134 Calibration Laboratory Operations

For Whom Intended  This course is for individuals who are involved in standards and calibration laboratories and for others who want a clear understanding of the special requirements that must be met by managers and other personnel in standards and calibration work.

This course is applicable to individuals from a wide range of industries such as Defense, Manufacturing, Utilities, Electronics, Automotive, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Telecommunications, Computers, Aerospace and Universities.

Brief Course Description  The course begins with a broad overview of the Metrology discipline, and defines some common terms. It next introduces the statistical concepts that form the cornerstones of modern metrology and calibration.

Calibration labelsThe students are then exposed to statistical management concepts such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) and the Measurement Assurance Process (MAP).

The course then reviews in considerable depth the requirements imposed by ISO standard 17025. Its impact on all aspects of calibration laboratory management is analyzed clause by clause. The role of ISO 9000 quality programs vis-á-vis ISO standard 17025 is discussed.

After a discussion of the staffing requirements of standards and calibration labs, and applicable documentation requirements, the course next reviews measurement uncertainty, and attempts to dispel some of the confusion surrounding this complex subject. Valuable insights into inter-laboratory testing, calibration and comparison (ILC) will be provided.

The final sections of the course deal with laboratory facilities, equipment and calibration logistics, as well as reporting requirements, ESD control, equipment handing and safety considerations.

Diploma Programs  This course may be used as an elective for any TTi specialist diploma program.

Prerequisites  There are no definite prerequisites for this course. However, this course is aimed toward individuals involved in a related technical field.

Text  Each student will receive 180 days access to the on-line electronic course workbook. Renewals and printed textbooks are available for an additional fee.

Course Hours, Certificate and CEUs  Class hours/days for on-site courses can vary from 14-35 hours over 2-5 days as requested by our clients. Upon successful course completion, each participant receives a certificate of completion and one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for every ten class hours.

ON-DEMAND  OnDemand Internet Complete Course 134 features ten hours of video as well as more in-depth reading material. All chapters of course 134 are also available as OnDemand Internet Short Topics. See course outline below for details.

Course Outline

Chapter 1 - Metrology is a Science, Calibration is a Process

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OnDemand Short Topics$50.00
  • Metrology Glossaries
  • Calibration
  • Different Terms for Measuring Equipment
  • Applied Metrology

Chapter 2 - National, International Quality Standards, Requirements and Guides for Calibration

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OnDemand Short Topics$50.00
  • History of Quality Standards, 1900s – Present
  • History of Calibration Quality Standards
  • What is ISO?
  • Comparing Standards
  • What Standard for What Purpose?
  • ISO 9001 Quality Management System Requirements
  • International Standards
  • ISO Standards: Categories
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Chapter 3 - Quality Management System

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OnDemand Short Topics$50.00
  • 12 Elements of a Quality Management System
  • Quality Management System for Calibration Lab
    • Documentation Requirements
    • Quality / Calibration Manual
  • Calibration Control System
  • Quality System, Implementation
  • Quality System, Audit
  • Quality System: Quality Assurance vs Quality Control
  • Typical Quality Control Steps
  • Typical Quality Assurance Steps
  • Quality System, Management Review
  • Management Review Flowchart

Chapter 4 - Audits and Accreditation

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OnDemand Short Topics$200.00
  • 1st Party Audit
  • Auditing
  • 2nd Party Audit
  • Audit Flowchart
  • 3rd Party Audit
  • Laboratory Accreditation
    • Laboratory Accreditation Process
    • Detailed Accreditation Checklist
    • 2012 Laboratory Accreditation Bodies in U.S Approved by ILAC
    • ILAC Accredits Laboratory Bodies
  • United States ISO Representative

Chapter 5 - Facilities, Environmental Control and other Contributors of Capability

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OnDemand Short Topics$150.00
  • Laboratory Facilities
    • Floor Space
    • Equipment
    • Logistics
  • Environmental Control
    • Recommended Environmental Conditions
  • Equipment and Measurement Standards
    • Adequacy of Standards
  • Accommodations and Environment
    • Laboratory Design and Environmental Considerations
    • Clean Room

Chapter 6 - Organizational Structure and Responsibilities

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OnDemand Short Topics$150.00
  • Organization Structure
    • Organization and Management
  • Calibration Laboratory Management
    • Laboratory Manager
  • Personnel
    • Organization Charts
  • Job Descriptions
    • Calibration Technician
    • Calibration Engineer
    • Metrologist
    • Other Laboratory Positions
    • Technical Manager
    • Quality Manager

Chapter 7 - Workflow and Calibration Process

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OnDemand Short Topics$250.00
  • Calibration Program - Set of Operations
  • Equipment and Reference Materials
  • ISO 9001 M&TE Example
  • Local Cal Procedure Development Process
  • Measurement Traceability & Calibration
  • Types of Calibration (typical options when outsourcing)
    • Accredited Calibration
    • Traceable Calibration
    • Functional Verification
  • Calibration Methods (Procedures)
    • Calibration Procedures
    • Cover Page
  • Handling of Calibration Items
    • Calibration Intervals
    • Calibration Status
    • Calibration Status Labels
    • Exclusions from the Calibration System
    • Tamper Proof Sealing
    • Recall System
    • Reverse Traceability
  • Preventive Maintenance (PM)
  • Precision Equipment Handling and Storage

Chapter 8 - Administrative Requirements

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OnDemand Short Topics$50.00
  • Software Programs
  • Laboratory Documents / Procedures
  • Review of Requests, Tenders, and Contracts
  • Service to the Customer
  • Customer Complaints
  • Calibration Records
    • Calibration Reports
    • Calibration Reports—Requirements
    • Certificates and Reports

Chapter 9 - Service Providers, Housekeeping and Safety

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OnDemand Short Topics$50.00
  • Sub-contracting and Outside Supplies and Services
  • Laboratory Housekeeping
  • Safety Considerations
  • ESD Control in the Calibration Laboratory

Review - Knowledge Check

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OnDemand Short Topics$25.00

Appendix B - Technical Organizations / Metrology Materials

Purchase Options
OnDemand Short Topics$25.00
  • Technical Organizations
  • Standards and Specifications
  • Measurement Uncertainty Reference Sources

Summary and overview

Award of Certificates for successful completion

Click for a printable course outline (pdf).

Revised 6/13/2018