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Assessment Preparation Lists
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The Laboratory Assessment Program (LAP)
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Program Description
To participate in the Laboratory Assessment Program, a laboratory must be equipped to perform standard AASHTO or ASTM standards on soils, aggregates, asphalt binder, asphalt emulsion, or hot mix asphalt. The assessment may include an optional review of the laboratory's quality management system for compliance with AASHTO Standard Practice R18, "Standard Practice for Establishing and Implementing a Quality System for Construction Materials Testing Laboratories". Although a laboratory does not become accredited by merely being assessed, the AMRL assessment is one of the requirements which must be satisfied for a laboratory to obtain AASHTO Accreditation.
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What occurs during an assessment?
An assessment consists of an observation of the test procedures and an examination of the apparatus used in performing the tests. In addition, a review of the laboratories quality system manual, supporting documentation and records may be reviewed based on the criteria specified in AASHTO R18, ASTM C1077, D3666, D3740 and E329 depending on the scope of the assessment. An on-site assessment will require between 1 to 5 days based on the number of tests the laboratory requests for evaluation. The typical assessment lasts about 2 days and assessment fees vary depending upon the scope.
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How can I prepare for an assessment?
Assessment Preparation List(s) are available on our website (under the Laboratory Assessment tab) and describe steps the laboratory should take to prepare for each test. The list(s) include information regarding sample preparation and testing guidance. In addition, the test method worksheets used by the assessor are available for registered users of the AMRL website. These step-by-step "checksheets" cover the apparatus and procedural requirements for each test method covered by the AMRL. Laboratories may download the Common Observations from previous assessments to correct common testing errors prior to an assessment.
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How often will my lab be assessed?
AMRL completes a tour of all laboratories within an approximately 24-month interval. View the schedule to determine if we will be visiting your area in the near future. If a laboratory requires an on-site assessment at a time that is not in agreement with our planned visit to their area, an additional fee for an out-of-sequence laboratory assessment applies.
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How do I get started?
Submit an Assessment Request. Both an AMRL assessment AND AASHTO accreditation are now requested by using this single form. It is not necessary to submit a separate 'AASHTO Accreditation Request'.
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