FAQs

Questions about SEI, testing, standards, and the certification process?
Browse our frequently asked questions below.
If you need additional information, send us an email.

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Are SEI certification programs mandatory or required by law?

SEI certification programs are voluntary and available to any manufacturer of safety and protective equipment. In some cases, certification may ensure that your products meet federal or state regulations. And some organizations require SEI certification for certain products, such as NOCSAE, NFPA, and US Lacrosse.

How often are products tested?

SEI certification programs include both initial qualification testing and annual product testing of all certified safety and protective equipment products.

Is there a quality assurance program?

Yes, annual quality assurance audits are conducted at the manufacturer's facility. Surveillance audits and annual product testing are conducted to verify continued compliance of the manufacturer's quality system.

Where does SEI conduct product testing?

SEI contracts with several independent accredited laboratories to provide testing services. View the SEI Testing Labs page.

Is SEI accredited?

Yes, SEI is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity assessment - Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes, and Services.

How are product models tested?

All product model testing is conducted in accordance with the current standards that are promulgated for various products by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASTM International, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

How do I know if a product I am using has been certified by SEI?

The easiest way to identify whether a product is SEI certified is to look for the SEI mark on the products. Visit our Certified Products page to view our most recent list of certified products. You can search by program, product, or organization.

What does it mean when a product has an SEI mark?

Products bearing the SEI mark have been manufactured to meet the level of quality and performance of the most current comprehensive standards existing for the product. While SEI does not assume responsibility for product performance, SEI's certification mark indicates that the model for that product has met recognized standards for testing and quality assurance.

Does SEI work with international manufacturers?

Yes, international manufacturers are welcome to participate.

How can I find out what companies have had their products certified with SEI?

Learn more about the organizations that have already benefited from SEI certification services on the SEI Participants page.

How do I request certification of my products?

Visit our Program Requirements page and contact us to get started.

SEI Headquarters
Safety Equipment Institute
1307 Dolley Madison Blvd., Suite 3A
McLean, VA 22101
tel: +1.703.442.5732
www.seinet.org
info@seinet.org