Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.: Calibration Scopes of Accreditation Policy

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.
Calibration Scopes of Accreditation Policy
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Policy Issued: 11/08 Rev. 1.7
PL-4 Calibration Scopes Revised: 3/21 Page 1 of 20
Calibration Scopes of Accreditation
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This policy has been developed by PJLA and its technical committee in order to
ensure consistency among calibration organization’s scopes of accreditation. It
establishes guidelines used by PJLA to determine the most accurate expression
of range and calibration and measurement capability on calibration scopes of
accreditation.
1.1.1 Additionally, this document includes an Appendix A outlining

examples of appropriate entries for various calibration disciplines and
Appendix B to provide guidance for the use of SI units on the scope of
accreditation.
1.2 All applicant and accredited organizations shall adhere to this policy. The policy
detailed within this document applies only to calibrations for which an accredited
result is to be reported.
2.0 SCOPES OF ACCREDITATION
2.1 The scope of accreditation is a formal document issued by PJLA to its accredited
organizations. It contains information expressing the calibration parameters,
ranges over which a calibration applies, the uncertainty or CMC (Calibration and
Measurement Capability) associated with the calibration as well as pertinent
information about the equipment, methods and references used in performing the
calibration.
2.2 Prior to accreditation applicant organizations are responsible for providing PJLA
with the most accurate and current information available in regard to their
intended scope of accreditation. This should be completed on an application (LF-
1) and should comply with this policy. This also applies to organizations who
have been previously accredited. Prior to accreditation, PJLA will provide the
organization with our proposed scope of accreditation for review. Once the
organization accepts the scope of accreditation, PJLA will relay the scope to the
assessor to verify on-site for accuracy and completeness. Once your assessor
has agreed with the proposed scope of accreditation, both the organization and
the assessor will sign the proposed scope and submit it to PJLA for review with
the assessment package. Please note that the submitted scope of accreditation
can be modified by PJLA after the technical review of the assessment package
has been completed.
2.3 When accreditation is granted, PJLA will issue a final scope of accreditation
certificate. A draft of this document will be submitted to the organization for
review and approval. Following organization approval, the final scope of
accreditation will be accessible to the public through direct inquiry to PJLA or
through the PJLA website. Per PJLA procedures, an organization whose
accreditation is suspended or terminated shall not use or display the scope of
accreditation or the PJLA name and symbol in any way.
2.4 The scope of accreditation will be reviewed at the accreditation and

reaccreditation assessments in its entirety. During surveillance assessments,
those areas of the scope of accreditation directly pertaining to the assessment
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will be reviewed in detail. Any changes or additions to the scope of accreditation,

which have occurred since the previous assessment or any areas affected by
nonconformities identified during the previous assessment will also be reviewed.
Formatting the Scope of Accreditation

(REFER TO APPENDIX A AND APPENDIX B TO VIEW EXAMPLES OF THIS SECTION)
3.0 CALIBRATION FIELD
3.1 PJLA currently accredits organizations performing calibrations in the following

fields:
3.1.1 Dimensional
3.1.2 Electrical
3.1.3 Time and Frequency
3.1.4 Acoustic
3.1.5 Mass, Force, and Weighing Devices
3.1.6 Mechanical
3.1.7 Chemical
3.1.8 Thermodynamic
3.1.9 Optical
3.2 Scopes of accreditation will contain calibration fields selected from the list above
(as appropriate to the calibrations performed by the organization), and the related
measured instrument, quantity or gauge, range, CMC and calibration equipment,
and reference standards used with the information necessary to define the
calibration capability of the organization. Should an organization find that a
calibration they perform does not fall into any of the above calibration fields; they
are encouraged to contact PJLA for guidance.
4.0 MEASURED INSTRUMENT, QUANTITY OR GAUGE
4.1 This entry needs to represent the calibration that is being performed by the
organization.
4.1.1 For example, analytical balances, equipment to measure, indirect

verification of Rockwell Hardness HRC, or Outside Micrometers.
5.0 RANGE
5.1 The ranges stated on the certificate are the magnitudes between the lower and
upper boundaries of the calibration parameter. For devices which are non-
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variable or nonadjustable the range is reduced to a discrete value. When stating

the range, the calibration capabilities of the organization need to be fully
expressed in a manner that is accurate and easy to understand format.
5.2 Organizations should exercise care in determining the lower limit of the range.
Zero is not acceptable as the low end of a range when it cannot be physically
attained as a valid measurement result or when a physical standard calibrated at
zero magnitude is not possible.
5.2.1 For example, in scale calibration a calibrated weight of 0.0 grams is

not possible. The lower limit of the range for scale calibration should
be the smallest calibrated weight (within the required weight class) the
organization will place on the scale in performing the calibration. A pin
gage of 0.0 in diameter is not possible. Zero is valid as a low end of
range when calibrating temperature using the Fahrenheit or Celsius
scale since it is only an intermediate point on the continuum between
a fixed lower end of range and the undefined high end of range. It is
not a valid low end of range when calibrating temperature using the
Kelvin or Rankin scale since it represents the complete and total
absence of heat and as such would require a calibrated standard that
could not exist.
5.3 An additional consideration for low end of range values is that as the magnitude
of the measurement result approaches zero in most cases it also approaches the
minimum value of the CMC estimate or actual uncertainty associated with a
specific calibration. When the uncertainty becomes a significant component of
the measurement result, confidence in the validity of the result diminishes. For
this reason, PJLA has established that the low end of the range for which it will
accredit calibration disciplines typically should not be less than three times the
CMC for that discipline or sub discipline. PJLA will consider exceptions to this
policy on a case-by-case.
5.4 PJLA will accept the range stated in one of the following three formats:
5.4.1 A fixed value:

