A2LA

What A2LA does

A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit accreditation body founded in 1978 and headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, with a second office in Boulder, Colorado. The organization provides conformity assessment accreditation services to testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, clinical laboratories, biobanks, and validation/verification bodies, based on international ISO/IEC standards (17025, 17020, 17065, 17043, 17034, 15189, 20387, 17029) and federal regulatory frameworks. A2LA holds signatory status with the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement, IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement, and APAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement, providing global recognition across 100+ countries, and is the only accreditation organization in the world to achieve both CMS Deemed Status for CLIA and ILAC Recognition for ISO 15189.

A2LA's service delivery relies on a network of trained technical expert assessors who conduct on-site conformity assessments against proprietary R-series normative documents and standard-specific checklists. The organization holds federal recognitions from FDA (ASCA and LAAF programs), FBI (NDIS), DoD (ELAP and DAGCAP), DOE (DOECAP), EPA (ENERGY STAR and NLLAP), FCC, and CMS, plus state and industry-body recognitions (Texas Forensic Science Commission, Maryland DHMH, Oregon Health Authority, California ELAP, WADA, HISA/HIWU, AOAC, TNI, Bluetooth SIG, among others). Over 4,300 actively accredited certificates span all 50 US states and 50+ countries, with multi-year contract cycles supporting recurring revenue. A2LA operates an annual conference (AnnCon) attracting 653 attendees in 2026, a membership program with voting privileges in Board elections, and A2LA WorkPlace Training as a separate training subsidiary.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: (1) accreditation service fees on a quote-based, multi-year contract model; (2) annual membership subscriptions providing discounts on training, conference registration, and exclusive resources; and (3) professional training services and e-learning through A2LA WorkPlace Training. Go-to-market is direct, enterprise-focused, and relationship-driven, with prospective clients initiating contact via website quote request forms followed by staff-guided application and on-site assessment processes. The organization maintains multiple secure online portals (customer, accreditation council, assessor, membership) for document management and compliance tracking. No public revenue figures are disclosed.

Name

A2LA

Legal name

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation

Website

https://a2la.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

A2LA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit accreditation body providing ISO-based conformity assessment accreditation to 4,300+ testing, calibration, clinical, and inspection organizations across all 50 US states and 50+ countries, holding unique CMS Deemed Status for CLIA and ILAC/IAF/APAC signatory recognition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Accreditation Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Laboratory Quality Systems, Accreditation & Proficiency Testing Programs (HLAJAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC), Quality Assurance/Quality Control & Accreditation (QA plans, proficiency testing, ISO/IEC 17025) (EUANAJAK)

Keywords

• Laboratory accreditation services
• Conformity assessment accreditation
• ISO 17025 accreditation
• Inspection body accreditation
• Testing laboratory certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Frederick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Accreditation Services: A2LA generates revenue by providing accreditation assessments to conformity assessment bodies (testing/calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference materials producers, biobanks, and clinical laboratories). Organizations pay fees associated with the assessment process, including initial assessments, surveillance assessments, and renewal assessments. The fee structure is quote-based, varying by the type and scope of accreditation sought.
2. Membership Program: A2LA offers membership programs that provide discounts on A2LA WorkPlace Training courses and e-learning modules, A2LA Annual Conference registration, ASTM directory listing, free webinars, exclusive newsletters, and voting privileges in A2LA Board of Directors elections. Membership fees provide ongoing revenue and are separate from accreditation fees.
3. Training Services: A2LA WorkPlace Training (a subsidiary entity) provides training courses, e-learning modules, and professional development covering subjects such as understanding international standards development, quality control, quality assurance, internal audits, and preparing for assessments. Training is available to both member and non-member organizations for a fee.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

A2LA provides third-party accreditation assessments to conformity assessment bodies (testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, product certification bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, biobanks, and clinical laboratories) against international ISO/IEC standards. Assessments are conducted by trained technical expert assessors using proprietary R-series normative documents and assessment checklists, and successful organizations receive formal accreditation enabling global recognition through ILAC MRA, IAF MLA, and APAC MRA mutual recognition arrangements. The organization also offers membership subscriptions, A2LA WorkPlace Training courses, and an annual industry conference.

