4.1 This specification provides the basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of testing or inspection agencies, or both, for road and paving materials. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements. An individual user can also use it to judge the qualification of an agency.

4.2 The intent of this specification is to provide a consensus basis for evaluating a testing or inspection agency, or both, with respect to that agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user.

4.3 This specification can be used as a basis for accreditation.

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. 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. 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.

1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for field and laboratory personnel, for establishing and maintaining a quality management 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 E329, 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. Accreditation for this standard shall include at least one field. (See 8.1.3.)

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 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.