Home / Accreditation / Reference Material Producers
GTAF Accreditation Programme

Reference Material Producers
ISO 17034

Reference material producers support reliable measurement by producing reference materials with characterized properties and appropriate documentation. GTAF accreditation evaluates competence in planning, production, characterization, homogeneity, stability and certification or documentation activities within the defined scope.

Applicable framework: ISO 17034
Programme Focus

Competence, impartiality and confidence

GTAF’s accreditation approach is designed to provide a structured, evidence-based evaluation of organizations performing conformity assessment activities. The emphasis is on technical competence, impartiality, consistent processes and confidence in results or certification decisions.

Material production control

Defined production processes, facilities, equipment and competent personnel.

Homogeneity and stability

Appropriate evaluation and control of material characteristics over the intended period of use.

Characterization

Competent technical approaches for assigning property values and evaluating evidence.

Documentation and traceability

Clear documentation supporting intended use, handling, storage and measurement confidence.

Typical Scope Areas

Define the scope with precision

The accreditation scope should clearly describe the activities, sectors, methods, schemes or technical fields for which competence is demonstrated.

  • Chemical reference materials
  • Physical and material-property references
  • Environmental and food-related materials
  • Sector-specific reference materials
What GTAF Looks For

Evidence that supports reliable outcomes

Assessment considers the organization’s documented arrangements and their effective implementation. Depending on the programme and scope, evidence may include:

  • Competent personnel and defined responsibilities
  • Controlled procedures, records and technical methods
  • Suitable facilities, equipment and resources
  • Impartiality and confidentiality controls
  • Quality assurance, monitoring and continual improvement
  • Effective handling of complaints, appeals or feedback where applicable
Accreditation Journey

A clear path from application to surveillance

The detailed sequence is tailored to the programme and requested scope, while maintaining a consistent accreditation decision framework.

01

Application

Application and scope review

02

Technical resource

Technical resource and process assessment

03

Assessment of production

Assessment of production and characterization activities

04

Corrective action verification

Corrective action verification

05

Accreditation decision

Accreditation decision and surveillance

Need to Know

Frequently asked questions

Accreditation is granted for a defined scope. The assessment focuses on the competence, impartiality, consistency and effectiveness of the applicant’s activities within that scope.

The programme is structured around ISO 17034. Applicants should review the applicable GTAF requirements and scheme or programme-specific criteria before applying.

GTAF assessment activities may include document review, interviews, records review, technical evaluation, witnessing and other evidence-based activities appropriate to the requested scope.

Accredited organizations remain subject to the applicable surveillance, reassessment and change-management arrangements so that continued competence and conformity can be maintained.
Ready to begin?

Explore accreditation for your organization.

Review the applicable requirements and submit your accreditation enquiry or application to begin the process.