NORTHFIELD, Ill. (June 23, 2026) —The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has achieved accreditation to the 2023 edition of ISO/IEC 17043 standard, effectively maintaining its ISO 17043 accreditation status since 2016.
ISO/IEC 17043 is the global standard for proficiency testing (PT) providers, reinforcing the reliability of PT programs laboratories use to assess performance and maintain compliance. The recognition confirms that the CAP’s PT programs meet enhanced international expectations, helping laboratories deliver accurate results and strengthen quality across the testing process.
“The updated 2023 edition of the ISO/IEC 17043 standard raised expectations around risk management, documentation, and impartiality,” said CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP. “This reaccreditation demonstrates that our PT programs meet those evolving global requirements and gives laboratories confidence that they are using services aligned with the highest international benchmarks.”
The CAP’s proficiency testing programs support more than 23,300 laboratories worldwide, helping ensure consistent, reliable results across diverse testing environments.
Proficiency testing plays a central role in laboratory quality, allowing laboratories to evaluate performance, identify gaps, and maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements. Stronger standards give laboratories greater confidence in the PT programs used to assess accuracy and identify potential issues.
The CAP’s reaccreditation follows a comprehensive audit by the ANSI National Accreditation Board, which assessed the organization’s technical expertise, quality management system, and operational consistency. The review highlighted strengths across areas that directly affect laboratories, including risk management practices, customer feedback, confidentiality, and technical guidance to PT program participants.
Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 reinforces the CAP’s commitment to the highest standards in proficiency testing. Achieving this reaccreditation demonstrates that the same rigor we expect from laboratories through CAP Accreditation Programs and proficiency testing is applied to our own operations. This commitment to continuous improvement strengthens our Quality Management System and ensures that PT programs relied on by laboratories around the world retain their high quality and dependability.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.