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What is the IATF 16949 Standard?

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What is the IATF 16949 Standard?

IATF 16949:2016 certification is a widely recognized standard for quality management systems in the automotive industry. It covers industry-specific requirements and the universal ISO 9001:2015 standards for quality management systems. It is designed to be used alongside ISO 9001 and includes additional requirements specific to the automotive industry rather than being a standalone Quality Management System (QMS).

 

A QMS consists of policies, processes, documented procedures, and records. This collection of documentation sets out the internal rules governing how your company creates and delivers your product or service to your customers. The QMS should be customized to your company's needs and the product or service you offer. The IATF 16949 standard provides guidelines to ensure that the QMS includes all the essential elements for success.

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IATF 16949 emphasizes developing a process-oriented QMS that allows for ongoing improvement, defect prevention, and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. The main goal is to meet customer requirements efficiently and effectively, and it combines standards from Europe and the US, providing comprehensive guidance on achieving best practices in designing, developing, manufacturing, installing, or servicing automotive products. It is recognized as the foundation for any company aiming to establish a system ensuring customer satisfaction and improvement. As a result, many OEMs require this as the minimum standard for organizations to become suppliers in the automotive industry supply chain.

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By internally auditing your processes and becoming certified by an approved certification body, your customers do not need to conduct an audit of your company themselves. This is why IATF 16949 has become essential for many companies to remain competitive in the market.

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We offer IATF 16949 system implementation support and audit preparation.

 

Additionally, we provide professional training and development courses. Properly trained teams and auditors bring many benefits for organizational growth and competency, as they enhance skills and knowledge in assessing risks, planning audits, and compiling information for auditing reports.​​

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OR EXPLORE COURSE OPTIONS AND THE PATH TO BECOMING AN IATF 16949 AUDITOR BELOW.​

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IATF 16949 Courses for non-Auditors

IATF 16949 Courses for non-Auditors

IATF 16949:2016
For Practitioners

For automotive supplier personnel involved in planning, roll-out and management of the IATF 16949 certification in their organisation.

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IATF 16949:2016
For Managers & Executives

For responsible personnel (chief executives, plant managers and executives) from all areas such as manufacturing, development, purchasing, etc.

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How to Qualify as an IATF 16949 Auditor

How to Qualify as an IATF 16949 Auditor

1st & 2nd Party 
IATF 16949:2016 Auditor Qualification

Evidence of two years of full-time experience in quality-related fields of activity in the manufacturing industry.

Evidence of a qualification in ISO 9001:2015.

Evidence of an auditing qualification based on DIN EN ISO 19011.

Evidence of knowledge of the Automotive Core Tools. (FMEA, PPAP, APQP, SPC, MSA, G8D, 7QT)

Complete and pass the 3-day course.

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Upgrade training may be required upon any changes to the standard.​​​

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How to Renew as a VDA QMC IATF 16949:2016 Certified Auditor

How to Renew as a VDA QMC IATF 16949:2016 Certified Auditor

ACCREDITED LICENSE PARTNER OF:

ht+a is a proud accredited VDA QMC License Partner

Renewal of VDA IATF 16949:2016 Auditor Certification, or extension of IATF 16949:2016 Auditor Qualification to VDA Certification, should be completed directly via the VDA QMC.​

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Provide evidence of at least 3 completed 1st or 2nd party IATF 16949 system audits in the last 3 years

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Complete the 1-day ID240 Workshop 

Complete ID255 Oral Examination

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Must be renewed every 3 years OR upon any changes to the standard.

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Please note that effective from October 2021 the VDA no longer issue physical auditor cards. Your certificate serves as proof of certified status.