5.4.1.1 This format is appropriate when the device to be calibrated
has a fixed nominal value such as the length of an end
standard, the stated value of an SRM (Standard Reference
Material) or the temperature of a TPW (Triple Point of
Water Cell) cell. In this case the fixed value is understood
to represent the expected nominal value of the device or
specimen. When the range is expressed as a fixed value
the fixed value typically should not be less than three times
the CMC for that discipline or sub discipline
5.4.2 A range beginning with up to and ending with a fixed value:

5.4.2.1 This format is appropriate when the organization wishes to
indicate the measurement capacity of equipment it can
calibrate rather than stating its actual range of calibration
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capability for the calibration to which the range applies. In

this case it is understood that a non-zero low end of the
range does exist but there is no requirement that it be
specified. Organizations should exercise care when using
this format for representing the range of their calibration
capability. It must be clearly understood by the
organization that values of zero as the low end of the
range are not permitted. Since zero is understood to mean
“the absence of all magnitude or quantity”, calibrated
standards for the parameter in question cannot physically
exist at zero magnitude or in zero amounts. For example,
calibration of a scale or balance at 0.0 grams is not
possible because it would require the use of a calibrated
mass of 0.0 g. Since 0.0g represents “the absence of all …
quantity” of mass, such a standard could not be calibrated.
The lower limit of the range for scale or balance calibration
shall be the smallest calibrated weight (within the required
weight class) the organization will place on the scale in
performing the calibration. Zero is valid as a low end of
range when calibrating temperature using the Fahrenheit
or Celsius scale since it is only an intermediate point on
the continuum between a fixed lower end of range and the
undefined high end of range. It is not a valid low end of
range when calibrating temperature using the Kelvin or
Rankin scale since it represents the complete and total
absence of heat and as such would require a calibrated
standard that could not exist. The organization must
demonstrate an awareness of the actual value of the low
end of its calibration capability range and use it in
estimating CMC for calibration disciplines included on its
scope of accreditation when it is appropriate and
necessary to do so.
5.4.2.2 If an organization elects this format, then any range
beginning with up to within the sub-discipline cannot
encompass like calibration points unless there is a change
specified such as the resolution of the device under test, or
the equipment used in the calibration. Additionally, there
cannot be two like values specified with different CMCs
unless there is a clear indication that there is a change.
5.4.3 A range between two fixed values:

5.4.3.1 This is appropriate when the device to be calibrated has
the ability to measure “the absence of all magnitude or
quantity” within the uncertainty of measurement associated
with its calibration. In this case the low end of the range
represents the smallest calibrated standard used by the
laboratory in calibrating the device. The high end of the
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range represents the largest calibrated standard used by

the laboratory in calibrating the device.
5.4.3.2 An additional consideration for low end of range values is
that as the magnitude of the measurement result
approaches zero in most cases it also approaches the
minimum value of the CMC estimate or actual uncertainty
associated with a specific calibration. When the uncertainty
becomes a significant component of the measurement
result, confidence in the validity of the result diminishes.
For this reason, PJLA has established that when the range
is expressed as the interval between two fixed values (see
number 3 above) the low end of the range for which it will
accredit calibration disciplines typically should not be less
than three times the CMC for that discipline or sub
discipline. PJLA will consider exceptions to this policy on a
case-by-case basis.
5.5 Care must be taken to ensure that measurement results produced as part of the
calibration is expressed in acceptable units and that the expression of results is
properly formatted. Mass measurements must be expressed in mass units and
dimensional measurements must be expressed in dimensional units etc. Please
refer to NIST SP 811 for guidance in the use of appropriate units and formatting
of measurement expressions. In those instances where use of U.S. Customary
units (USC) is deemed appropriate NIST SP 811 will govern formatting and is a
reliable source of conversion factors between the SI and USC units.
6.0 CALIBRATION AND MEASUREMENT CAPABILITY (CMC) EXPRESSED AS AN UNCERTAINTY:
6.1 PJLA grants accreditation on the organization’s capability to perform a

