VDA 6.3:2023 Frequently Asked Questions

This English counterpart follows the 30 questions in ITVC's Vietnamese VDA 6.3:2023 FAQ. It explains the qualification, examination and renewal topics covered by that article. Historical transition examples are identified below; candidates should use the current official application requirements for an actual booking.

Official reference: VDA QMC VDA 6.3 FAQ.

1. When was the 2023 edition published?

VDA 6.3:2023 was published in January 2023.

2. What upgrade training is available?

The source article describes upgrade training from the 2016 edition to the 2023 edition. VDA QMC now lists self-study web training ID 384; live-online ID 333 is available as in-house training.

3. Does upgrade training require an immediate new certificate?

The source explains that a valid 2016 certificate retains its validity and is extended when it expires.

4. When should a company use VDA 6.3:2023?

Companies determine the transition timing in line with applicable customer requirements. Auditors must complete the appropriate upgrade training; self-study course ID 384 remains available. Evidence of successful upgrade training must be provided no later than certificate renewal.

5. What is the qualification route?

The source describes the four-day Process Auditor Qualification course (ID 381), a knowledge test, and the separate Process Auditor Examination (ID 382). The examination uses an audit simulation. Customer requirements may call for the registered auditor certificate as well as the qualification course.

6. How do candidates obtain examination admission?

Submit the application and supporting evidence to VDA QMC or the relevant licence partner. Admission follows review and approval.

7. Can missing prerequisites be supplied after the examination?

The source states that all prerequisites and application approval are required before participation.

8. What evidence is needed for admission?

The source lists the VDA 6.3 qualification, at least three days of auditor training based on ISO 19011, accepted Automotive Core Tools competence, and five years of full-time manufacturing experience including two quality-related years. Certain company-training periods may count from three years of professional experience. Check the current application form for the exact requirements.

9. Which auditor qualification is accepted?

The current official FAQ specifies at least three days based on ISO 19011. IATF first/second-party auditor qualification alone is not sufficient evidence of ISO 19011 competence.

10. Can completed audits replace auditor training?

No. Audit experience does not replace the required auditor qualification.

11. How is Automotive Core Tools competence demonstrated?

The source identifies qualification courses ID 417 or ID 415, or suitable external training combined with the VDA QMC Core Tools quiz. It also refers to qualifying 5-ADP evidence for IATF third-party auditors. Confirm the accepted evidence with the examination provider.

12. What if the ID 417 knowledge test was not passed?

Successful completion must be demonstrated by the relevant certificate of qualification; attendance alone is insufficient.

13. How can the online Core Tools quiz be accessed?

Use VDA QMC or an official licence partner offering the quiz in the required language. Follow the provider's current registration instructions.

14. How does the online quiz work?

The source describes registration, acceptance of the platform terms, 30 randomly selected multiple-choice questions, a 60-minute limit and a pass threshold of 70%, or 21 correct answers. The result is provided after submission and successful candidates can download evidence. Confirm the current test conditions before booking.

15. How should candidates prepare?

Review both VDA and AIAG approaches and the harmonised AIAG & VDA FMEA method. Topics include product development and maturity assurance, FMEA and special characteristics, MSA and VDA 5, SPC and VDA 4, production-process and product approval (VDA 2), Control Plan and IATF 16949, and 8D problem solving.

16. What happens after an unsuccessful Core Tools quiz?

The source directs unsuccessful candidates to the relevant Core Tools training, rather than registering again to repeat the quiz. Ask the provider which qualification route applies.

17. Why is the quiz required in addition to external training?

It provides a consistent way to check the knowledge needed for the qualification route, across different training providers.

18. Why is training required as well as the quiz?

Training supports continuing competence development; a test result alone does not replace the learning requirement described in the qualification route.

19. Can a candidate apply with less than five years of experience?

The source describes limited recognition of completed technical dual training or dual study in manufacturing, counted at 50%, once at least three years of professional experience are present. Ordinary internships and student work are not treated as equivalent. Application approval remains necessary.

20. How many examination retakes are allowed?

The source states a maximum of two retakes and completion within one year of the first examination. Confirm the conditions when registering.

21. Can someone trained under the 2016 edition take the 2023 examination?

The source requires evidence of successful upgrade training in addition to the other examination prerequisites.

22. What about an unsuccessful 2016 examination?

The source describes an upgrade requirement and the same limits on retakes and elapsed time. This is a historical transition case; the examination provider should assess the individual record.

23. How is a certificate-extension application made?

Submit the required application and supporting documents to VDA QMC or an official licence partner. The source notes that a certificate issued by one licence partner may be assessed for extension by another authorised provider.

24. What evidence supports extension of a 2016 certificate?

The source lists a valid certificate, successful 2023 upgrade training and evidence of at least five process audits or potential analyses covering at least ten audit days as responsible auditor. It also describes a workshop route where audit experience is insufficient. Confirm the current route with the provider.

25. What does extension cost?

The source quotes EUR 165 plus VAT at VDA QMC and notes that licence-partner prices differ. Obtain a current quotation before applying.

26. How long is the 2023 certificate valid?

The source states five years. Check the actual issue and expiry dates on the certificate.

27. How is a 2023 certificate extended?

The source identifies ten audits covering at least twenty audit days for the next extension. The full requirements should be checked when renewal is due.

28. Is the Core Tools quiz repeated for extension?

The source says that proof of passing the quiz is not required again for extension of the 2023 certificate.

29. What if an extension is late?

Apply before expiry. The official FAQ describes a maximum three-month goodwill period after expiry; beyond that, a new examination and the relevant prerequisites are required.

30. Are English-language qualifications available?

Yes. The source lists licence partners offering English programmes. Use the current VDA QMC licence-partner directory to confirm providers, course language and availability.