NVLAP operates on a cost-reimbursable basis from fees paid by participating laboratories that apply for accreditation in fields of testing or calibration. The fee structure incorporates three types of fees:
The Administrative/Technical Support Fee covers costs associated with NVLAP staff conducting the program in all areas for which accreditation is offered and for providing these services to participating laboratories. A discount is available if multiple fields of accreditation are selected by a laboratory.
Current Administrative/Technical Support Fee | $6,195 |
This fee is due annually regardless of the accreditation status of a laboratory and is paid at the time of application.
The On-Site Assessment Fee covers costs incurred for an on-site assessment visit. On-site assessments are conducted prior to initial accreditation, during the first renewal year, and every two years thereafter.
Unlike the Administrative/Technical Support Fee, the On-Site Assessment Fee is not paid with the application. A laboratory will be invoiced for this fee when an on-site assessment is scheduled to be performed.
For most laboratory accreditation programs, the On-Site Assessment Fee is variable and the applicant laboratory may contact NVLAP for determination of the fee amount. However, the On-Site Assessment Fee for the following programs is a fixed fee as shown in the table:
Laboratory Accreditation Program | Fixed Fee |
Asbestos Fiber Analysis - Bulk | $4,990 |
Asbestos Fiber Analysis - Airborne | $5,410 |
Asbestos Fiber Analysis - Bulk and Airborne Combined | $6,340 |
Carpet and Carpet Cushion | $4,200 |
Common Criteria Testing (Within the Baltimore-Washington area) Common Criteria Testing (Outside of the Baltimore-Washington area) |
$18,500 $22,500 |
Efficiency of Electric Motors | $5,850 |
Thermal Insulation Materials | $5,430 |
The optional use of a preassessment visit will be considered if it is decided that such a visit would result in a better definition of the scope of accreditation requested by the laboratory. In such cases the preassessment costs will be charged to the laboratory in addition to the actual On-Site Assessment Fee.
A laboratory will be charged for an additional assessment visit if required as the result of failure to meet NVLAP requirements. The fee for this additional assessment visit is the same as that charged for a regular on-site assessment.
A laboratory will not be charged separately for a monitoring visit, which may be initiated by NVLAP at any time during the accreditation period for cause or on a random selection basis.
The On-Site Assessment Fee is subject to change if the laboratory requests any change to its scope of accreditation or if the laboratory is located outside of the United States.
This refund policy applies to laboratories that withdraw from the NVLAP program. It covers each of the three fee categories as follows:
Time of withdrawal (# of months after renewal date)* |
Refund amount |
Less than 3 months | 3/4 |
3 months to less than 6 months | 1/2 |
6 months to less than 9 months | 1/4 |
9 months or greater | No refund |
The On-Site Assessment Fee is refundable only if no on-site related costs have been incurred. Otherwise, costs incurred will be deducted from the On-Site Assessment Fee.