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IATF 16949 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IATF 16949 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • 1. When was the current edition of the VDA 6.3 volume released?
    The last update of the volume VDA 6.3 was published in January 2023.
  • 2. What upgrade training is available for the VDA 6.3:2023 volume?
    The training course “From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023 – Upgrade” is offered as a half-day live online training course (ID333) until December 2024. After passing the knowledge test, you will receive a certificate of qualification.
  • 3. Does a new VDA 6.3:2023 certificate have to be applied for after the upgrade training?
    No, the VDA 6.3:2016 certificates retain their validity and can only be extended when they expire.
  • 4. When do audits according to VDA 6.3:2023 have to be carried out?
    The companies themselves must determine the time for the changeover; for legal reasons, this may not be specified by the VDA QMC. According to the new volume, audits may only be carried out once the training course “From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023 – Upgrade” has been completed. It is available as a live online training course (ID333) until 31 December 2024. Proof of successful participation must be provided for the renewal of the VDA 6.3 certificate.
  • 5. What training opportunities are available to become a VDA 6.3 process auditor?
    For the initial qualification of both internal and external (supplier) auditors there is a standard four-day training course: VDA 6.3:2023 Process Auditor Qualification (ID381) After participation and passing the knowledge test, a certificate of qualification is issued, which serves as professional certificate of the auditor qualification (cf. VDA Vol. 6.3:2023, p. 18). Auditors who carry out audits for other organisations as external service providers also require a VDA 6.3 certificate of qualification (cf. VDA Vol. 6.3:2023, p. 20). Apart from this, there are customer-specific requirements that go beyond the requirements of the VDA 6.3 volume. In this case, a VDA 6.3 certificate from the VDA QMC or an official licence partner of the VDA QMC is required as technical certificate. This certificate can be acquired with the following educational measure: VDA 6.3:2023 Process Auditor Examination (ID382) The examination consists of an audit simulation. After passing the examination, a VDA e-certificate with a registered number is issued, which serves as professional certificate of the auditor qualification. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of the examination.
  • 6. How do I obtain admission to the VDA 6.3:2023 examination?
    Admission to the examination is granted after a successful application review. Please submit this application form:
  • 7. Is it possible to take the VDA 6.3:2023 examination even if one does not (yet) fulfil the requirements?
    No, it is only possible to take the examination if all prerequisites have been met and the application has been approved by the VDA QMC or one of its licence partners. Subsequent submission of the application is not permitted.
  • 8. What are the requirements for admission to the VDA 6.3:2023 examination?
    Certificate of qualification (or registration confirmation) of the “VDA 6.3:2023 – Process Auditor – Qualification”. Certificate of a total of at least three days auditor qualification based on DIN EN ISO 19011 (e.g. VDA auditor) Certificate of expertise in Automotive Core Tools (ID 415:2022 or ID 417:2019) or two-day training from another provider (from 2019) + Automotive Core Tools Quiz from VDA QMC Certificate of at least five years of full-time professional experience in a manufacturing company, of which at least two years in quality-related areas of activity (tabular CV). From three years of professional experience, company training periods can be taken into account.
  • 9. Which auditor qualification is recognised for the VDA 6.3:2023 examination accreditation?
    Qualifications according to DIN EN ISO 19011, ISO 9001, ISO/TS or IATF 16949, for example, training as a VDA auditor, DGQ auditor or EOQ auditor are accepted as auditor qualifications. As a general rule, a training course of at least three days must have been completed, irrespective of the training provider.
  • 10. Can a certificate of audits carried out replace the required auditor qualification?
    No, audits performed do not replace an auditor qualification according to DIN EN ISO 19011.
  • 11. How is the expertise in the Automotive Core Tools to be demonstrated?
    The following credentials are recognised: Certificate of qualification of the training “Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors” (ID 417:2019) OR Certificate of qualification of the training “Automotive Core Tools (ACT) – Basic tools for quality management in the automotive industry” (ID 415:2022) OR As an alternative, certificate of at least two days of training in automotive-specific tools from another training provider is required, in addition to having passed an Automotive Core Tools online quiz. If the quiz is not passed, the course “Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors” (ID 417) must be completed. OR In addition to the above-mentioned certificates, the following ADP certificates are recognised: 5-ADP, 4-AUD-B, 5-AUD-B, 6-AUD-B. These certificates are held by IATF 3rd party auditors who have successfully completed all core tools modules in accordance with the IATF 16949 – 3rd party auditor qualification.