Product overview

A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) is a non-profit accreditation body offering a comprehensive portfolio of conformity assessment accreditation services. The organization operates as a platform of interconnected accreditation programs based on international ISO standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 (Testing/Calibration Laboratories), ISO/IEC 17020 (Inspection Bodies), ISO/IEC 17065 (Product Certification), ISO/IEC 17043 (Proficiency Testing), ISO 17034 (Reference Materials), ISO 15189/CLIA (Clinical), ISO 20387 (Biobanking), and ISO/IEC 17029 (Validation/Verification). These core accreditation programs are supplemented by numerous specialty subprograms such as Cannabis Testing, FDA ASCA Pilot Programs, FedRAMP 3PAO, Cybersecurity Inspection, Forensic Examination, FCC Equipment, EPA ENERGY STAR, Bluetooth Testing, and LAAF Food Testing. A2LA also offers annual conferences (AnnCon), membership programs, training services, and secure portal access for stakeholders. The organization holds international recognition through ILAC MRA, IAF MLA, and APAC MRA agreements, with over 4,300 accredited certificates spanning all 50 US states and 50+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ISO/IEC 17025 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation Primary accreditation program for testing and calibration laboratories covering multiple fields including acoustics/vibration, biological, calibration, chemical, construction materials, electrical, environmental, forensic, geotechnical, industrial hygiene, IT, mechanical, nondestructive, sampling, and thermal testing. Provides formal recognition of technical competence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Body Accreditation Accreditation program for inspection bodies performing visual comparisons, dimensional checks, and examination using gauges and instruments across various industries for processes and products.
• ISO/IEC 17065 Product Certification Body Accreditation Accreditation for product certification bodies covering automotive, bottled water, building products, cannabis/hemp, electrical products, food, furniture, IT devices, plumbing, swimming pools, and more.
• ISO/IEC 17043 Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation Accreditation for proficiency testing providers spanning biological, chemical, environmental, electrical EMC, construction materials, clinical, forensic, mechanical, and metrology fields. A2LA is a TNI-recognized proficiency testing provider accreditor.
• ISO 17034 Reference Materials Producers Accreditation Accreditation demonstrating competence of reference material producers for testing and calibration laboratories. A2LA holds ILAC MRA signatory status covering reference material producers.
• ISO 15189 & CLIA Clinical Testing Laboratories Accreditation Clinical laboratory accreditation including Platinum Choice, CLIA, ISO 15189, and CLIP programs. A2LA is the only accreditation organization achieving CMS Deemed Status for CLIA and ILAC Recognition for ISO 15189.
• ISO 20387 Biobanking Accreditation Biobanking accreditation program using ISO 20387 standard covering acquisition, collection, preparation, preservation, testing, analysis, and distribution of biological material.
• ISO/IEC 17029 Validation and Verification Accreditation Accreditation for validation and verification bodies evaluating claims in greenhouse gas emissions, environmental information, sustainability, and carbon markets.
• Cannabis Testing Laboratory Accreditation Specialized accreditation for cannabis and hemp testing laboratories covering potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbiology, residual solvents, and terpene profile testing.
• Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) FDA-recognized accreditation program under FSMA for food testing laboratories covering mycotoxins, microbiological contaminants, pesticides, and water activity testing.
• FDA ASCA Pilot Program (Biocompatibility) FDA-recognized accreditation for laboratories performing biocompatibility testing of medical devices under the Accreditation Scheme for Conformity Assessment.
• FDA ASCA Pilot Program (Basic Safety and Essential Performance) FDA-recognized accreditation for laboratories performing premarket testing for basic safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment.
• Threat Agent Testing Laboratory (TATL) Accreditation Accreditation for laboratories testing biological and chemical threat agents including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and select agents/toxins.
• FedRAMP Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAO) Accreditation Accreditation for Third-Party Assessment Organizations as part of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program for cloud-based services security assessment.
• Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program Accreditation for cybersecurity organizations covering NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, SOC II, HIPAA/HITECH, PCI compliance assessments. Functions as initial step to FedRAMP 3PAO status.
• Forensic Examination Accreditation Accreditation for forensic testing/calibration laboratories and inspection units, including FBI QAS DNA accreditation, Texas Forensic Science Commission, and Maryland Forensic facilities programs.
• U.S. FCC Equipment Accreditation
• EPA ENERGY STAR Accreditation EPA-recognized accreditation for laboratories and product certification bodies under the ENERGY STAR third-party certification program.
• Bluetooth Qualification Testing Facility (BQTF/BRTF) Accreditation Accreditation for Bluetooth testing facilities under the Bluetooth SIG qualification program covering BQTF (full member testing) and BRTF (self-testing only) designations.
• Calibration Laboratory Accreditation
• A2LA Annual Conference (AnnCon) Annual multi-discipline accreditation industry conference offering 50+ technical expert-led sessions, training, professional development, and networking. One of the largest accreditation events in the world with 653 attendees at AnnCon26 in Nashville.
• A2LA Membership Program
• A2LA WorkPlace Training Services
• A2LA Secure Portal Access

