NVLAP Lab Bulletin LB-163-2026

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program

Issue date: March 9, 2026
Number: LB-163-2026
LAP: Cryptographic and Security Testing
Subject: Pause in Acceptance of Accreditation Applications for NVLAP CST LAP

Notice

NVLAP and CMVP are pausing acceptance of any new Cryptographic and Security Testing (CST) Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) applications for accreditation received as of January 1, 2025. The decision to pause this program was made due to a lack of sufficient CMVP resources to ensure that new applicants could be assessed to the CST LAP requirements in a timely manner. CMVP is actively working to increase resource capacity to allow the acceptance of applications in the future, but no timeline is currently set when applications will be accepted. An announcement will be made by means of another laboratory bulletin when applications are again being accepted.

NVLAP will contact any laboratories that have submitted applications during this timeframe to discuss any outstanding items like issuance of refunds for applications fees, etc.

Implementation of Changes

This change is effective upon publication of this bulletin and impacts any applications received on or after January 1, 2025. Another lab bulletin will be issued when the pause of the acceptance of applications is lifted.

Questions regarding the pause in acceptance of new applications in the NVLAP CST LAP should be directed to Janneth Marcelo, janneth.marcelo [at] nist.gov (janneth[dot]marcelo[at]nist[dot]gov).