Laboratory Evaluation and Acceptance (LEA) Program

The California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1) describes the general administrative requirements for projects under the jurisdiction of DSA. Title 24, Part 1, Section 4-335 requires that tests of materials for construction projects under the jurisdiction of Division of the State Architect (DSA) be performed by testing facilities acceptable to DSA. DSA administers the Laboratory Evaluation and Acceptance (LEA) program to evaluate testing facilities statewide.

NOTE: Recent changes to DSA Administrative Regulations and the implementation of a DSA Inspection Card system result in important changes for structural testing and special inspections of projects under DSA jurisdiction. For an overview of the process changes taking effect on June 1, see Construction Oversight Process Changes: Courtesy Preview of Documents. For important specific changes to the Verified Report process for LEA Laboratories and Special Inspectors, refer to Guidelines to 2013 Verified Report Changes (PDF - 111 KB).

LEA Facilities - A list of materials testing laboratories that have been evaluated and accepted by DSA to perform services on school projects can be found at List of DSA Accepted Testing Laboratories (in the DSA Tracker website). Click on the name of a facility to view a list of testing and special inspection services for which the facility has been approved.

LEA Program Application

• DSA 100: Application for Acceptance of Material Testing Facility (PDF - 812 KB) Revised 05/19/11 (for Testing Facilities) || Instructions (PDF - 98 KB) Revised 02/12/13
  The application for a testing facility to apply for acceptance into the Laboratory Evaluation and Acceptance (LEA) program.
  
  Please see DSA's AB 1424 Notification page for additional application requirements related to collection of social security/tax identification numbers.
• DSA 220: LEA Program On-site Assessment Report (PDF - 190 KB) Revised 04/19/12
  A checklist of items to be verified during the DSA visit to the candidate laboratory.

The following links present information on Materials Testing and Special Inspection:

• Testing/Special Inspection Basics
• Testing/Special Inspection Forms
• Testing/Special Inspection Publications