calibration. This capability is partially defined by stating the magnitude or range
of values over which the calibration capability applies. The definition of the
calibration capability is completed by specifying the CMC associated with the
magnitude or range stated. The CMC is expressed as an expanded uncertainty
with a coverage factor “k” = 2 resulting in an approximate 95% confidence level.
The CMC stated in the proposed scope, is defined as “the smallest uncertainty
an organization can achieve within its scope of accreditation when performing a
more or less routine calibration on a nearly ideal device being calibrated.” The
CMC stated on the scope supplement must be achievable by the organization
when calibrating a nearly ideal UUT (Unit Under Test) and documentary
evidence to that affect must be maintained.
6.2 Uncertainty occurs in one of three mathematical conditions:
6.2.1 The first is a set of values that remain approximately constant over the
stated range. CMC can be expressed on the scope of accreditation as
an absolute uncertainty. In this situation one value is appropriate for
all points in the stated range.
6.2.2 The second is a set of values that are linear meaning that they vary in
approximate direct proportion to the increase in magnitude of the
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stated range. CMC can be expressed on the scope of accreditation as

a relative uncertainty equation. The equation takes the form (1.21 +
1.34L) where L is a variable representing the magnitude of any value
within the stated range. In this example L represents length. Other
variables may be used appropriate to the parameter being defined.
Any variable used in this manner must be clearly defined in a footnote
at the end of the scope of accreditation. An additional form of relative
uncertainty statement is expressing the uncertainty as a percentage of
the reading or a percentage of the reading plus a fixed or “floor” value.
Although an absolute uncertainty can be used for uncertainties of
condition 2, the value must be the largest for any point in the range,
which means that the CMC for all other values in the range will be
overstated. When an organization chooses to express its CMC as an
RUS (Relative Uncertainty Statement) it may do so using either of the
following formats:
-Following is a valid RUS: 72 μV/V + 2 μV
-Following is a valid RUS: 0.016 % of reading + 8 μV
-Following is a valid RUS: 0.021 % of reading
-Following is a valid RUS: (0.13 + 0.127Wt) g
-Organization developed RUS: Must be submitted for
approval by PJLA headquarters prior to use.
6.2.2.1 As an alternative the organization may propose an
additional format for the relative uncertainty expression,
any such formats developed by the organization shall be
submitted to PJLA headquarters for approval. Once
approval has been granted the organization may proceed
to use the approved format. Although PJLA expresses no
preference for a specific format, the organizations shall
choose the format most appropriate for each calibration
discipline and shall utilize the same format throughout
specific calibration disciplines for expression of relative
uncertainty statements. An exception exist when the
organization must use a type 1 or type 2 (but not both) and
a type 3 which does not have a fixed or “floor” term. The
organization is free to use either type 1 or type 2 (or
acceptable organization developed alternative formats)
and type 3 as dictated by the specific disciplines for which
they are accredited.
6.2.2.2 Should the organization wish to expand the scope of
disciplines for which they are accredited any added
calibration activities whose CMC is expressed as a RUS
shall use the format prevailing on the scope of
accreditation prior to expansion for calibrations in the same
discipline.
6.2.3 The third is a set of values that are non-linear meaning that they vary
at a non-uniform rate relative to the increase in magnitude of the
stated range. This third type of uncertainty would produce a curve if
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plotted. It is necessary to determine uncertainty at enough points in

the range to understand the general shape of the curve it would
produce if all points were plotted. Then break the stated range down
into several smaller ranges, which are approximately linear and
process them as if they satisfy condition 2.
6.2.4 The uncertainty covered by the CMC shall be expressed as the

expanded uncertainty having a coverage probability of approximately
95 %. The unit of the uncertainty shall always be the same as that of
the measurand or in a term relative to the measurand, e.g., percent,
μV/V or part per 106. Because of the ambiguity of definitions, the use
of terms “PPM” and “PPB” are not acceptable
6.3 Several discipline specific and general purpose uncertainty calculator

spreadsheets are available for download from the PJLA website. Others will be
added as they become available. Also available is a spreadsheet to generate the
relative uncertainty equation from two uncertainties, one determined near the low
end and one determined near the high end of the range. It also has provisions to
test indeterminate points to verify linearity of the uncertainties.
7.0 SIGNIFICANT DIGITS
7.1 Numbers used to express the range of calibration capability or its associated
CMC differ from numbers that represent the result of measurement. As a
measurement is repeated it can be reasonably expected that different digits may
be found in one or more of the right most spaces due to non-repeatability
resulting from various random and systematic sources of variation. This is not the
case for numbers that are used to represent the range of calibration capability or
its associated CMC. These numbers are fixed values that remain unchanged
until the value of one or more of the underlying constant value numbers is
changed (e.g. the uncertainty of the standard changes at the time of scheduled
recalibration) or a new value is determined during the required periodic review.
During the time between events such as these, the value of the range or the
CMC will not change so the stated value is in fact a constant (with respect to the
period of time between such events). Since the range and the CMC are
considered as constant value or fixed value numbers (or expressions of a
numerical relationship which will produce constant values relative to specific
values of an included variable) any trailing zeros to the left of the decimal point
are considered as placeholders. Trailing zeros to the right of the decimal point
neither increase or decrease the value of the CMC and are considered as
insignificant for that reason. The examples below all represent the same value in
mV:
0.03000 mV
0.0300 mV
0.030 mV
0.03 mV
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7.1.4.1 The trailing zeros in all instances above do not enhance

