Skip to main content

NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The U.S. Certification System from a Governmental Perspective

Published

Author(s)

Maureen A. Breitenberg

Abstract

This report is designed to provide the reader with an introduction to the U.S. certification system from a governmental perspective. It highlights some of the relationships that exist between federal and state agencies and the private sector and discusses some of the history and philosophy behind the U.S. system.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6077
Report Number
6077

Keywords

accreditation, certificates of conformity, certification, certification marks, conformance testing, conformity product listing, product approval, product testing

Citation

Breitenberg, M. (1997), The U.S. Certification System from a Governmental Perspective, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 14, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created October 1, 1997, Updated October 16, 2008
Was this page helpful?