LabCert Program Application Process

The application process begins with submitting an application for certification. There are four different types of applications that a laboratory may submit: Initial applications are required for laboratories that are not currently recognized in Wisconsin, Revised applications are required for laboratories that are currently certified or registered and wish to expand the scope of their certification or registration, Transfer of Ownership applications are required for laboratories that move locations or switch ownership, and Reciprocity applications are required for labs applying for recognition under one of the reciprocity agreements.

The application process is very detailed, and --for complicated parameters such as Drinking Water or Underground Storage Testing parameters--can take a significant amount of time to complete. Laboratories should plan ahead when s ubmitting an application and allow ample time for the Department to process the application. Following the steps below will help insure that your lab's application will be processed as efficiently as possible.

STEP 1: Obtain an Application Form

The first step in applying for certification is obtaining a copy of the current application form and current regulations from the Department. The application form is updated annually, so make sure that your laboratory is using the most recent form. The application is available online in PDF format. or can be requested via mail from the Laboratory Certification Program, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707.

STEP 2: Complete the Application Form

Be sure to carefully read the instructions and complete all sections of the application form. Consider all of the categories and parameters which you would like to be certified for, and make sure you are ready to be audited for them. Once an application is received, it cannot be altered to include more tests or test categories and refunds will not be given, except for over-payment. Dropping parameters from an application after it is received does not constitute overpayment. Incomplete applications will delay processing.

Be sure to review the special requirements if your lab wishes to apply for

• Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Testing,
• Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing,
• Low Level Mercury, or
• Safe Drinking Water Testing.

STEP 3: Determine Application Fees

Calculate Fees. Obtain a Check. Attach Check to Application

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STEP 4: Complete the Methods Attachment

The methods attachment is a critical component of the application. This is where you specify which tests and test categories your lab is interested in applying for and which analytical methods you intend to use. Be careful to only specify approved analytical methods. The approved methods for the various regulatory programs are contained in the Wisconsin Administrative Codes, including NR 149, NR 219, NR 508 and NR 809. Particular attention should be paid to s. NR 149.12, which discusses the process for obtaining approval to use alternative analytical methods.

Many of the analytical methods require your laboratory to validate the method by performing detection limit studies and initial demonstrations of capability (precision and accuracy studies). At the time of your application, your laboratory should have already completed these required studies for those methods that you choose.

There are several documents available to help laboratories comply with method requirements and chapter NR 149:

• The Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water (815-R-05-004), 5th ed., January, 2005 is available from the National Technical Information Service, (800) 553-6847.
• The Guidance Manual for the Certification and Registration of Laboratories Conducting Effluent Toxicity Tests (WI DNR PUBL-TS-006 91), May, 1992 is available from the Laboratory Certification Program, phone: (608) 267-7633.
• The Analytical Detection Limit Guidance (WI DNR PUBL-TS-056 96), April 1996 is available from the Laboratory Certification Program, phone: (608) 267-7633.

STEP 5: Gather the Necessary Information

Your laboratory must submit detection limit information, initial demonstration of capability information and reference sample (performance evaluation sample) results with your application. You should prepare all of the this information BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOU APPLICATION. Your application will not be considered complete until all of this information is submitted. Likewise, you should make sure that your laboratory's Quality Assurance Plan is up to date and that you are following it. In most cases, you will not need to submit a QA Plan with your application but this information will be requested prior to granting certification or registration.

STEP 6: Submit the Application

Once you have completed the application properly and gathered all of the required information, you are ready to submit your application to the Department. Make sure that you include all of the necessary materials with the application form, including a check to cover the amount of the application, acceptable reference sample results, an equipment list, detection limit studies, initial demonstrations of capability (where required) and any other requested information. Once the DNR receives your application, you will be notified within 20 days if any additional information is needed. Your application form will not be considered complete until all of the required information meets the appropriate criteria. Once your application is complete, the Department will schedule an on-site evaluation within 90 days. Laboratory evaluations are scheduled on a priority system, generally based upon the order that applications are received.

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Application Checklist

Completing and submitting the application is only one part of the certification process. Once the application and the required attachments are completed properly, and all of the necessary information is submitted, the DNR will schedule an on-site evaluation of your laboratory.

	Is the application filled out properly and completely? Have you included the name and address of the contact person and signature of the owner? Please include your e-mail address if you would like to be notified of changes via e-mail.
	Are acceptable (approved) methods cited correctly in Attachment I? You will not receive certification for unapproved methods.
	Is a check for the correct amount of the application (including application and category fees) enclosed and made payable to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?
	Are acceptable reference samples included for all the necessary parameters on the application?
	Are MDL and IDC data required with your application? Have you attached the requisite MDL and IDC data? Do the MDL and IDC data meet the appropriate criteria?
	Is the laboratory equipment list included with the application?
	For new applications: Is an acceptable "Letter of Intent" to perform work in Wisconsin included?
	Is the application properly addressed? Laboratory Certification Program -SS/BW PO Box 7921 101 S. Webster St. Madison, WI, 53707

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