Bluetooth is managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in the areas of telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics. The Bluetooth SIG is a community of over 30,000 companies serving to unify, harmonize, and drive innovation in the vast range of connected devices all around us. 

Bluetooth has established the Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility Program to describe the process that an organization must follow to have its facility recognized. This qualification program contains recognition requirements for testing facilities to demonstrate their competence and capabilities, pursuant to the specifications for products as determined by the Bluetooth SIG. 

This program is comprised of two types of test facilities: Bluetooth Qualification Testing Facility (BQTF) and Bluetooth Recognized Testing Facility (BRTF). A BQTF must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and may be recognized for purposes of providing testing services to all Bluetooth SIG members. A BRTF may only be recognized for purposes of testing its own products and may not provide Bluetooth testing services to other Bluetooth SIG members. Both BQTFs and BRTFs must undergo an assessment/audit by a listed entity, such as A2LA.  A2LA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bluetooth SIG for this function. 

A2LA’s ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation of Bluetooth Qualification Testing Facilities is covered under the A2LA electrical field of testing. 

A2LA’s audit-only option using the Bluetooth Technical Checklist is not covered under A2LA’s ILAC MRA Scope of Recognition. 

Program Requirements

• ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and A2LA R101 – General Requirements: Accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratories (for BQTF only)
• A2LA R253 Specific Requirements – Bluetooth Program