Looking to become an IATF 16949:2016 Certified Auditor

[Auditman64]

Hi Gang,

I recently acquired my AEA AS9100 certification, and I perform Aerospace audits.

My background has primarily been in the aerospace world since the early nineties, and I have no experience working for major car manufacturers or performing automotive audits.

In-spite of that I'm very interested in eventually acquiring the IATF 16949:2016 certification to be able to perform audits in the automotive world.

My main question is......what would be the steps I would need to take to get there, and beyond any exams or courses necessary, would I need to have "audit time" in order to become certified?

Thanks in advance....

 

[Jen Kirley]

I am sorry for the delay in this response.

This may be challenging, as I recall there is a requirement to have had a certain amount of 16949 industry experience within the last x years. I am not certain as to the exact numbers.

 

[Auditman64]

Thanks Jen, much appreciated......

 

[AndyN]

Hi Gang,

I recently acquired my AEA AS9100 certification, and I perform Aerospace audits.

My background has primarily been in the aerospace world since the early nineties, and I have no experience working for major car manufacturers or performing automotive audits.

In-spite of that I'm very interested in eventually acquiring the IATF 16949:2016 certification to be able to perform audits in the automotive world.

My main question is......what would be the steps I would need to take to get there, and beyond any exams or courses necessary, would I need to have "audit time" in order to become certified?

Thanks in advance....

My guess is that your statement above will prevent you from this qualification. The IATF/IAOB want people from the industry. Frankly, you'd need quite a few years in automotive manufacturing to qualify, as Jen suggests.

 

[Scanton]

I know that every certification body is struggling for auditors globally, and because of that they have significantly lowered their entry requirements. Also I found this application form that seems to sum up the requirements in a grey box on page two.

http ://www. anfia .it/ allegati_contenuti /ITA_IATF%2016949%203rd%20Party%20New%20Auditor%20Application%20Form.pdf - DEAD LINK REMOVED.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

I know that every certification body is struggling for auditors globally,

That's correct.

and because of that they have significantly lowered their entry requirements.

They, in this case, is the IATF. They are the ones that determine the competence requirements for a candidate to be eligible to become an IATF 16949 auditor.

Which makes me state the obvious: What would you do if the human resources talent you need in order to support your business are hard to find? Most people would say you need to provide better incentives to attract the talented people you need. That means, better pay, better working conditions, better recognition mechanisms, etc...

But, when you inhabit a commoditized sector, you are unable to do that, so the solution becomes make it easier for people to qualify. One does not have to be a genius to figure out the end result when the expectations for the caliber of key personnel operating in a scheme is deliberately eroded.

Risk. Downward. Based. Spiral. Not thinking.

 

[Scanton]

Please don't think I am supportive of this approach, I am not. Our third party auditor was quite put out at the lowering of the entry requirements and was very concerned about the the effect it would have on the standard of Audits and Auditors going forward, and I share his concern.

I would imagine the IATF would be seriously unimpressed if I adopted the same solution to a manufacturing problem. I can hear it now. "the parts we made don't fit in the ring gauge" "Don't worry, just make the hole bigger".

 

[AndyN]

I know that every certification body is struggling for auditors globally, and because of that they have significantly lowered their entry requirements. Also I found this application form that seems to sum up the requirements in a grey box on page two./QUOTE]

Alright my 'ansome? Wasson?

It is true to say that some auditors who failed to qualify have been given a second chance, the OP's question really relates to work experience. The auto industry really wants CB auditors to be as competent as their SQEs in many ways, so that they aren't standing there auditing a process and learning at the same time!