Preparing to Inspect/Training

Updated January 10, 2010

Inspector Training

As an inspector for the only peer-based laboratory accreditation program in the industry, you will see first-hand how the interchange of ideas between practicing laboratorians helps both you and the inspected lab achieve and uphold the highest standards of quality patient testing. In order to make the inspection as consistent, objective and effective as possible, the CAP requires its inspectors to be current on the accreditation requirements and to have the appropriate knowledge and skills to successfully conduct an inspection.

To achieve this goal, the Laboratory Accreditation Program offers a CME/CE-bearing Inspector Training Curriculum, provided at no cost to the participant. For information or to enroll, call the Education Division at 800-323-4040, extension 7525 or 847-832-7525, or send an e-mail to education@cap.org.

Team Leader Training
Team Leaders are required to complete training every two years, or within two years of conducting an inspection. The following convenient options fulfill this mandatory training requirement:

1. Initial Team Leader Training
2. Team Leader Update Training

Team Member Training
Team Members are also required to complete training. It is the Team Leader’s responsibility to ensure the Team Members are properly trained prior to the on-site inspection. The following options are available for Team Member training:

1. Initial Team Member Training
2. Team Member Update Training

2009 Schedule of LAP Audioconferences

Virtual Library of Past Audioconferences
Recorded live sessions that cover a variety of general and discipline-specific topics.

Team Leader Memo to Team Members (Microsoft Word, 24 K)
Pre-Inspection information from the inspection team leader to the team members.

Frequently Asked Questions About Three-Month Window of
Unannounced Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions—The unannounced inspection window has been abbreviated from six to three months.

One Hour Security Notice for Unannounced Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions—Learn more about the LAPs new notification process.

Summation Conference Do’s and Don’ts
Tips for conducting the summation conference

Team Member Inspection Planner (PDF, 174 K)
The team member's “To Do” list from pre-inspection through post-inspection

Using the Team Leader Checklist (PDF, 635 K)
What to look for to evaluate compliance (even if the director is unavailable)

Using Probing Questions - An Inspection Technique (PDF, 19 K)
The team member’s "To Do" list from pre-inspection through post-inspection

Are You a New CAP Inspector?
If you’re in a CAP-accredited laboratory and would like to inspect, follow these simple steps

• Complete the Volunteer Inspector Profile Form
  (Microsoft Word, 219 K)
• Complete an appropriate training course
• Review the above resources prior to your scheduled inspection

Once you complete your profile form and training course, you will automatically qualify as an inspector. Keeping your training current (every two years) will ensure your continual listing as a qualified and available inspector.

Related Links

• About LAP
• Resources for Laboratories
• Frequently Asked Questions