AC7122 REV C

AUDIT CRITERIA
Issued 2007-10
161Thorn Hill Road CRITERIA
Warrendale, PA 15086-7527 AEROSPACE Revised 2015 09

Superseding AC7122 Rev B

TO BE USED ON AUDITS STARTING ON OR AFTER March 20, 2016

Nadcap
AUDIT CRITERIA FOR NONMETALLIC MATERIALS – TESTING LABORATORIES
Note: AC7122 Rev A previously included details on the accreditation process utilizing the AC7122 series
documents and all questions for P, I and R. For Revision B, the AC7122 document has been broken into four
documents:
 AC7122 (base document) - Contains details on the accreditation process utilizing the AC7122 series
documents.
 AC7122/P - Contains questions only applicable to Part Manufacturers Captive Laboratories
 AC7122/I - Contains questions only applicable to Independent Test Laboratories
 AC7122/R - Contains questions only applicable to Raw Material Manufacturers Captive Laboratories
1. SCOPE
This checklist contains the general requirements for all laboratories seeking accreditation to AC7122.
Supplemental checklists provide additional detailed questions on the specific disciplines to be accredited.
The Nadcap Non Metallic Materials Testing (NMMT) accreditation is intended for:
AC7122/I Independent material testing laboratories
AC7122/P Part manufacturer’s captive testing laboratories
AC7122/R Raw material manufacturer’s captive testing laboratories
The letters “P”, “I” & “R” throughout the AC7122 checklists denote where they are applicable to the type of testing
laboratory being audited and are for reference only.
I – Independent Test Labs
P – Part Manufacturers (accredited to AC7118)
R – Raw Material Manufacturing (accredited to AC7124)
2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Instructions for the Auditor
In completing this assessment, auditors are instructed to respond with a “YES” or “NO” to address compliance
with each statement of requirement. For any negative responses, the auditor must clearly indicate if the “NO”
reflects noncompliance with respect to existence, adequacy, and/or compliance. Existence relates to evidence of
a documented procedure or policy, adequacy relates to the completeness of the procedure or policy, and
compliance relates to evidence of effective implementation.

PRI operating procedures provide that "This report is published by PRI to advance the state of technical, engineering, and quality
sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent
infringement arising there from, is the sole responsibility of the user."

PRI values your input. To provide feedback on this document, please contact the appropriate commodity staff engineer.
(Contact information is located at http://www.eauditnet.com under “Contact Us”.)
Copyright 2015 Performance Review Institute. All rights reserved.
t-frm-15 06-Jan-2015
PRI AC7122 Revision C -2-

In case of conflict between checklist and controlling engineering, engineering takes precedence.
All questions require a response and should be answered for the specific test(s) for which the laboratory is to be
accredited. For Captive Laboratories (AC7122/P and AC7122/R), the applicable checklist questions will be
completed for the Audited Test Codes. Checklist questions for the Test Codes that are not audited will not be
completed and will remain blank. The Test Code Table shall identify the Test Codes that are audited.
All negative responses require a Nonconformance Report (NCR) or explanation. All “Not Applicable” (N/A)
responses must be explained.
The audit results should not include any customer proprietary information, as it may be viewed by any Nadcap
subscriber.
For raw material manufacturer’s captive labs, laboratory written test procedures may be linked to customer test
requirements through a Process Control Document (PCD). Customer approval of a PCD usually signifies the
acceptance of the Laboratory test procedures for the testing of a specific product. The customer approval of the
PCD would be the authority to allow any deviations between the customer specification test requirements and the
Laboratory’s written procedure.
2.2 Instructions for the Laboratory
2.2.1 Prior to the Audit
This checklist is intended to be utilized by the candidate laboratory to perform a detailed internal audit before the
on-site audit visit for accreditation to PRI/Nadcap Audit Criteria AC7122. The laboratory should complete a full
evaluation of its systems, utilizing all applicable checklists. All internally identified nonconformances should be
corrected prior to the actual audit.
The laboratory, when possible, shall forward the following information, as directed by PRI, prior to the scheduled
audit:
a. Quality Assurance/Control Manual
b. List of test codes and methods for which the laboratory is seeking accreditation
c. Applicable documented procedures pertaining to the test method(s) being audited
d. Copy of most recent Inter-laboratory Proficiency Test (IPT) results (for Reaccreditation Audits only)
See Appendix A
e. Example copy of a traveler/work instructions or equivalent
NOTE: Due to proprietary/classified or export control information, it may not be possible for the Laboratory to
forward all the information listed above.
2.2.2 During the Audit
2.2.2.1 Job Audits
AC7122/I: Independent Test Laboratories
Job audits shall be performed on 50% of the test codes per slash sheet (e.g. /1: Mechanical, /2: Physical, /3:
Chemical etc.) for which accreditation is sought, up to a maximum of 6. The lab seeking accreditation shall have
specimens available for the auditor for 75% of the tests requiring accreditation, up to a maximum of 9. Capability
to perform the test is adequate, regardless of material being tested. An effort shall be made not to audit the same
test code in three consecutive audits.
Example 1 - Lab A is seeking accreditation in all mechanical test codes (approximately 32 test codes). The
auditor selects 6 mechanical tests and performs the job audits. Therefore the lab shall have specimens for 9
mechanical test codes available to the auditor.
Example 2 - Lab B is seeking accreditation for AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 (4 test
codes total). The auditor shall perform job audits on at least 2 of the physical tests for which accreditation is
sought. Therefore the lab shall have specimens for 3 physical test codes available to the auditor.
AC7122/P: Part Manufacturers Captive Laboratories
A total of three (3) Job Audits for test codes shall be performed. The test codes shall be chosen to cover as many

