AASHTO Accreditation

The AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) formally recognizes the competency of thousands of testing laboratories to perform specific tests on construction materials. In addition to being the largest accrediting body in the construction materials industry, the AAP is also the most widely-accepted. AASHTO-Accredited laboratories have proven their commitment to quality and can set themselves apart from their competitors.

Benefits

As an AASHTO-Accredited laboratory, you are able to

• demonstrate conformance to specific national and international standards
• enhance confidence in the testing your laboratory provides
• expand your business opportunities by being eligible to work for more national, state, and local entities that require accreditation
• be a member of an elite group of testing laboratories that is dedicated to quality testing and continuous improvement
• influence and improve standards
• stay up-to-date with trends and issues in the industry

Scope

AASHTO Accreditation applies to specific testing agency (laboratory) locations for conformance to specific standards. Accreditation does not extend to mobile or site facilities without specific inclusion of those facilities on the AASHTO Accreditation Directory nor does it extend to standards not listed in the laboratory’s AASHTO Accreditation Directory listing.

Accredited laboratories undergo rigorous third-party assessments. During these assessments, each test method is demonstrated in its entirety by the laboratory’s technical staff, and the testing apparatus associated with each test is evaluated. The assessment also includes a thorough review of the laboratory’s quality management system, including records of technician training and competency evaluations as well as equipment calibration and check records. Additionally, a detailed review of all accreditation requirements, including participation in the AASHTO re:source and CCRL proficiency sample programs, is conducted for each accredited laboratory at least once per year. 

The AAP accredits laboratories for over 650 AASHTO, ASTM, state, and industry standards. The following table breaks down these fields of testing by assessment provider.

AASHTO re:source	CCRL
aggregate* asphalt binder asphalt mixtures emulsified asphalt iron and steel* pavement preservation rock soil sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM)	aggregate*  cementitious materials concrete controlled low strength material (CLSM) dimension stone hydraulic cement iron and steel* masonry Pozzolan slag cement ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)

* Denotes both AASHTO re:source and CCRL offer assessments for these scopes of testing.

Obtaining Accreditation 

• Ensure that your laboratory’s practices and quality management system (QMS) meet the requirements of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedure Manual, AASHTO R 18, and any other ASTM quality system specifications that you may need to comply with such as C1077, C1093, D3666, D3740, and E329.
• Schedule an assessment with AASHTO re:source or CCRL.
• Enroll in the appropriate AASHTO re:source or CCRL proficiency sample programs. Enrollment in AASHTO re:source-supplied samples will be done automatically once we receive your request for accreditation. Please contact CCRL for enrollment in their program.
• Complete your Initial Accreditation Review Form online. The documentation provides us with your organizational structure, along with other basic laboratory information.
• Resolve the nonconformities noted in your assessment within 60 days of the issuance of the report. Please log in to our website and click “View My Accreditation Events” to submit responses. 

Maintaining Accreditation

• Receive regularly scheduled assessments by AASHTO re:source and/or CCRL.
• Actively participate in the applicable proficiency sample programs provided by AASHTO re:source and/or CCRL.
• Follow all AAP Procedures for completion of corrective actions by the specified deadlines.

Directory of Accredited Laboratories

Users can search for specific laboratories by city or state/country using the directory of accredited laboratories. The directory is updated frequently and is the sole source for current accreditation information. The directory includes the following information for each accredited laboratory: laboratory name, address, contact information, accredited test methods, and date(s) of initial accreditation for each testing field.

More Information

Find additional resources for AASHTO Accreditation on the Accreditation Documents page or on our re:University pages.

Service Expectations

We strive to provide excellent service to our customers by being professional, accurate, competent, and timely. We expect staff to always communicate to our customers in a professional manner, provide detailed analysis and responses to customer inquiries, and review assessment corrective actions within 2 weeks of receiving them from the laboratory. Our goal for responses to emails and phone calls is 2 business days, but keep in mind that we will only call you back if you leave a message.