For clients, our authorisations and accreditation mean:
- precision and accuracy of testing services,
- reliable test results,
- recognition of the results by national and international institutions, including type-approval authorities.
Want to commission tests of a vehicle, its parts or equipment?
What does it mean that a testing laboratory is accredited?
Accreditation confirms a testing laboratory’s competence to perform specified tests using given methods, and the independence and reliability of the results. Accreditation certificates are issued by independent accreditation bodies for a defined field of testing. In Poland the only such body is the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA).
Holding accreditation proves that testing services, staff competence and equipment comply with international and national standards. It is granted for 4 years. During that time accredited laboratories remain under PCA supervision, including regular audits and assessments to confirm compliance and retain the authorisation. Results from accredited testing and calibration laboratories are therefore treated as reliable and accepted by institutions, regulators and authorities, for example in product certification or type-approval.
What are the requirements for laboratory accreditation?
Accreditation is granted after an assessment against international and national requirements set out in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” and its Polish counterpart PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02. In the accreditation process PCA also takes into account recommendations and guidelines of organisations recognised in Europe and worldwide (e.g. EA, ILAC).
PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02 sets technical competence requirements for the laboratory, including:
- personnel competence (education, training and authorisations appropriate to the role and the tests performed),
- test methods and procedures (approved and validated procedures and test programmes that ensure reliable results),
- measuring equipment (compliance with standards, proper calibration of test apparatus to ensure accuracy and reliability of measurements),
- the testing environment (control of conditions that affect measurements, e.g. temperature).
Accredited laboratories must also meet quality-management requirements so as to ensure:
- correct sampling and testing of materials in line with established procedures and applicable standards,
- repeatability and accuracy of results,
- impartiality of testing processes,
- confidentiality of testing services to protect client data,
- reliable documentation of every stage of the test,
- preparation of documents and reports in accordance with applicable standards.
Scope of services of the Cartest accredited testing laboratory
Cartest offers testing and type-approval services for the automotive industry. We hold accreditation and authorisations to test category M, N and O vehicles, as well as their parts and equipment.
We work both with automotive companies in series production and with clients seeking individual vehicle approval.
Accredited testing laboratory
Accreditation certificate AB 1607 issued by the Polish Centre for Accreditation confirms CARTEST’s competence to perform tests in the automotive field, including:
- mechanical tests of vehicles,
- tests of the physical properties of vehicles.
Examples of tests covered by our accreditation:
| Scope of tests | Legal basis |
|---|---|
| Safety-belt anchorages and ISOFIX systems | UNECE Regulation No. 14 |
| Seats, their anchorages and head restraints | UNECE Regulation No. 17 |
| Partitioning systems in vans and their anchorages | ISO 27956:2009 |
| Wheelchair anchorages | Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 |
The full scope of accreditation of the Cartest testing laboratory can be checked on the PCA website.
Tests outside the scope of accreditation
We also carry out vehicle tests outside our accredited scope. These include, among others, strength tests using a force of up to 50 000 N. Whether a given test can be performed depends on the equipment we have and the required methods. Please contact us to discuss the details.
Type-approval tests
As a technical service authorised by the Director of the Transport Technical Supervision (TDT), we carry out tests for type-approval and individual approval of category M, N and O vehicles, their components and equipment.
Why commission vehicle tests at an accredited testing laboratory?
Choosing the Cartest accredited testing laboratory gives you assurance that the tests meet the highest standards and were performed by a competent team.
Benefits of working with an accredited testing laboratory:
- Reliable results: Test methods compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 guarantee precise, objective and trustworthy outcomes.
- Lower risk: Precise measurements reduce the risk of testing errors and production defects. They also save time and money, because having tests done first by an accredited laboratory avoids having to repeat them if an authority later questions the result.
- Client trust: Accreditation requires objectivity and independence, so accredited test results build confidence in the product and the company among B2B partners, distributors and end customers.
- Highest quality: Accreditation confirms technical competence in the quality and repeatability of test methods and the qualifications of staff, which ensures a smooth process and reliable measurements.
- Compliance with standards: All measurements, analyses and tests of vehicles and their assemblies are performed in line with applicable standards, so the results can be used in type-approval or product certification. Reports bearing an accreditation mark (e.g. PCA) are recognised by institutions and authorities worldwide under international agreements.
Want to commission vehicle tests? Contact Cartest
Do you need tests for type-approval? Do you want tests to verify the quality and safety of a vehicle or its assemblies?
We will help you choose the right scope of tests.