the level of precision of the number and are therefore
insignificant. Insignificant digits are not permitted in
expressions of the range or CMC.
7.1.4.2 Examples:
7.1.4.2.1 170.0 Ω: The zero to the left of the decimal
point is a place holder which is necessary to
permit the digits 1 and 7 to represent one
hundred and seventy rather than seventeen.
The zero to the right of the decimal point is not
required in order to represent the magnitude of
the number and therefore it is considered as
insignificant and is discarded for that reason.
The acceptable method to represent this
number is as follows: 170 Ω
7.1.4.2.2 0.070 µm: The zero immediately to the right of
the decimal point is a place holder which is
necessary to permit the digit 7 to represent
three one hundredths rather than three tenths.
The trailing zero to the extreme right is not
required in order to represent the magnitude of
the number and therefore it is considered as
insignificant and is discarded for that reason.
The acceptable method to represent this
number is as follows: 0.07 µm
7.2 Values entered in the range fields are not restricted with regard to significant
digits however care should be taken to avoid expressing range values to
unreasonable levels of precision. When the stated range is the result of
conversion from one system of units to another (SI to USC as an example), the
resulting stated value will typically require a larger number of significant digits in
order to retain numerical equivalence. The number of significant digits to be used
in range expressions resulting from conversion shall be no greater than that
which produces a stated value or values that will, upon conversion back to the
original system of units and rounded appropriately, generate the original value.
7.3 In order to round a number used in stating the range of calibration capability the
last digit must be examined. If it is found to be equal to or greater than 6 it is
dropped and the preceding digit is increased in value by 1. If on the other hand it
is found to be equal to or less than 5 it is dropped and the preceding digit is
unchanged. This process is to be repeated as necessary until the desired
number of significant digits is obtained.
7.3.1 Example (when it is desired to round to 2 significant digits):

-11.73 mV which contains 4 significant digits the last being
equal to or less than 5 therefore it is dropped and the
resulting number (below) has 3 significant digits:
-11.7 mV which contains 3 significant the last being equal
to or greater than 6 therefore it is dropped and the
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preceding digit is increased in value by 1. The resulting

number has 2 significant digits---12 mV
7.4 Values entered in the CMC fields shall be entered using not more than 2
significant digits. When CMC is expressed as a Relative Uncertainty Equation it
is permissible to employ a greater number of significant digits to preserve
accuracy during computation of specific CMC values. This is done with the
understanding that when the equation is solved for specific values of the variable,
the solution will be reduced to not more then 2 significant digits prior to recording
the result. When the stated CMC is the result of conversion from one system of
units to another (SI to USC as an example), the resulting stated value will
typically require a larger number of significant digits in order to retain numerical
equivalence. The number of significant digits to be used in CMC expressions
resulting from conversion shall be no greater than that which produces a stated
value that will, upon conversion back to the original system of units and rounded
appropriately, generate the original value.
7.5 The rule for rounding numbers used in stating the CMC is that the 2 digits
immediately following the last desired significant digit shall be discarded if they
are 5 percent or less of the last desired significant digit. If on the other they
exceed 5 percent of the last desired significant digit then the last desired
significant digit is increased in value by 1.
7.5.1 See the following examples:

-0.1103 mV rounded to 2 significant digits is 0.11 mV
7.5.2 In the above example, if additional digits exist to the right of the 4th
decimal place they are to be eliminated by applying the rules for
rounding numbers used in expressing the range (see 7.3.1 above).
When only 2 digits remain to the right of the last desired significant
digit apply the rules for rounding as stated in 7.5.1 above. If only one
digit exist beyond the last desired significant digit and it has a non-
zero value then drop it and increase the value of the last desired
significant digit by 1.
7.5.3 Where the measurement result has been rounded, that rounding shall be
applied when all calculations have been completed.
8.0 CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT/REFERENCE STANDARDS USED
8.1 This field includes pertinent information related to the calibration of the device
identified in the Measured Instrument, Quantity or Gauge field. Typical entries
would include the type of standards used, reference documents and any
pertinent information about the measurement method.
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9.0 CALIBRATION MEASUREMENT METHOD OR PROCEDURES USED
9.1 This field includes the measurement method or procedure utilized for each
calibration (i.e. ASTM, ISO, Internal SOP, WI etc.). The procedure or method
specified shall be reflective of how the current ranges and CMCs were
determined.
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APPENDIX A
EXAMPLE CALIBRATION SCOPES OF ACCREDITATION
DIMENSIONAL
MEASURED RANGE CALIBRATION CALIBRATION
INSTRUMENT, (AND SPECIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT AND
QUANTITY OR GAUGE WHERE CAPABILITY REFERENCE
APPROPRIATE) EXPRESSED STANDARDS USED
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Cylindrical Diameter 0.01 in to 1 in 20 µin Universal Measuring
Outside 1 in to 5 in (17.5 + 2.5L) µin Machine
GIDEP 17-20MD-39
Cylindrical Diameter 0.04 in to 0.5 in 26 µin
Inside 0.5 in to 5 in (24.75 +2.5L) µin
Protractors 0º to 90º 0.01º Gage Blocks/Sine Bar
WI-PRO-105
Outside Micrometers 0.05 in to 3 in (50 + 3L) µin Gage Blocks
3 in to 12 in (59 + 10L) µin ASTM E1951
Gage Blocks 0.05 in to 1 in 3.5 µin Gage Block Comparator
1 in to 2 in 5 µin and Master Blocks
2 in to 4 in 7.9 µin NIST The Gauge Block
Handbook
Thread Plugs Measurement over
Pitch Diameter 0-80 to 4-12 140 µin wires with
Supermicrometer
ASME B1.2
Mil Std 45662A
Manufacturer
Specifications
Thread Plugs
Major Diameter 0-80 to 4-12 67 µin Supermicrometer
ASME B1.2
Mil Std 45662A
Manufacturer
Specifications
Surface Plate
Flatness 10 in to 72 in diagonal (51 + 1.2D) µin Autocollimator
Repeat 0.002 in 60 µin Repeat-O-Meter
Measurement GIDEP 17-20MD-14
ELECTRICAL
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Equipment to Output 0.3 µV to 200 mV 4.5 µV/V + 0.1 µV Fluke 8508A
DC Voltage 200 mV to 2 V 3 µV/V + 0.4 µV GIDEP / OEM Manual
2 V to 20 V 3 µV/V + 4 µV
20 V to 200 V 4.5 µV/V + 40 µV
200 V to 1 000 V 4.5 µV/V + 500 µV
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APPENDIX A
Equipment to Measure 1.2 µV to 220 mV 7.5 µV/V + 0.4 µV Fluke 5720A

DC Voltage 220 mV to 2.2 mV 5 µV/V+ 0.7 µV GIDEP / OEM Manual
2.2 V to 11 V 3.5 µV/V +2.5 µV
11 V to 22 V 3.5 µV/V + 4 µV
22 V to 220 V 5 µV/V + 40 µV
220 V to 1 110 V 6.5 µV/V + 400 µV
Equipment to measure AC Voltage Fluke 8508A
At the listed frequencies GIDEP / OEM Manual
1 Hz to 10 Hz 211 µV to 200 mV 0.165 mV/V + 70 µV
100 Hz to 2 kHz 211 µV to 200 mV 0.11 mV/V + 10 µV
2 kHz to 10 kHz 211 µV to 200 mV 0.135 mV/V + 20 µV
10 kHz to 30 kHz 211 µV to 200 mV 0.34 mV/V + 40 µV
30 kHz to 100 kHz 211 µV to 200 mV 0.765 mV/V + 0.1 µV
ELECTRICAL
QUANTITY OR GAUGE WHERE APPROPRIATE) CAPABILITY REFERENCE
EXPRESSED STANDARDS USED
AS AN UNCERTAINTY (±)
Equipment to output Fluke 5520A
AC Voltage GIDEP / OEM Manual
At the listed frequencies
10 Hz to 45 Hz 33 mV to 330 mV 0.3 mV/V + 8 µV
45 Hz to 10 kHz 33 mV to 330 mV 0.15 mV/V + 8 µV
10 kHz to 20 kHz 33 mV to 330 mV 0.16 mV/V + 8 µV
100 kHz to 500 kHz 33 mV to 330 mV 2 mV/V + 70 µV
Equipment to Measure 150 µΩ 40 µΩ Fluke 5720A
Resistance GIDEP / OEM Manual
1Ω 95 µΩ/Ω
Fixed Points
1.9 Ω 95 µΩ/Ω
10 Ω 23 µΩ/Ω
19 Ω 23 µΩ/Ω
100 Ω 10 µΩ/Ω
10 kΩ 8.5 µΩ/Ω
19 kΩ 8.5 µΩ/Ω
100 kΩ 11 µΩ/Ω
190 kΩ 11 µΩ/Ω
1 MΩ 20 µΩ/Ω
1.9 MΩ 21 µΩ/Ω
10 MΩ 40 µΩ/Ω
19 MΩ 47 µΩ/Ω
100 MΩ 100 µΩ/Ω
pH Simulation- Generate 0.5 pH to 14 pH 0.01 pH WI-SOP -PH02
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APPENDIX A
ESI DB877
Temperature Calibration, 600 °C to 800 °C 0.44 °C Fluke 5520A

