ISO/IEC 17025 accredited automotive materials testing laboratory equipment and documentation at GPTesting

The Value of OEM-Approved Testing Methods

Two suppliers submit weathering data for the same OEM program. Both use xenon arc equipment. Both run the same number of hours. One submission is accepted. The other is rejected. The difference isn’t the equipment or the hours. It’s the method. The rejected lab ran a general xenon cycle. The accepted lab ran the specific OEM method by name.

We run OEM-specific test methods for Ford, GM, Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Rivian within our accredited scope under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (A2LA No. 0079.01)..

What “OEM-approved” actually means

When an OEM specifies that materials must be tested using an approved method, they’re not asking for any accredited test. They’re asking for a specific procedure, a specific revision, defined equipment calibration requirements, and acceptance criteria they have validated.

Ford FLTM BN 117-01 is not the same as a general weathering test. GM GMW15919 carries specific cycle profiles, temperature targets, and dwell times. Our Tests We Perform page lists the OEM methods within our accredited scope. The answer to “which method do I need?” is always in the OEM material specification, not in the supplier’s judgment.

Why automotive suppliers need OEM-approved testing

The automotive supply chain runs on data. Before a material reaches production, it passes through a qualification process that concludes only when the data is credible and the method is recognized.

When suppliers submit results from unrecognized procedures or non-accredited labs, the submission is rejected or the OEM requests a retest. In a fixed-launch program, weeks lost to a resubmission directly affect a production start date. Browse our materials we test page to confirm your material type is within our scope.

Which OEM specifications GPTesting runs

We run test methods for suppliers working with:

  • Ford Motor Company (FLTM methods including BN 117-01, BI 107-05, BO 116-01)
  • General Motors (GMW specifications including GMW14162 Method D, GMW15919)
  • Stellantis/Chrysler (LP and MS specification families)
  • Honda, Toyota, and Nissan (program-specific requirements)
  • Tesla and Volkswagen (per applicable specification packages)
  • Rivian (RTS specifications including RTS 1673)

Our A2LA accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 was renewed through December 31, 2027 and covers mechanical, weathering, flammability, surface, and environmental testing methods across this OEM list.

What happens when the specification is unclear

A supplier receives a test requirement from an OEM, but the specification references an older revision, is vague about acceptance criteria, or doesn’t clearly define the method variant required.

We review the specification directly and provide a plain-language explanation of what is required before the invoice is generated. We’ve worked with suppliers who received a test requirement the week before an OEM deadline. In several of those cases, we tested against retained samples already in our lab, eliminating the need for new sample shipments. Our 30-day sample retention policy exists for exactly that scenario.

Accreditation scope is not the same across labs

Not every ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab is accredited for the same test methods. Before submitting samples, confirm the lab’s current accreditation scope covers your specific OEM method. Download GPTesting’s scope of accreditation to verify coverage before scheduling. Common questions are also answered on our FAQ page.

Request a quote and confirm your OEM method is in scope

My OEM says results need to come from an approved lab. What does that actually mean?

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation confirms a lab meets international standards for technical competence. OEM approval means the lab is recognized to run a specific manufacturer’s proprietary test specifications. GPTesting holds A2LA accreditation (Certificate No. 0079.01) and runs Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Rivian specifications within that accredited scope.

How do I know which test method my OEM requires?

The test method is specified in the OEM’s material specification, engineering drawing note, or supplier quality manual. Ford uses FLTM designations, GM uses GMW specifications, and Stellantis uses LP and MS designations. If the requirement is unclear, GPTesting can review the specification and identify the correct method and revision before testing begins.

What happens if I submit test results from a non-approved method?

OEM materials engineering teams typically reject submissions referencing a non-approved test method or unrecognized lab. The supplier must retest and resubmit, which can take weeks and directly affect program launch timelines.

Is A2LA accreditation enough, or does my OEM need something beyond that?

A2LA accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the recognized accreditation body for most North American automotive OEM testing requirements. Each lab’s certificate lists the specific methods within its approved scope. GPTesting’s scope (Certificate No. 0079.01, valid through December 31, 2027) covers mechanical, weathering, flammability, surface, and environmental testing methods.

How long does a complete OEM material qualification program take?

Timelines depend on the required methods. Mechanical and surface tests complete within one to two weeks. Environmental exposure tests require three to twelve weeks of elapsed time. A full OEM qualification package typically takes four to ten weeks from sample receipt to final report, depending on the specification requirements.

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