Laboratory licenses, accreditation and certification explained

Different words mean different things. A license or permit is government permission; registration records you with an authority; certification can be a government program (CLIA, EPA drinking water) or a body certifying products; accreditation is third-party assessment of competence (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025); recognition is when an authority accepts a body or lab (e.g. OSHA NRTL); scope is the specific tests covered.

Quick definitions

General guidance, not legal advice. Requirements depend on industry, jurisdiction and test purpose; confirm with the relevant agency.