ASTM International Adds Certification Capabilities
November 22, 2009

The ASTM board of directors has authorized the group's management to develop the capability to offer certification services. Titled the ASTM International Certification Programs, the new initiative is sponsored by ASTM International and offers the opportunity for certification of products (materials, products, services and systems) as well as personnel.

According to an announcement from the organization, the recent action by the ASTM board is a response to inquiries, particularly in the areas of new standards development activities, for ASTM to provide certification to meet expressed needs for independent, third-party demonstrations of compliance to standards. Similar requests have come to ASTM from those facing regulatory pressures to demonstrate standards compliance.

"The board agreed that the ability for the Society to offer certification programs as a part of ASTM's portfolio of services - similar to our successful proficiency testing and training programs - is important in remaining relevant in the changing global marketplace," says James A. Thomas, president of ASTM International. "This is the first step toward certification in ASTM's 111-year history. The board approved this initiative to satisfy the requirements of ASTM's diverse stakeholder community and to meet the needs of industries relying on ASTM International standards."

All program initiatives will be based on the level of interest of the relevant ASTM technical committee as well as the support of industry.

CLICK HERE for further information on the new programs.

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