Accreditation is the formal assessment and recognition by an impartial competent authority that a laboratory is capable of meeting and maintaining defined standards of performance, competence and professionalism. It is a powerful tool to ensure compliance with standards, and was recognized as such in the original DAB report.

Certification is the process by which an organization evaluates the qualifications of an individual to perform a specific task or function. Certification of persons indicates that an individual possesses specific knowledge, skills or abilities in the view of the certifying body.

Although accreditation and certification are powerful tools for quality assurance, neither is currently a prerequisite for admissibility. (State v. Adams 984 P.2d 16 (Ariz. 1999); Smith v. State 702 N.E.2d 668 (Ind. 1998); State v. Ramsey 550 S.E.2d 294 (S.C. 2001); J.H.H. v. State Ala.Ct.App., CR-02-1752, 2004 (1/30/04) Ala.Crim.App. LEXIS 22.) 1

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