Indication and Control 800 °C to 1 000 °C 0.34 °C Electrical Simulation of
Equipment used with 1 000 °C to 1 550 °C 0.3 °C Thermocouple Output
Thermocouple Type B 1 550 °C to 1 820 °C 0.33 °C GIDEP / OEM Manual
Temperature Calibration, 0 °C to 150 °C 0.3 °C
Indication and Control
150 °C to 650 °C 0.26 °C
Equipment used with
Thermocouple Type C 650 °C to 1 000 °C 0.31 °C
1 000 °C to 1 800 °C 0.5 °C
1 800 °C to 2 316 °C 0.84 °C
Due to regulatory requirements and Industrial practices, the following alternate format
will be used for expressing the range of calibration capability for electrical parameters in
the Japanese economy. Alternate formats for other calibration disciplines will be developed on
an as needed basis. Although differing in appearance, the information in the range statement
must satisfy all requirements of PJLA PL-4 and define the exact same range of calibration
capability.
When expressed in this format, the range is to be interpreted as in the following example:
In the standard format lines, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 each express specific ranges of calibration
capability from a minimum value to a maximum value.
In the alternate format, line 1 expresses the low end of the first range. Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
identify the high end of 6 ranges.
The low end of each range in this example is the high end of the previous range.
Interpreted in this manner, the first range in the alternate format would be 1.1 µV to 100 mV, the
second range would be 100 mV to 1 V etc.
Examination will indicate that these ranges are exactly equivalent to the first and second ranges
in the standard format. The same is true for all remaining ranges.
Care must be taken when applying this alternate format to ensure that as expressed it defines
exactly the same range of calibration capabilities as the range when expressed in the standard
format.
Equipment to Output 1.1 µV to 100 mV 10.7 µV/V + 1.07 µV Agilent 3458A

1 100 mV to 1 V 5.86 µV/V + 5.86 µV GIDEP / OEM Manual
DC Voltage
2 1 V to 10 V 5.59 µV/V + 55.9 µV
10 V to 100 V 7.93 µV/V + 793 µV
3 100 V to 1000 V 21.2 µV/V + 2.12 x 10-4 µV
Standard format
4
6
Equipment to Output 1.1 µV low end of Agilent 3458A
1 range GIDEP / OEM Manual
DC Voltage 100 mV 10.7 µV/V + 1.07 µV
2 1V 5.86 µV/V + 5.86 µV
3 10 V 5.59 µV/V + 55.9 µV
Alternate format 100 V 7.93 µV/V + 793 µV
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APPENDIX A
4 1000 V 21.2 µV/V + 2.12 x 10-4 µV
7
TIME AND FREQUENCY
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Frequency-Generate 50 mHz to 18 GHz 1 part in 1011 of Freq. + GPS Disciplined
1 LSD of generator Oscillator and Signal
Generators
Stopwatch Calibration 7 200 s to 28 800 s 0.05 s/day Timometer
NIST-SP-960-12
ACOUSTIC
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Acoustic Level- 3.15 Hz 0.11 dB Pistophone reference
Generate 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 0.10 dB standard
500 Hz SOP-AC-11
1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 0.10 dB
kHz
12.5 kHz, 16 kHz 0.11 dB
Calibration of Acoustic 250 Hz 0.05 dB 1 inch reference
Calibrators microphone
124 dB, re 2 x 10-5 Pa SOP-AC-12
MASS, FORCE, AND WEIGHING DEVICES

AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Mass-Weights and 50 kg 20 mg Double Substitution with
Weight Sets 30 kg 16 mg Air Buoyancy correction.
Class E2 mass set and
25 kg 13 mg Mass Comparators
20 kg 11 mg
10 kg 0.49 mg
5 kg 0.32 mg
3 kg 0.14 mg
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A
2 kg 0.13 mg
1 kg 0.04 mg
500 g 0.027 mg
300 g 0.024 mg
200 g 0.017 mg
100 g 0.017 mg
50 g 8.7 µg
Force –Compression 200 lbf to 5 000 lbf 1.2 lbf Proving Rings and
and Tension- Source 5 000 lbf to 20 000 lbf 4.2 lbf Morehouse Test Stand
and Measure ASTM E4,
20 000 lbf to 60 000 lbf 14 lbf
Analytical Balances 1 mg to 200 g (0.013 + 0.003Wt) mg Class 1 weights
Euramet Calibration
Guide No. 18
MECHANICAL
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Pressure- Pneumatic, 0.2 psi to 1 000 psi 0.002 5% of reading Ruska 2465
Gage T.O 33k6-4427-1
Torque Wrenches 45 lbf·in to 450 lbf·in 0.026 lbf·in Torque Transducer
74 lbf·ft to 740 lbf·ft 6 lbf·ft DIN 51309
MECHANICAL
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Indirect Verification of 60 HRA to 70 HRA 0.32 HRA ASTM E 18 and
Rockwell Hardness 70 HRA to 80 HRA 0.25 HRA calibrated Rockwell
Testers HRA 80 HRA to 93 HRA 0.23 HRA Hardness Test Blocks
Indirect Verification of 20 HRC to 40 HRC 0.58 HRC
Rockwell Hardness 40 HRC to 60 HRC 0.44 HRC
Testers HRC 60 HRC to 70 HRC 0.41 HRC
Direct Verification of ASTM D-2240
Durometer Hardness
Tester Types A, B, C, D,
E, O & DO
Extension at zero 2.46 mm to 2.54 mm 7.4 µm Video Comparator 20x
reading
Indentor Shape (Not all

parameters apply to all
of Durometer Types) 7.4 µm Video Comparator 20x
Indentor Diameter 7.4 µm Video Comparator 20x
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A
Indentor Tip Diameter 7.4 µm Video Comparator 20x