  • 12. The test for the training course "Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors" (ID 417) was not passed. Will I still be admitted to the exam?
    No, successful participation in the training is proven by the qualification certificate that you receive after passing the learning test.
  • 13. How does the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools Online Quiz work and how do I get access to it?
    The VDA QMC offers the Automotive Core Tools online quiz in German and English. The cost of completing it is EUR 50.00 excl. VAT. You can register via their site. You will then receive access to their learning platform VDA QMC Academy, where the quiz can be completed. It consists of 30 randomly selected questions, of which at least 70% (21 questions) must be answered correctly. Each question contains four possible answers, of which only one is correct. A total of 60 minutes will be available to answer the 30 questions. After the answers have been sent, you will immediately receive the result (passed/failed). Proof of the passed quiz will be sent by e-mail and can also be accessed in the booking system (click on the e-mail address after logging in, the proof is stored under “Documents”).
  • 14. What is the best way to prepare for the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz?
    It is strongly discouraged to take the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools Online Quiz without prior preparation. Interested parties should learn about the individual VDA and AIAG core tools and the harmonised VDA-AIAG FMEA in advance before registering for the online quiz. Using the following overview, auditors can determine where they may still need to refresh their knowledge: Quality/Product Creation Process: VDA Volume Securing the Stage of Maturity for New Parts (MLA) Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) / Special Characteristics: AIAG & VDA FMEA Manual / VDA Volume Special Features Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA): VDA Volume 5 Test Process Suitability Statistical Process Control (SPC): Economic Process Design and Control (VDA Volume 4) Sampling Procedure: VDA Volume 2: Production Process and Product Release (PPA) Control Plan / Production Control Plan: IATF 16949 Problem-solving Technique: VDA Volume 8D: Problem-Solving in 8 Disciplines
  • 15. What can be done if you have not passed the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz?
    If you have not passed the quiz, you must take the training course “Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors” (ID417) or the training course “Automotive Core Tools (ACT) – Basic Tools of Quality Management in the Automotive Industry” (ID415). It is not possible to repeat the quiz by registering again, only the first attempt of an online quiz candidate will be counted.
  • 16. Why is it necessary to pass the VDA QMC Core Tools quiz in addition to at least two days of Core Tools training from another provider?
    With the online quiz, prospective VDA 6.3 auditors can have their Automotive Core Tools expertise checked and confirmed. Thanks to the standardisation and unification of this query, the certificate of success for the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz is regarded worldwide as an official certificate for the auditor that he/she is at the cutting edge of technology in this subject area. This quality feature gives the VDA 6.3 certificate a higher level than before and thus gives the certificate holders an even better reputation in the automotive supply chain.
  • 17. Why do I have to prove that I have attended at least two days of Core Tools training in addition to passing the VDA QMC Core Tools Quiz?
    According to DIN EN ISO 19011, chapter 7.6, auditors are required to continuously improve their competence, among other things by participating in training courses. The fact that the VDA QMC requires two days of training in the area of automotive core tools means that prospective VDA 6.3 process auditors meet this requirement.
  • 18. Is it possible to register for the VDA 6.3:2023 examination without proof of five years of professional experience?
    From three years of professional experience (preferably in manufacturing companies in the automotive industry), company training periods can be taken into account. Company training periods are recognised at 50% and only in the case of completed dual training or dual studies in a technical profession in manufacturing companies. In-company internships, working student activities or similar within the framework of academic Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes cannot be credited. In principle, it is not possible to take the examination until all requirements have been met and the examination application has been approved by the VDA QMC or an official licence partner (cf. FAQ No. 6 and 8).
  • 19. The knowledge test of a training course (ID381) required for the examination (ID382) was not passed. Will I still be allowed to take the exam?
    No, the successful participation in the training course is proven by the certificate of qualification, which you receive after passing the knowledge test. You have the option of repeating the knowledge test online. Please send an e-mail to enquiries@ht-a.solutions.
