Calibration Certificate Analysis

4. Unique identification of the calibration certificate (such as the

serial number). Each page of supporting data requires an
identification to ensure that the page is recognized as a part of the
calibration certificate package. A clearly identified end of the
calibration certificate package must be labeled;

5. the name and address of the customer;

6. identification of the method used;

7. a description of the condition of and unambiguous identification of

the item(s) tested or calibrated;

8. the date of receipt of the calibration item(s) if this is critical to the

validity and application of the results and the date(s) of
performance of the calibration;

9. reference to the sampling plan and procedures used by the

laboratory or other bodies if these are relevant to the validity or
application of the results;

10. the calibration results with the units of measurement, where

appropriate,;

11. the name(s), functions(s) and signature(s) or equivalent

identification of person(s) authorizing the calibration certificate;

12. where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate
only to the items calibrated;

13. the conditions (e.g. environmental) under which the calibrations

were made that have an influence on the measurement results;

14. the uncertainty of measurement and/or a statement of compliance

with an identified metrological specification or clauses;

15. evidence that the measurements are traceable (to national

standards)

If the calibration certificate does not provide evidence of being an accredited

When calibration is calibration then the following shall be confirmed:
performed by a non- I. Is the calibration being performed in-house by the testing laboratory?
accredited laboratory.
A. If yes, then the client needs to demonstrate compliance with the
requirements within the document 00-OP-C0038: In-house calibration
requirements (and use of Non-Accredited Calibration Service Providers).
UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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Calibration Certificate Analysis

B. If no, go to Items II and III below.

II. Has a search for an accredited calibration provider been performed, but none
available?

A. If no, then the client needs to conduct an analysis to demonstrate the

use of a non-accredited vendor is appropriate. Refer to Appendix B in the
document 00-OP-C0038: In-house calibration requirements (and use of
Non-Accredited Calibration Service Providers).

B. If yes then:

1. The client laboratory needs to ensure traceability is obtained

from calibration laboratory through assessment (document review
or an on-site visit).

2. The calibration report should be equivalent to an accredited

calibration report, providing calibration data and measurement
uncertainty.
III. Is calibration done by Original equipment Manufacturer (OEM)?

A. Client lab is required to demonstrate that only OEM can conduct

calibration and/or no accredited vendor available.

B. The lab must ensure calibration is traceable to national standards per

IIB1 and IIB2 above.

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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Calibration Certificate Analysis

Records
Certificates and other related documentation associated with testing are to be
processed in the following manner:
Certificates, Approval
Forms, and Other For WTDP -
Documentation o UL staff are to request copies of certificates and related
documentation for the equipment used in testing. This information
is to be placed in UL’s document retention system.

For other DAP programs (CTDP, TCP, TPTDP, etc) -

o Clients are to index and retain copies of certificates and

related documentation for the equipment used in testing.

o In lieu of storage of paper copies of the documentation, these may

be stored electronically.

Retention time for the records is in accordance with Client Test Data
and TCP Laboratory agreement (L-56).

Records and procedures that clearly specify when the calibration of the instrument expires
shall be available and shall be applied. A procedure shall be available and shall be applied
to specify how recalibration dates are determined.

NOTE 1 – This information/practice is not allowed for WTDP participants

Section 5.10.1 of ISO/IEC 17025 allows for simplified reporting in cases where an internal calibration
laboratory provides services to a department within the same organization. Not all of the elements of
5.10.2 through 5.10.4 need be included in the “report” or supporting records that are provided to the
internal customer, as long as the results are reported accurately, clearly, unambiguously and
objectively. However, the calibration laboratory is required to maintain records to satisfy the
requirements of 5.10.2 through 5.10.4 in the event that the information is ever needed. Record
retention must meet the minimum durations stated in “Certificates, Approval Forms, and Other
Documentation” above, or as required by the “Client Test Data and TCP Laboratory agreement” (L-
56).

As an example, calibration data for instrument measurement ranges may be retained by the
calibration laboratory and not included with the calibration report, at the customer’s request,
providing the data is accessible from the calibration laboratory for a defined period to support
records and decisions of related activities by the internal customer (e.g. laboratory tests).

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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DATA ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

Calibration Certificate Analysis

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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DATA ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

Calibration Certificate Analysis

2.
3. 1.

4.
Accreditation
3.
Endorsement
Logo
8.
5. 4.

7.

6.

13.

7.

9.

12.
14.
15.

3.

10.
10.

2.
3.

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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DATA ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

Calibration Certificate Analysis

3.

4.
7.
7.

6. 8.
10.

4.
11.

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

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DATA ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM

Calibration Certificate Analysis

NOTE – THIS INFORMATION IS SUPPLEMENTAL. THIS LIST IS NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE.

Accreditation Endorsements

Since calibration certificates from accredited laboratories that conduct work within their scope of
accreditation can bear an endorsement of accreditation, attention on identifying 1) a suitable endorsement
and 2) the unique identifier in item 3 above is necessary. This satisfies the need to substantiate a certificate
was provided by an accredited calibration laboratory.
• International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation MRA signatories are acceptable accreditor
endorsements. A full listing of ILAC MRA signatories can be found at the ILAC website. (look
under the “About ILAC” and “Members by Categories” listings). The “Full Members” list includes
Signatories to the ILAC MRA.

• Asian Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Council MRA signatories are acceptable

accreditor endorsements. A full listing of APLAC MRA signatories can be found at the APLAC
web site. Note that “Full Member” status does not include Signatory status. Full Members must
apply separately for acceptance as Signatories.

• European Accreditation Cooperation MRA signatories are acceptable accreditor

endorsements. A full listing of EAC MRA signatories can be found at the European co-operation
for Accreditation web site.

UL does not endorse any vendors or products referenced herein.

UL ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OMISSIONS OR ERRORS OR INACCURACIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS
INFORMATION. UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY, CONDITION, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

Copyright♥ 2012 UL LLC. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission. This document is controlled and has been
released electronically. The version on the UL intranet is the up-to-date document. Hard copies are uncontrolled and may not be up-to-
date. Users of hard copies should confirm the revision by comparing it with the electronically controlled version.

00-OP-C0032 – Issue 6.0

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