Competence Requirements for VDA 6.3 Auditors

VDA 6.3:2023 qualification FAQ

Auditor qualifications

Auditor competence is critical to achieving audit objectives and strongly influences the quality and comparability of results. Alongside the organization's own competence criteria, the applicable minimum requirements, ISO 19011 guidance, customer-specific requirements and other external requirements must be considered. The organization defines and documents its process for evaluating, approving, maintaining and developing auditor competence, for example through observation during audits, approval assessments and witnessed audits.

The following sections distinguish competence requirements by auditor role. Course qualification and formal auditor certification are different; confirm the applicable requirements for the intended role and customer.

1. Internal auditors

Technical knowledge

• Sound knowledge of quality tools and methods, such as VDA MLA, Design of Experiments, FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, PPA, SPC, SWOT and 8D.
• Knowledge of relevant customer-specific requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable management system requirements, such as IATF 16949, DIN EN ISO 9001 and VDA 6.1.
• Product- and process-specific knowledge.

Evidence of specialist training

• Successful completion of VDA 6.3 training and the required knowledge test, with a qualification certificate.
• Knowledge of the quality tools and methods needed for the technology being audited.

Professional experience

At least three years of professional experience, preferably in automotive manufacturing, including at least one year in quality management. After two years of professional experience, eligible company apprenticeship periods may be considered.

2. Supplier auditors

Technical knowledge

• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methods, such as SPC, VDA Volume 5 / MSA, FMEA, VDA MLA / APQP, VDA Volume 2 / PPAP and 8D.
• Knowledge of software development processes and methods where required.
• Auditing skills, including negotiation, conflict management and audit procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant customer-specific requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable management system requirements, such as IATF 16949, DIN EN ISO 9001 and VDA 6.1.
• Product- and process-specific knowledge.

Evidence of specialist training

• Auditor qualification based on DIN EN ISO 19011, supported by appropriate training and evidence. Examples in the original article include VDA auditor and first-/second-party auditor training; the specific examination admission requirements must be checked separately.
• Knowledge of the quality tools and methods required for the technology being audited.
• Successful completion of VDA 6.3 training and the applicable examination requirements.
• Evidence of applying theoretical knowledge in practice, for example through observation during audits, approval assessments and witnessed audits.

Professional experience

• At least five years of professional experience, preferably in automotive manufacturing, including at least two years in quality management. After three years of professional experience, eligible company apprenticeship periods may be considered.

3. Process auditors working as external service providers

External auditors work for independent organizations and provide audits as a service to the commissioning organization.

Technical knowledge

• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methods, such as SPC, VDA Volume 5 / MSA, FMEA, VDA MLA / APQP, VDA Volume 2 / PPAP and 8D.
• Knowledge of software development processes and methods where required.
• Auditing skills, including negotiation, conflict management and audit procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant customer-specific requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable management system requirements, such as IATF 16949, DIN EN ISO 9001 and VDA 6.1.
• Product- and process-specific knowledge.

Evidence of specialist training

• Auditor qualification based on DIN EN ISO 19011, with appropriate supporting evidence. Admission to the VDA QMC examination has additional prerequisites that must be checked with the provider.
• Knowledge of the quality tools and methods required for the technology being audited.
• Successful completion of the required VDA 6.3 examination and receipt of the applicable certificate.
• Evidence of applying theoretical knowledge in practice, for example through observation during audits, approval assessments and witnessed audits.

Professional experience

At least five years of professional experience, preferably in automotive manufacturing, including at least two years in quality management. After three years of professional experience, eligible company apprenticeship periods may be considered.

VDA 6.3 auditors need role-appropriate training and qualifications, ISO 19011 auditing knowledge, technical expertise, professional experience, ethical conduct and responsibility. Communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, independence and objectivity are also important. Language competence must suit the audit context and customer requirements. Specific expectations differ for internal auditors, supplier auditors and external service providers.

(Compiled and updated by: Consultant and trainer Pham Xuan Canh and ITVC Global's consulting team.)

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