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 4,300 actively accredited certificates representing all 50 US states and more than 50 countries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA holds ILAC MRA signatory status, enabling global recognition of its accredited organizations' test and calibration results across over 100 countries. The ILAC MRA replaces the previous ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Global ACI Multilateral Arrangement as of January 1, 2026.
• International Accreditation Forum (IAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA holds IAF MLA signatory status for certification body accreditation, providing international recognition for product certification and inspection body accreditations globally. The IAF MLA transitioned to Global ACI as of January 1, 2026.
• Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA holds APAC MRA signatory status, enabling recognition across the Asia-Pacific region for accredited organizations.
• The NELAC Institute (TNI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA is approved as a TNI Non-Governmental Accreditation Body, enabling recognition by several states including Florida, Minnesota, and New Hampshire for environmental laboratory assessments. A2LA is also a recognized proficiency testing provider accreditor (PTPA) under TNI and is recognized for FSMO accreditation through TNI NEFAP.
• National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIHC accepts A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for entry into the A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint Hemp Recognition Program as part of their approval process for NIHC Verify program for hemp testing laboratories. The goal is to promote testing transparency, standards requirements, consumer confidence, and product safety.
• Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)coreTechnology or IntegrationA2LA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bluetooth SIG for conducting assessments of Bluetooth Qualification Testing Facilities (BQTF) and Bluetooth Recognized Testing Facilities (BRTF) under the Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility Program.
• Oregon Health AuthorityminorOthersOregon's Toxic-Free Kids Act requires manufacturers to submit biennial notices for products containing high priority chemicals of concern. Testing must be performed by third-party laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by an ILAC MRA signatory such as A2LA.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)coreOthersA2LA is recognized by FDA under the ASCA Pilot Program for both Basic Safety and Essential Performance and Biocompatibility Testing of Medical Devices. A2LA is also recognized under the FDA FSMA Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program effective May 23, 2022.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)coreOthersA2LA is the only accreditation organization in the world to achieve CMS Deemed Status for CLIA. This allows A2LA to accredit clinical laboratories under CMS-recognized CLIA requirements without direct CMS oversight.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreOthersA2LA is an EPA-recognized accreditation body for ENERGY STAR product certification and testing. A2LA is also recognized under EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) to accredit lead testing bodies.
• U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)coreOthersFCC recognizes A2LA as an Accreditation Body for laboratories testing in support of FCC Certification. As of July 13, 2017, all testing performed in support of FCC Certification must be performed by an accredited laboratory recognized by the FCC.
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)coreOthersA2LA is recognized by DoD under the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) since 2009, the Advanced Geophysical Classification Accreditation Program (DAGCAP), and the DoD/DoE Quality System Manual (QSM) requirements for laboratories performing analysis in support of DoD restoration work.
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)coreOthersA2LA has been recognized since 2017 by the DOE Consolidated Audit Program (DOECAP-AP) to provide accreditation for laboratories performing environmental testing for the DOE.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)coreOthersOn January 13, 2014, A2LA was designated by the National DNA Index System (NDIS) Procedures Board as an accrediting agency under the United States Federal DNA Identification Act for forensic DNA testing and DNA databasing laboratories.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)coreOthersNIST has recognized A2LA to accredit testing bodies under the USGv6 Test Program for IPv6 products. A2LA is also recognized by the NIST/NVCASE program as an accreditation body for telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs) under APEC TEL MRA Phase II.
• Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) / HIWUcoreOthersA2LA's Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratory Program is recognized by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) and meets the requirements of HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program standards.
• AOAC InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA's AOAC Laboratory Accreditation Program, offered since 1998, encompasses laboratories testing products intended for human consumption. A2LA uses AOAC guidelines as accreditation requirements, providing detailed criteria for assessing essential requirements for food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, and cannabis analyses.
• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)coreOthersA2LA's Anti-Doping Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program, in association with WADA, covers testing laboratories that monitor and test athlete compliance with anti-doping regulations. Participation demonstrates effective quality management and forensically valid results.
• International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA is a member of ISBER, whose vision is to be the leading global biobanking forum for promoting harmonized high-quality standards, education, ethical principles, and innovation in the science and management of biorepositories.
• National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)coreOthersNAHLN accepts A2LA accreditation within the Veterinary Laboratory Accreditation Program as part of their approval process for animal disease surveillance and testing laboratories. The 2018 Farm Bill established the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program supporting this.
• Source Evaluation Society (SES)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA2LA has an exclusive partnership with the Source Evaluation Society (SES) for conducting assessments of Air Emission Testing Bodies (AETBs) to the ASTM D7036 Standard Practice. AETBs may be assessed to ASTM D7036 alone or combined with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
• California State Water Resources Control BoardcoreOthersCalifornia's ELAP regulations require environmental labs overseen by CA ELAP to implement the 2016 TNI Standard. A2LA is authorized as a third-party Assessment Agency under the state regulations, providing assessments to California environmental testing labs.
• U.S. Golf Association (USGA)minorOthersThe USGA requires testing laboratories to be accredited by A2LA under the Putting Green Laboratory Accreditation Program (PUG) to make the task of evaluating and recognizing qualified testing laboratories easier.
• Association of Official Racing Chemists (AORC)minorOthersA2LA's Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratory Program is designed to meet the requirements of the Association of Official Racing Chemists (AORC), which requires ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation as well as participation in applicable Proficiency Testing Programs.
• Gaming Standards Association (GSA)minorOthersA2LA is a recognized accreditation body to accredit organizations that perform GSA standards conformance testing. Organizations participating in the GSA Certification Program must be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by an approved accreditation body.
• Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA)minorOthersBIFMA launched the BIFMA Compliant branded conformance program on March 1, 2021. Product testing must be conducted by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory with relevant BIFMA standards on the Scope of Accreditation. A2LA covers these standards under its mechanical field of testing.
• CTIA Wireless AssociationminorOthersCTIA recognizes A2LA as an option for providing accreditation services to verify conformance of wireless products to industry standards under the CTIA Certification Program. Devices must pass evaluation by CTIA Authorized Testing Laboratories (CATL), which must be accredited by A2LA or another ILAC MRA Accreditation Body.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)coreOthersISED recognizes A2LA as an Accreditation Body for laboratories testing in support of ISED Declaration of Conformity (DoC) or Certification. A2LA can accredit and designate laboratories in the United States, Japan, India, Philippines, Thailand, and People's Republic of China for these purposes.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB): ANAB is the primary US-based competitor to A2LA, formed from the merger of ACLASS and ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. It directly competes for ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration accreditation, ISO/IEC 17020 inspection body, and ISO/IEC 17065 product certification accreditation across the same US federal agency-recognized programs.
• United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS): UKAS is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom and a global leader in ISO/IEC 17025 testing, calibration, inspection, and certification body accreditation. It is a peer ILAC MRA and IAF MLA signatory, directly comparable to A2LA in offering the full range of conformity assessment accreditation services, and competes for multinational customers.
• National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP): NVLAP is a US government program operated by NIST that provides laboratory accreditation across multiple fields including calibration, testing, and inspection. It is a direct competitor to A2LA particularly in calibration and federal program areas, with comparable technical standards and overlapping customer base in regulated US testing.

