Some standards are jointly developed and published by ISO and IEC, such as DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, which is used to assess the work and competence of testing laboratories and certification bodies. The aim is to ensure the professionalism and effectiveness of these bodies through uniform standards and to promote confidence in their work among businesses and consumers. The standard sets out requirements for technical competence, impartiality and uniform working methods that testing laboratories and certification bodies must meet.

Specifically, this includes requirements for the test equipment used, environmental factors in laboratories and field tests, the professional competence of personnel performing tests and test series, as well as sampling and calibration. If a testing laboratory or certification body meets the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025, it will be granted the appropriate accreditation. This can be used to demonstrate to customers and clients that the conformity assessment body’s own working methods are in line with international guidelines and general technical competence. The quality of the test and measurement equipment and the test procedures play a particularly important role. In addition, the standard ensures accurate and standardised documentation of test procedures.