Calibration vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?

Calibration and certification are two commonly used terms that seem similar but actually have distinct differences. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding the difference between calibration and certification is crucial, and can affect the quality and reliability of products and services across a wide range of sectors.

At Trident Calibration Labs, our technicians have over 100 years’ combined experience providing businesses with industry-leading calibration services. If you are unsure of the difference between calibration and certification and what it means for your business, read on for some tips.

What is Certification?

Certification is a broad process that confirms that a product, system or service complies with specific standards or regulations. Certification deals with the overall quality and conformity of a product or service, in contrast to calibration which focuses on the accuracy of measuring instruments. Equipment that is certified has been found to be performing within its stated specifications, and often receives labeling to demonstrate its compliance. If verification shows an instrument does not comply with regulations and therefore cannot be certified, calibration can be used to bring results back into range.

What is Calibration?

Calibration is a process used to determine the accuracy and reliability of an instrument or device. The primary purpose of calibration is to compare the measurements made by the device to a known and highly accurate standard, ensuring that it provides precise and consistent results. Calibration often requires extra time, equipment and expertise, and while certification can be done in-house, calibration is recommended to be outsourced.

Calibration and certification play similar but distinct roles ensuring the veracity and accuracy of products and services, and when used together can form a robust framework for establishing that equipment is working as intended and its results are held to a rigorous standard.

Why choose us?

If your instruments are experiencing problems, do not delay in seeking a solution. We can help your business get back up and running as quickly as possible. With the level of experience and attention to detail we provide across the Phoenix area, why go anywhere else?

Contact us today for a fast quote for instrument repair services or any services your business needs!