-2-
PRI AC7122 Revision C -3-

slash sheets as possible to complete the total of three (3) Job Audits. Where less than three slash sheet is
applicable, an additional test code shall be audited in an applicable slash sheet. Capability to perform the test is
adequate, regardless of material being testing. An effort shall be made not to audit the same test code in three
consecutive audits.
Example 1 - Lab A is seeking accreditation for AC7122/1: Mechanical Testing, codes 1.1.1 and 1.2.1 and
AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.3.2 and 2.7.1. The auditor selects 3 test codes and performs the job audits.
The Auditor has the authority to choose which test codes to audit (e.g. 2 Mechanical/1 Physical or 1 Mechanical/2
Physical).
Example 2 - Lab B is seeking accreditation for AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 (4 test
codes total). The auditor selects 3 test codes and performs the job audits.
Example 3 – Lab C is seeking accreditation for AC7122/1: Mechanical Testing, codes 1.1.1, 1.2.1, 1.3.1 and
1.3.2; AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.3; and AC7122/4: Thermal Testing, codes 4.1.1 and
4.3.1. The Auditor has the authority to choose which test codes to audit from within each slash sheet but shall
choose one from each slash sheet (e.g. 1 Mechanical/ 1 Physical/ 1 Thermal)
Example 4 – Lab D is seeking accreditation for AC7122/1: Mechanical Testing, codes 1.1.1, 1.3.1 and 1.3.2;
AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.2.1, and 2.3.3; AC7122/3: Chemical Testing, codes 3.1.1 and 3.2.1; and
AC7122/4: Thermal Testing, codes 4.1.1 and 4.3.1. The Auditor has the authority to choose which test codes to
audit, but now can choose one each of three of the four slash sheets that are being accredited (e.g. 1
Mechanical/1 Physical/1 Chemical or 1 Mechanical/1 Physical/1 Thermal or 1 Mechanical/1 Chemical/ 1 Thermal
or 1 Physical/1 Chemical/1 Thermal).
AC7122/R: Raw Material Manufacturers Captive Laboratories
Job audits shall be performed on 50% of the test codes per test category (e.g. mechanical, physical, thermal
analysis etc.) for which accreditation is sought, up to a maximum of 3. The lab seeking accreditation shall have
specimens available for the auditor for 75% of the tests requiring accreditation, up to a maximum of 6. Capability
to perform the test is adequate, regardless of material being testing. An effort shall be made not to audit the
same test code in three consecutive audits.
Example 1 - Lab A is seeking accreditation in all mechanical test codes (approximately 32 test codes). The
auditor selects 3 mechanical tests and performs the job audits. Therefore the lab shall have specimens for 6
mechanical test codes available to the auditor.
Example 2 - Lab B is seeking accreditation for AC7122/2: Physical Testing, codes 2.2.1, 2.31, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 (4 test
codes total). The auditor shall perform audits on at least 2 of the physical tests for which accreditation is sought.
Therefore the lab shall have specimens for 3 physical test codes available to the auditor.
All Laboratories
The selection of job audits shall be all inclusive. However, this counts as one job audit. For example a non-
ambient tensile test is inclusive of the ambient test. Typically one non ambient and one strain measurement will
be included in the job audit selection.
Additionally an effort should be made on following audits to select test codes that were not audited in the previous
audit. The idea is to perform job audits on all accredited codes within a few audits.
Following is the order of precedence for choosing job audits:
 In-process jobs from a Nadcap subscribing Prime.
 Retains of previously prepared Nadcap subscribing Prime’s specimens.
 In-process job for product with industry test methods (e.g. ASTM, EN, etc.). This may be needed to meet the
50% in-process job audit requirement.
 Retains of previously prepared specimens for product with industry test methods (e.g. ASTM, EN, etc.)
Following is a list of unacceptable job audits:
 Historical jobs
Nadcap accredits AC7122 to Aerospace laboratories working in the field of Non Metallic Materials Testing. The
process of accreditation is through Nadcap auditing of the facility seeking accreditation. While some Primes are