Indentor Tip Radius 0.06° Video Comparator 20x
Indentor Tip Angle
Durometer Indentor 0.55 N to 8.05 N 1.4 N Load Cell

Spring 4.445 N to 44.45 N 1.4 N Load Cell
Types A, B, E & O
Types C, D & DO
Indirect Verification of 92.5 HBW to 650 HBW 4 HBW Stage Micrometer
Brinell Hardness Tester ASTM E-10
HBW 10/3000
Indirect Verification of 100 HV to 900 HV 15 HV Stage Micrometer
Micro Hardness Tester ASTM E384
Vickers
Indirect Verification of 100 HK to 900 HK 17 HK
Micro Hardness Tester
Knoop
CHEMICAL
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
pH meter/probe 4 pH to 10 pH 0.027 pH pH Buffer Solutions
calibration EPA SOP EQ-01-08
Conductivity meter 5 µS to 10 µS 0.47 µS Conductivity solutions
10 µS to 100 µS 0.46 µS Comparison to ASTM
D1125 Solution
100 µS to 10 000 µS 3.2 µS
10 000 µS to 100 000 320 µS
µS
THERMODYNAMIC
AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Temperature -196 °C to -100 °C 0.66 °C SPRT and Dry Block
Measurement -100 °C to 800 °C 0.34 °C Fluke 5520A
Thermocouple Type J 800 °C to 1 200 °C 0.55 °C ASTM E220
Temperature 100 °C to 300 °C 0.45 °C SPRT and Dry Block
Measurement RTD Pt 300 °C to 400 °C 0.39 °C Fluke 5520A
395, 100 Ω 400 °C to 630 °C 0.43 °C ASTM E77
Equipment to Measure 10 % RH to 95 % RH 1 % RH Two Pressure Humidity
Humidity @ 25 °C Generator
Thunder Scientific
Manual
OPTICAL
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A

AS AN UNCERTAINTY
(±)
Fiber Optics Power 850 nm 14 nm Detector Based
10 nW to 100 µW 1 310 nm 21 nm WI-SOP-115
Fixed Points
1 550 nm 25 nm
Fiber Optic Wavelength 600 nm to 1 700 nm 0.2 nm Spectrum analyzer and
intrinsic source
WI-SOP-116
Spectral Radiance- (1 x 10-9 to 1 x 10-5 ) 5% Detector and source
300 nm to 1 600 nm Wcm-2 sr-1 nm-1 ) based
WI-SOP-117
Spectral Transmission 10 % to 100 % 3% Spectrophotometer

(300 to 1500) nm WI-SOP-118
Photometric- 10 fcd to 500 fcd 2 % of reading Detector and source
Illuminance based
Photometric- Luminance 10 fL to 10 000 fL 2 % of reading WI-SOP-119
Photometric- Color 2 000 K to 3 200 K 11 K
Temperature
1. The CMC (Calibration and Measurement Capability) stated for calibrations
included on this scope of accreditation represent the smallest measurement
uncertainties attainable by the organization when performing a more or less
routine calibration of a nearly ideal device under nearly ideal conditions. It is
expressed at a confidence level of 95 % using a coverage factor k (usually equal
to 2). The actual measurement uncertainty associated with a specific calibration
performed by the organization will typically be larger than the CMC for the same
calibration since capability and performance of the device being calibrated and
the conditions related to the calibration may reasonably be expected to deviate
from ideal to some degree.
2. The term L represents length in inches or millimeters appropriate to the
uncertainty statement.
3. The term Wt represents weight in pounds or grams (including SI multiple and
submultiple units) appropriate to the uncertainty statement.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF SI UNITS FOR THE SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION
The General Conference on Weights and Measures established the International System of
Units (SI). It is the modern metric system of measurement used throughout the world. PJLA
policy strongly encourages the exclusive use of SI units for stating ranges and CMC(s) on
scopes of accreditation. This policy calls for the use of NIST SP 811 and the ISO 31 series of
documents for direct guidance on the use of symbols and numbers. NIST SP 811 is a
publication that was created to provide assistance to those who use SI units in their work. In
order to make scopes of accreditation more accessible to the U.S. market, PJLA does allow the
use of USC (US Customary) units of measure. Any scopes with USC units of measure will
conform to the formatting of Appendix B of NIST SP811.
It is the responsibility of the client to know and understand the requirements of the SI on their
scope of accreditation. The NIST SP 811 is available on the Internet from the NIST website. The
ISO 31 series of documents is available for purchase from the ISO website. The cost varies
depending on which standards in the series you will need. If you choose to purchase these, we
recommend at least acquiring the ISO 13-0, General Principles, and ISO 31-11, Mathematical
signs and symbols for use in the physical sciences and technology.
The following pages contain a small sampling of guidelines and examples contained in the NIST
SP 811.
Rule: Example: Instead Of:
Only units of the SI and those 10 m 10 ft
recognized by the SI are used. 100 °C 100 °F
Abbreviations are avoided s or second sec
cm3 or cubic centimeter cc
Unit symbols are not modified in order Vmax = 1000 V V = 1000 Vmax
to provide information about the
quantity.
The symbol “%” can be used in place xβ = 0.003 8 = 0.38 % xβ = 0.25 percent
of the number 0.01
Quantities are to be defined so that The Ca content is 25 ng/L 25 ng Ca/L
they can be expressed solely in
acceptable units
Unit and mathematical symbols and m/s or meter per second meter/s
names are not mixed
Values for quantities are expressed in The weight of the box was 35 The length of the box was
acceptable units using Arabic kg. thirty-five kilograms.
numerals and the SI symbols for units
There is always a space between the 189 kg 189kg
quantity and the unit symbol, except 25 °C 25°C
when it is a plane angle 357 Ω 357Ω
24° (plane angle) 24 ° (plane angle)