Regional players

• Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS): DAkkS is Germany's national accreditation body and one of the largest in Europe, providing accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies. It is comparable to A2LA in scope and international recognition, but primarily serves the German and EU markets.
• Standards Council of Canada (SCC): SCC is Canada's national accreditation body providing ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration laboratory accreditation and product certification body accreditation. It competes with A2LA for North American customers seeking accreditation recognized by Canadian regulators and via ILAC/APAC MRA arrangements.
• National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA): NATA is Australia's national accreditation body for testing, calibration, inspection, and certification bodies, with ILAC and APAC MRA signatory status. It is comparable to A2LA in scope and accreditation portfolio but operates primarily in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, providing A2LA's geographic complement.
• ACCREDIA: ACCREDIA is Italy's national accreditation body and the largest accreditation body in the EU by number of accredited organizations. It provides ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, 17065, and 17043 accreditation comparable to A2LA's portfolio, but operates primarily in Italy and the Mediterranean region.

Others

• International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC): ILAC is the international association of laboratory accreditation bodies with which A2LA holds MRA signatory status. It is not a direct competitor but rather the meta-organization that establishes global mutual recognition, comparable to A2LA as an ecosystem enabler and the body through which A2LA's accreditations gain international acceptance.

Emerging players

• AOAC International: AOAC International is a standards development organization whose Official Methods of Analysis are referenced in A2LA's AOAC Laboratory Accreditation Program. It is comparable as an adjacent accreditation ecosystem participant in food, dietary supplement, and cannabis testing, with partial overlap in A2LA's biological and chemical testing programs.
• The NELAC Institute (TNI): TNI is a non-profit organization that develops standards for environmental laboratory accreditation and recognizes accreditation bodies such as A2LA. It is comparable as an adjacent accreditation ecosystem participant in environmental testing, with A2LA holding TNI-recognized accreditation body status for NELAP and FSMO programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-association-for-laboratory-accreditation-a2la-
• Xx.com/A2LA_

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about A2LA