-3-
PRI AC7122 Revision C -4-

mandating their Supplier base, others although engaged in the process, do not at this time; they may however in
the future. All Suppliers being audited to AC7122 must make auditors aware of all subscribing Nadcap Prime
products fabricated at their site. The auditor may then choose the products they wish to audit regardless of the
Prime. This given, there may be extenuating circumstances where a certain prime may request that a certain
product not be audited. It is incumbent upon the Supplier to be able to demonstrate this formally to the auditor
prior to the audit, either by written document, prime PO or a contractual document.
An AC7122 audit is not Prime specific. Rather, it is a review of the Supplier’s conformance/compliance to
primes/customers specification/drawing/PO requirements "flowed down" to that Supplier. It is not acceptable for
Suppliers to select particular primes or parts for review rather they should be able to present all components for
review.
2.2.2.2 International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
The supplier needs to clearly identify the Export Control status of all parts being used in the audit. Technical
information on parts which have been designated “Export Controlled – License Required” (EC-LR) cannot be
input into eAuditNet.
2.2.2.3 General
The Laboratory shall provide for an in-briefing with the auditor. Key members of the applicant’s staff should
attend the in-briefing so the audit purpose, methods, and assessment processes can be discussed. Working
space for the auditor with desks or tables, chairs, computer, web access, telephone, etc. shall be made available.
Clerical, typing and reproduction services are to be provided, as required. This is not a full time assignment. A
final out-briefing shall be conducted at the completion of the audit. Each nonconformance and observation will be
reviewed and the Laboratory will be given the opportunity to discuss proposed corrective action or to provide any
additional information.
NOTE: The Task Group may, upon review, change the auditors’ determination of a finding or observation. Test
Laboratories shall provide a written response to each nonconformance identified by the auditor, Staff Engineer, or
Task Group.
2.2.3 Following the Audit
In accordance with Nadcap Operating Procedures, the Laboratory has a specified period of time from the close of
the audit to submit a corrective action plan and identify effectivity dates for each NCR. The response must
address the immediate action taken to resolve the discrepancy, the root cause of the nonconformance from a
systems management approach, and the actions taken or to be taken to preclude reoccurrence. Objective
evidence shall be submitted.
PRI Staff or the Task Group may, after review of the audit report, require additional information or find cause to
issue additional findings.
NOTE: Final authority over the audit report, acceptability of corrective actions, and accreditation recommendation
rests with the Task Group.

Appendix A Inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing

1. Purpose
1.1. This appendix establishes the requirements for Inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing (IPT).

2. Scope
2.1. IPT participation is not required for suppliers seeking initial Nadcap accreditation.
2.2. IPT participation is required for suppliers seeking re-accreditation to AC7122-I and AC7122-R. Suppliers shall
determine the schedule of the next IPT and if it is applicable to their current accreditation. Depending on the IPT
schedule, re-accreditation may occur prior to the IPT.
Note: Suppliers are recommended to contact Nadcap/PRI or review conference meeting minutes to determine
IPT schedule and applicability.

