In Automotiv Core Tools Training Program, APQP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, and PPAP are taught not separately, but in relation to each other. The picture is complete when you see that the output of one tool is the input of another.
For teams looking for Core Tools training, this page is also a roadmap: it explains what the six tools do, how they connect to each other and which ones were recently updated, then points you to the relevant training page.
What are the Core Tools?
The Core Tools are the six methods that form the foundation of quality management in the automotive supply chain. IATF 16949 requires their application directly or indirectly; customer-specific requirements make the expectations concrete.
Learning these tools separately is possible but incomplete. The real value comes from how they feed each other.
The six tools
| Tool | What it does | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| APQP | Plans product and process development by dividing it into phases | Project, development, quality teams |
| Control Plan | Defines which characteristic is controlled and how | Quality and process engineers |
| FMEA | Identifies and prioritizes potential failures before they occur | Design, process, quality teams |
| MSA | Evaluates the reliability of the measurement system | Quality, measurement, calibration officers |
| SPC | Monitors the process statistically and measures capability | Quality and production engineers |
| PPAP | Builds the evidence package for part approval | Quality, project, customer relations |
How do the tools connect to each other?
The chain, in its simplest form:
APQP divides the project into phases and determines which deliverable is produced when. FMEA surfaces the risks in each phase. High-risk failure modes are reflected in the Control Plan as control measures. MSA is done so that the measurements in the control plan are reliable. Once the measurement system is validated, SPC demonstrates the capability of the process. All these outputs are submitted to the customer in the PPAP file.
The findings most frequently raised in audits are at the points where this chain breaks: the high risk in the PFMEA has no counterpart in the control plan, no MSA has been done for a measurement in the control plan, the data in the PPAP file does not match the control plan.
Which ones changed recently?
Three tools received important updates; these three take priority in your training planning.
APQP and the Control Plan — March 2024. The 3rd edition of APQP was published and the Control Plan was moved into a separate manual. A change management section and a gate review system were added. The new manuals replaced the 2nd edition from 1 March 2024, unless the customer specifies otherwise; GM and Stellantis announced an application date of 1 September 2024, Ford 31 December 2024.
SPC — 1 July 2026. AIAG and VDA published the joint SPC manual. The previous AIAG version dated from 2005. The era of running two separate SPC systems has ended.
FMEA. The joint AIAG and VDA handbook brought the seven-step approach and the Action Priority logic. AIAG’s 4th edition can still be a reference in some customer requirements.
On the MSA and PPAP side, the current editions are the 4th editions.
Where to start?
If you are launching a new project: Start with APQP and FMEA, then the Control Plan and PPAP.
If you are having quality problems in current production: Start with FMEA and the Control Plan; add MSA if you doubt your measurement reliability.
If you have a capability and process control problem: The MSA and SPC pair is the right start.
If you are preparing for a customer audit: You need to look at the whole chain; a package programme is appropriate.
If you produce for both markets: The SPC update means direct cost savings for you.
Package and combined programmes
Frequently requested combinations:
- The full Core Tools package: All six tools, with the integrity of the chain
- The development package: APQP + FMEA + Control Plan
- The measurement and process package: MSA + SPC
- The approval package: Control Plan + PPAP
- The update package: Only the differences of APQP 3rd edition, the new Control Plan and the new SPC manual
Because the common sections are covered once in package programmes, the total duration and cost are lower than attending separately.
Participation Options
Participation type: Open enrolment or in-house.
Training method: In person (at your organization or in our training room), live online, on-demand recording.
Duration: 1–2 days depending on the tool and scope; in package programmes, set according to the scope.
Obtaining the manuals: AIAG and VDA publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training. Participants need access to the current edition.
Dates: Set according to demand.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of attendance. The certificate includes the participant’s name, training scope, date and duration.
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
- Setting up the Core Tools chain and preparing the templates
- Moderation of FMEA workshops
- Review of control plans and PPAP files
- Conducting Gage R&R and capability studies
- Core Tools conformity assessment at suppliers
You can make use of our consulting services in every area where support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Core Tools Trainings
What are the Core Tools?
The six methods that form the foundation of quality management in the automotive supply chain: APQP, Control Plan, FMEA, MSA, SPC and PPAP. IATF 16949 requires their application.
Which Core Tools training should I start with?
It depends on your need. If you are launching a new project, APQP and FMEA; if you are having quality problems in current production, FMEA and the Control Plan; if you have a capability problem, MSA and SPC are the appropriate start.
Which Core Tools manuals were updated recently?
The 3rd edition of APQP and the standalone Control Plan manual were published in March 2024; the joint AIAG & VDA SPC manual was published on 1 July 2026. On the FMEA side, the joint AIAG and VDA handbook is used.
Should I learn the six tools separately?
Learning them separately is possible but incomplete. The real value comes from how the tools feed each other; the findings most frequently raised in audits are also at the points where this chain breaks.
What is the advantage of a package programme?
Because the common sections are covered once in package programmes, the total duration and cost are lower than attending separately. The links between the tools are also addressed as a whole.
Are there prerequisites for Core Tools training?
There are no prerequisites. General knowledge of automotive production and development processes makes participation easier.
Can we work with our own data and files?
Yes. In in-house programmes all practical exercises are run on your own process data, FMEAs, control plans and PPAP files.
Do you provide the manuals?
No. AIAG and VDA publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training. Participants need access to the current editions.