1.1 This specification defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction.

1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.

1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction and materials. These materials include concrete, steel, soil, masonry and bituminous materials.

1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.

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