1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for field and laboratory personnel, for establishing and maintaining a quality system, and establishes minimum qualifications for agencies engaged in the testing and inspection of road and paving materials.

1.2 Criteria are provided for evaluating the capability of an agency to properly perform designated tests on road and paving materials, and for establishing guidelines pertaining to an agency's organization, personnel, facilities, and quality system. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria, such as that in Specification E 329, and requirements for particular projects.

1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate testing or inspection agencies, or both, and is intended for use for the qualifying or accrediting, or both, of testing or inspection agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of road and paving materials.

1.4 Accreditation is required to comply with this standard. (See 8.1.5.)

1.5 The users of the accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the tasks requested by the user.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.