Achieving AIHA-LAP accreditation under ISO 17025 is one of the most important steps an Industrial Hygiene Laboratory can take to gain credibility, win new business, and strengthen client confidence. But the path to accreditation is often misunderstood — many managers underestimate the time, resources, and strategy required. This 8-session program, delivered by Dr. Stepan Reut, will give you a clear, business-focused roadmap. You will learn not only what accreditation requires, but also how it can transform your laboratory into a trusted, competitive, and client-centered organization.
Who Should Attend
- Business Managers
- Laboratory Managers
- Quality Control Managers
- Quality Assurance Managers
If you are considering applying for AIHA-LAP accreditation, this course is your essential first step.
Training Format
- 8 Online Sessions (50 minutes each)
- Live, interactive format with time for open discussion
- Delivered by an active AIHA-LAP site assessor with real-world insights
Instructor: Dr. Stepan Reut
Business Owner of an AIHA LAP accredited laboratory • Laboratory Manager • Former Quality Manager • Active AIHA-LAP Site Assessor
Program Outline
Lecture 1: Why Accreditation Matters for Your Business
- Accreditation vs. certification vs. licensing
- How accreditation builds credibility and client trust
- Using accreditation as a marketing advantage
- Winning government and corporate contracts
- Reducing client audits through third-party recognition
- Legal defensibility of accredited results
- Cost of non-accreditation: lost opportunities
- Building your brand reputation
- Competitive edge in proposals and tenders
- How accreditation transforms business perception
Lecture 2: Understanding AIHA-LAP and ISO 17025
- Role and recognition of AIHA-LAP worldwide
- Scope of testing covered under AIHA-LAP programs
- ISO 17025 explained in plain language
- What “competence” means to clients and regulators
- Why AIHA-LAP is different from generic ISO audits
- Recognition by OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, and regulators
- Proficiency testing as proof of reliability
- Accreditation as a sign of impartiality
- Client expectations from accredited labs
- Lessons from real-world assessments
Lecture 3: The Business Case for Accreditation
- Accreditation as a growth tool
- Stronger long-term client relationships
- Justifying premium pricing
- Reducing marketing and sales barriers
- Accessing new markets and contracts
- Saving staff time through fewer audits
- Accreditation as risk management
- Easier collaboration with consultants and universities
- Financial return on investment
- Case studies of accredited lab success
Lecture 4: The Accreditation Journey — Step by Step
- Application process with AIHA-LAP
- Selecting your scope strategically
- Typical 6–12 month timeline
- Budgeting for accreditation
- Preparing your quality manual and system
- Assigning staff roles
- What happens during assessments
- How assessors evaluate compliance
- First-time applicant challenges
- Key milestones toward success
Lecture 5: Roles and Responsibilities in Accredited Labs
- The laboratory manager’s leadership role
- Responsibilities of the quality manager
- Business manager’s perspective: ROI and resources
- Building a culture of quality
- Communication with assessors
- Staff training and competence simplified
- When to use external consultants
- Balancing daily business with accreditation prep
- Leadership commitment as the key to success
- Case studies of strong management practices
Lecture 6: Documentation and Quality Systems (Management View)
- Documents AIHA-LAP expects (non-technical)
- The Quality Manual as the backbone of accreditation
- SOPs, policies, and records explained simply
- How much documentation is enough
- Record-keeping strategies that save time
- Traceability of results for client confidence
- Document control made practical
- Using documentation to protect credibility
- Good vs. bad documentation examples
- Manager’s role in keeping systems efficient
Lecture 7: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Why labs fail their first assessment
- Rushing applications
- Leadership disengagement
- Weak internal audits
- Misunderstanding proficiency testing
- Paper-only documentation
- Ignoring continual improvement
- Underestimating resources
- Communication breakdowns
- Strategies for smooth accreditation
Lecture 8: Sustaining Accreditation and Building Business Value
- What happens after initial accreditation
- Surveillance assessments explained
- Continuous improvement as a growth tool
- Using proficiency testing in marketing
- Staff morale and retention benefits
- Expanding scope as markets grow
- Accreditation as protection in disputes
- Communicating accreditation to clients
- Building a long-term culture of quality
- Action plan: first steps for your lab
Why Learn from Dr. Stepan Reut?
With over a decade of laboratory management experience, Dr. Reut brings a rare combination of perspectives:
- Business Owner – understands financial and strategic impact.
- Laboratory Manager – knows day-to-day operational challenges.
- Former Quality Manager – lived through ISO 17025 implementation.
- AIHA-LAP Site Assessor – first-hand insight into how assessments are performed.
This training is not theoretical — it is built on real-world lessons and practical experience.
Next Step: Schedule Your Training
Give your management team the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about accreditation. Contact LCS Laboratory Inc. today to schedule the program for your organization.
