The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.

This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, or independent agency is not necessary for the use of this specification, but the specification can be used as a basis for accreditation, if desired.

The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.

Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:

Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,

Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and

On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.

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. Building officials can use Specification E 329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E 329.

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.