A thin space is used to separate digits 123 586 257.004 1 123586257.0041 or
with more than four per side of a 123,586,257.0041
decimal point
Quantity equations are preferred to l = vt {l}m = 3.6-1{v}km/h {t}s
numerical value equations
A quotient quantity is expressed using Pressure is force divided by Pressure is force per unit area.
“divided by” instead of “per unit” area.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF SI UNITS FOR THE SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION
The terms Normality and Molarity, A solution having an amount A 0.5 N solution of H2SO4
symbols N and M respectively are of substance concentration of
obsolete. The preferred name is c[(1/2)H2SO4]
amount of substance concentration of
B.
Values of quantities are to be written 51 mm x 51 mm x 25 mm 51 x 51 x 25 mm
so that it is clear to which unit symbols
the numerical values of the quantities
belong.
The word “to” is used to indicate a 0 V to 5 V 0V–5V
range of values instead of a dash.
1. The word “weight” is used with the intended meaning clear. In science and
technology, weight is defined as a force, for which the SI unit is the Newton. In
commerce and everyday use, weight is used as a synonym for mass, for which the
SI unit is the kilogram.
2. Standardized quantity symbols given in the ISO 31 series are used. Similarly,
standardized mathematical signs and symbols such as those given is ISO 31-11 are
used.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.

Calibration Scopes of Accreditation Policy

1.1.1 Additionally, this document includes an Appendix A outlining

2.0 SCOPES OF ACCREDITATION

2.4 The scope of accreditation will be reviewed at the accreditation and

will be reviewed in detail. Any changes or additions to the scope of accreditation,

Formatting the Scope of Accreditation

3.0 CALIBRATION FIELD

3.1 PJLA currently accredits organizations performing calibrations in the following

4.0 MEASURED INSTRUMENT, QUANTITY OR GAUGE

4.1.1 For example, analytical balances, equipment to measure, indirect

variable or nonadjustable the range is reduced to a discrete value. When stating

5.2.1 For example, in scale calibration a calibrated weight of 0.0 grams is

5.4.1 A fixed value:

5.4.2 A range beginning with up to and ending with a fixed value:

capability for the calibration to which the range applies. In

5.4.3 A range between two fixed values:

range represents the largest calibrated standard used by

6.0 CALIBRATION AND MEASUREMENT CAPABILITY (CMC) EXPRESSED AS AN UNCERTAINTY:

6.1 PJLA grants accreditation on the organization’s capability to perform a

6.2 Uncertainty occurs in one of three mathematical conditions:

stated range. CMC can be expressed on the scope of accreditation as

plotted. It is necessary to determine uncertainty at enough points in

6.2.4 The uncertainty covered by the CMC shall be expressed as the

6.3 Several discipline specific and general purpose uncertainty calculator

7.0 SIGNIFICANT DIGITS

7.1.4.1 The trailing zeros in all instances above do not enhance

7.3.1 Example (when it is desired to round to 2 significant digits):

preceding digit is increased in value by 1. The resulting

7.5.1 See the following examples:

8.0 CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT/REFERENCE STANDARDS USED

9.0 CALIBRATION MEASUREMENT METHOD OR PROCEDURES USED

Equipment to Measure 1.2 µV to 220 mV 7.5 µV/V + 0.4 µV Fluke 5720A

Temperature Calibration, 600 °C to 800 °C 0.44 °C Fluke 5520A

Equipment to Output 1.1 µV to 100 mV 10.7 µV/V + 1.07 µV Agilent 3458A

4 1000 V 21.2 µV/V + 2.12 x 10-4 µV

MASS, FORCE, AND WEIGHING DEVICES

Indentor Shape (Not all

Indentor Tip Diameter 7.4 µm Video Comparator 20x

Durometer Indentor 0.55 N to 8.05 N 1.4 N Load Cell

MEASURED RANGE CALIBRATION CALIBRATION

Spectral Transmission 10 % to 100 % 3% Spectrophotometer

Rule: Example: Instead Of:

Rule: Example: Instead Of:

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