[en] The Department of Energy has initiated DOELAP in an effort to standardize on optimum state-of-the-art external dosimetry technology, and to identify anomalies in dosimetry performance in order to determine areas of needed research. The program is analogous to the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), but with three essential differences: (a) more stringent tolerance levels, (b) a built-in provision for applied research, and (c) application to a wider spectrum of source terms and dosimetry needs. Accreditation of external dosimetry programs is now mandatory for DOE operations. To initiate the accreditation process, a formalized application is submitted, which describes the dosimetry and defines the irradiation categories in which the dosimeter(s) will be tested. The dosimeters are sent to the DOE-Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory (RESL) at INEL for performance testing, and site assessment is performed at the organization's facilities, to evaluate its handling of dosimetry data and documentation. The DOELAP Oversight Board eventually reviews the results of these functions and makes appropriate recommendations to DOE-HQ. Accreditation is formally granted by HQ and is valid for two years