  • 20. How often may the examination be repeated?
    The examination may be repeated no more than twice and must be passed no later than one year after the first examination.
  • 21. Is it possible to take the VDA 6.3:2023 examination if one has attended the VDA 6.3:2016 qualification?
    In this case, in addition to the examination requirements mentioned in point 8, a certificate of successful participation in the training course “From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023 – Upgrade” (ID333) must be provided.
  • 22. How can the VDA 6.3:2016 certificate be extended?
    Certificate renewal always takes place after a successful application check. If a VDA 6.3 (2016) certificate has been obtained from a VDA QMC licence partner, the corresponding application for extension can also be submitted to other licence partners or to the VDA QMC.
  • 23. What verification is required for a certificate extension VDA 6.3:2016?
    Verification of a valid VDA 6.3:2016 certificate Certificate of successful participation in the VDA 6.3 Upgrade training from VDA 6.3 (2016) to VDA 6.3 (2023) (ID333) Verification of audit experience At least 5 process audits and/or potential analyses (with at least 10 audit days) are to be carried out as the responsible auditor during the validity period. In case of less than 5 process audits and/or potential analyses (with less than 10 audit days) as responsible auditor in the validity period, certificate of attendance in the workshop for certified process auditors VDA 6.3 (ID341) is required.
  • 24. What are the costs for a certificate extension VDA 6.3?
    The cost at ht+a is ZAR3,400.00 plus VAT.
  • 25. How long is the new certificate valid for?
    The VDA 6.3:2023 certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.
  • 26. How is the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate extended?
    As the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate is valid for five years instead of three years, ten audits with at least 20 audit days are required for the next extension. Nothing can be said about further requirements at the moment.
  • 27. Is proof of passing the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz still required for an extension of the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate?
    No, when extending the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate, proof of passing the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz no longer needs to be provided.
  • 28. What happens if one has not applied for the extension of the certificate in time?
    The renewal application can be submitted up to three months after the expiry of the certificate. If the certificate has expired for longer than three months, the ID382 examination must be taken again. For this, the examination application VDA 6.3:2023 must be submitted and the prerequisites mentioned there must be proven (cf. point 8 of the FAQ). In addition, the training “From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023 – Upgrade” must have been completed.
  • 1. From when does the new version of VDA Volume 6.3 apply? Are there any transition periods?
    The new VDA Volume 6.3 applies from January 2023. There is no official transition period. The organisations involved in the audit agree via the customer-specific requirements which version an audit is based on.
  • 2. What is new in VDA Vol. 6.3:2023?
    Important changes have been made, especially with regard to the topics of products with integrated software and procurement activities before SoP. Furthermore, the volume was adapted to the state of the art and made even more practical (detailed changes to content, wording and streamlining of content). In the VDA 6.3 upgrade training you will receive an overview of the most important changes and can practice your new knowledge directly.
  • 3. Do the changes in VDA Volume 6.3 also change the requirements for auditors?
    Since the changes in the new volume mainly concern the streamlining and updating of the existing content, the requirements for auditors will not change to any great extent. New in the volume is the consideration of products with integrated software and the sharpening of procurement activities before SoP. In the VDA 6.3 upgrade training you can train exactly these topics. In the VDA Automotive Software Essentials training course you can acquire basic knowledge and skills on the subject of “software”.
  • 4. How do the innovations affect the overall result of an audit according to VDA 6.3?
    The evaluation scheme has not changed with the revision of the volume. The number of questions has also remained almost the same, only the distribution of the starred questions has changed (the number of star questions has remained the same). A greater focus is placed on products with integrated software with the revision, which may have an impact on the overall result.
  • 5. Why has the distribution of the starred questions changed in some cases?
    A re-weighting of the starred questions was carried out in the course of updating the volume. Here, in addition to the content aspects, consideration was also given to how the redistribution (and thus the change in emphasis) affects the balance of the distribution of starred questions (for example: 6.3.1 is no longer starred because the number of questions in Eu3 is very low (3) and a low score has a big impact on the sub-element score and thus on the overall result).