-4-
PRI AC7122 Revision C -5-

2.3. IPT is applicable to independent and captive laboratories.

3. References

AC7122-R Appendix C: Testing Protocol for Internal Round Robins (Personnel Qualifications)
OP-1114: Task Group
OP 1114 Appendix COMP/NMMM/NMMT: Additional Requirements for the Composites Task Group, Non Metallic
Materials Testing Sub-Task Group and Non Metallic Materials Manufacturing Sub-Task Group
4. OP 1103: Definitions
4.1. Nadcap Inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing (IPT) – Organization, performance, and evaluation of tests on the
same or similar items or materials by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.
(Reference AS7003, Inter-laboratory Test Comparisons)
4.2. Proficiency Test Program (PTP) – Determination of laboratory testing performance by means of inter-laboratory
test comparisons. (Reference AS7003, (Laboratory) Proficiency Testing))
4.3. Round Robin – An intra-laboratory study or measure of the reproducibility of results generated by the facility
personnel using the laboratory procedure(s). The intent of an internal Round Robin test is to address the
reproducibility of results by multiple operators.

5. General Requirements
5.1. Nadcap defines the IPT program within OP 1114 Appendix COMP/NMMM/NMMT.
5.2. In lieu of participating in the Nadcap IPT program, suppliers may participate in a third party PTP program. PTP
programs accepted by Nadcap are defined in OP 1114 Appendix COMP/NMMM/NMMT.
5.3. When the Nadcap IPT program has no applicability to the accreditation scope, the supplier shall develop a
Supplier Inter-Laboratory Proficiency Test Program in accordance with Section 6. The Nadcap IPT program is
considered “not applicable” when the scope of the supplier’s/laboratory’s accreditation does not include any of
the AC7122 test codes and AC7122 Class of materials used in the IPT.

6. Supplier Inter-Laboratory Testing Program

6.1. Supplier Inter-Laboratory Testing Program shall be documented and available to Nadcap/PRI upon request.
6.2. Protocol for Supplier Inter-Laboratory Testing Program shall meet the requirements of AC7122-R Appendix C,
except as follows:

6.2.1. Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program shall assess the reproducibility of multiple laboratories.
6.2.1.1. One test operator shall represent the laboratory for a specific test method.
6.2.1.2. Multiple operators for one laboratory may be used if the Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program has
multiple test methods.
6.2.2. Laboratories participating in the Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program may be:
6.2.2.1. Different laboratories at a specific supplier location
6.2.2.2. Different laboratories at multiple locations of a given supplier
6.2.2.3. Different laboratories from different suppliers/independent laboratory
6.2.3. Material shall be from one source, i.e. manufacturing facility, and from one production run.
6.2.4. If subsequent processing of the material is required prior to preparing specimens (such as layup and cure
of panels), the processing shall be performed by one source (production facility or laboratory).
6.2.5. Specimen sets shall be prepared by one source, unless the purpose of the Supplier Inter-Laboratory
Program includes the assessment of specimen preparation.
6.3. Number of Laboratories
6.3.1. At least three laboratories shall participate in the Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program.
6.3.2. When three different laboratory locations are not possible, for the purpose of the Supplier Inter-Laboratory
Program, a given laboratory may be separated into multiple sub-laboratories.
6.3.2.1. Sub-laboratories shall not share test equipment.
6.3.2.2. Sub-laboratories shall not share test operators.
6.4. Test Methods
6.4.1.A minimum of two test methods shall be included in the Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program.

-5-
PRI AC7122 Revision C -6-

6.4.2.The preference is that at least two separate AC7122 slash sheets are tested
(AC7122/1 mechanical, AC7122/2 physical, AC7122/3 chemical, AC7122/4 thermal, and AC7122/5
flammability).
6.4.3.An effort shall be made for the Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program to not evaluate all the same test methods
in consecutive IPTs. It is acceptable to repeat a baseline test method from IPT to IPT.
6.5. Statistical analysis and correlation methods shall be used to analyze the results. The mean values and standard
deviations shall be calculated from all data and reported on a Supplier Inter-Laboratory Program summary report.
A minimum of 25 data points shall be used to perform the statistical analysis. Part of the data used may originate
from an already existing database.
6.6. Corrective Action
6.6.1. Corrective action shall be initiated by program participants when test results are outside three (3) standard
deviations from the population mean.
6.6.2. Participants shall notify customers in accordance with contractual requirements for disclosure of
nonconforming product.
6.7. Supplier Inter-Laboratory Testing Program shall be performed at an interval to not exceed two years.

-6-