  • 6. Why was the red rating of the potential analysis toned down (awarded by management decision)?
    The new VDA Volume 6.3 was revised with the aim of providing an even more practice-oriented manual. For this reason, the possibility of a management decision (which was already common practice before) has now also been included in the volume.
  • 7. Why were software topics integrated in the new VDA Volume 6.3:2023, although Automotive SPICE® already exists?
    The interface between hardware and software for products with integrated (embedded) software has been strengthened, but the Automotive SPICE® method must be used for a detailed evaluation of software development.
  • 8. May I add or remove questions in the audit?
    In the VDA 6.3:2023 volume it is specified that no questions may be removed or added. This is the only way to ensure comparability with other audits according to VDA Volume 6.3.
  • 9. How does risk analysis work in the context of audit preparation?
    Risk analysis is described in VDA Vol. 6.3 in chapter 2.4 (turtle approach). The scope of the risk analysis always depends on the product and production process risk, the scope of the process under consideration and the duration of the planned audit. It is up to the auditor to decide which method to use for the risk analysis in each individual case.
  • 10. How do I deal with remote and hybrid audits?
    The decision matrix on p. 23 in VDA Volume 6.3 is a recommendation from the project group as to when a remote audit can be carried out. The final decision on the handling and process lies with the auditing organisation (unless otherwise specified by the customer). In principle, remote audits cannot represent a fully comprehensive VDA 6.3 process audit (P2-P7). Reasons for this are the lack of transparency during the audit process as well as technical, legal and data protection aspects. The same applies to the performance of potential analyses (P1), which can only be carried out to a limited extent without an on-site visit to the supplier. Hybrid audits, on the other hand, can be considered fully comprehensive, taking into account the risk and influencing factors.
  • 11. Can I also carry out process audits as remote audits?
    You will find information on this in the recommendation on conducting remote audits here:
  • 12. What is the best way to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills on the new topic of "software"?
    In addition to the revised VDA 6.3 training courses, the new training course “Automotive Software Essentials” is offered to learn relevant software know-how.
  • 13. Can I continue to use the Analysis Tool 1.0, Version 2017?
    Only the VDA Analysis Tool 2.0 can be used for audits according to VDA Volume 6.3:2023. It is available in the VDA QMC Webshop.
  • 14. Why is there no update for the Analysis Tool 1.0, Version 2017?
    The Analysis Tool 1.0 was offered for over 4.5 years, and no further fees or payments were due after the purchase of the licence. During this time, the tool was significantly upgraded and improved (version 1.8.9), and new report types were also added at no additional cost. However, the upgrades were always limited to the release cycle of the VDA 6.3 – Edition.
  • 15. What is the advantage of the new Analysis Tool 2.0?
    With the Analysis Tool 2.0, it is much easier to document findings, notes and certificate during the audit – even without having to immediately assign them to an assessment question. The tool also simplifies communication between the auditor and the organisation with regard to the action plan: There is no longer any need to create Excel spreadsheets to coordinate regarding measures, everything can be mapped completely online and via the same user interface (cf. KARA Tool/IATF). Further information can be found here VDA QMC Tools Testlizenzen and on the corresponding help page: Atlassian Analysis Tool 2.0.
  • 16. Can I add my own minimum requirements or, for example, relevant CSRs to the Analysis Tool 2.0?
    You can create your own reports based on the existing reports. However, we look forward to your feedback and suggestions for improvement, which you are welcome to send to the following e-mail address: vda@infosysc.de.
  • 17. Is the Analysis Tool also available as an Excel version?
    An Excel tool was used until a few years ago and then replaced by the new VDA Analysis Tool.
  • Concerns Chapter 6.1 (Evaluation of the Individual Questions) - Page 35
    At least 2/3 of the questions for each audited process element, sub-element or process step must be evaluated. In order to ensure comparability, the entire list of questions from the VDA 6.3 process elements used should be covered in full. To change to: A process element, sub-element or process step that does not meet the 2/3 rule must not be included in the overall assessment - the grading rules are not applied. The scored questions are also classified as not evaluated (n. e.). No degree of fulfillment may be displayed for a process element. Special case "several process steps”: The 2/3 rule per sub-element per process step does not apply here. Instead, the 2/3 rule refers to the sum of all questions from all process steps per process sub-element. Example: 2/3 rule fulfilled for sub-element P6.1: Example: 2/3 rule not fulfilled for sub-element P6.1:
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