Automotive Auditor Training Program is a 5-module programme that equips participants taking on an internal auditor or supplier (second-party) auditor role in the automotive supply chain with the three fundamental automotive audit techniques: process audit, product audit and layered process audit.
Conducting an audit is more than spotting a problem: it requires asking the right thing at the right depth, backing the finding with evidence, and reporting the result in a defensible way. This programme follows a path that starts with system knowledge, moves to general methodology, and from there to three automotive-specific audit techniques.
Why is the programme built from these components?
An auditor first needs to know what they’re auditing — which is why the programme starts with IATF 16949: the framework and requirements of the automotive quality management system. ISO 19011 then provides the common methodology for any type of management system audit: planning, gathering evidence, writing findings, reporting.
On this foundation, the programme adds three automotive-specific audit techniques in sequence. VDA 6.3 audits the process: it looks at how the production chain works, from potential analysis through to series production. VDA 6.5 audits the product: it samples the finished product to show whether the quality assurance system genuinely works on the shop floor. CQI-8 layered process auditing complements both — a shorter-cycle audit technique repeated frequently on the shop floor.
This programme focuses on audit techniques; for those who want to learn Core Tools such as APQP, FMEA, the control plan, MSA and SPC in depth, a separate comprehensive programme is available.
Who is it for?
- Quality personnel who will be, or have been, assigned as internal auditors
- Teams who will take on a supplier auditor (second-party auditor) role
- Participants preparing for VDA 6.3 certification
- Quality control and final inspection teams who will take on product audit (VDA 6.5) responsibility
- Quality managers who will run the audit programme
- Organizations that want to expand their pool of auditors
There are no prerequisites; basic knowledge of quality management systems makes participation easier.
Programme Content
The programme consists of the following 5 trainings. Modules can also be taken separately; when taken as a programme, system knowledge comes first, general audit methodology follows, and the three automotive-specific audit techniques come last.
1. IATF 16949 Training — Automotive Quality Management System
The framework and requirements of the system being audited.
2. ISO 19011 Training — Audit Methodology
The common framework for planning, gathering evidence, writing findings and reporting.
3. VDA 6.3 Training — Process Audit
The automotive-specific process audit methodology; the audit flow from potential analysis to series production.
4. VDA 6.5 Training — Product Audit
Sampling the finished product to audit whether the quality assurance system genuinely works on the shop floor.
5. CQI-8 Training — Layered Process Audit (LPA)
A shorter-cycle audit technique, repeated frequently on the shop floor, that complements VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5.
Programme Outcomes
- Grasping the IATF 16949 system’s framework from an audit perspective
- Planning and conducting an audit by applying ISO 19011 methodology
- Applying the VDA 6.3 process audit from potential analysis through to series production
- Conducting a VDA 6.5 product audit and classifying defects
- Setting up a layered process audit (LPA) programme
- Using process, product and layered audit techniques so they complement one another
Programme Structure and Duration
Number of modules: 5 trainings.
Total duration: Most modules run 1–2 days; the programme spans roughly 7–9 training days in total. The exact schedule depends on the participation format and module selection.
Participation type: Open enrolment (modules on separate dates) or in-house (a condensed calendar).
Training method: In person, live online, on-demand recording — selectable per module.
Dates: Set according to demand. When you submit the request form, we plan the programme calendar and the module-based alternatives together with you.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who complete each module receive a certificate of attendance for that module. Participants who complete the full programme also receive a programme-level certificate of attendance.
- Automotive Engineer Training Program
- Automotive Core Tools Training — to learn APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC and PPAP in depth
- Automotive 2026 Revisions Training Program — includes ISO 19011
- CQI Trainings — special process assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this programme sufficient for VDA 6.3 certification? VDA 6.3 training is an important part of preparing for the certification exam. The certification itself is a separate exam process authorized by the VDA; this programme doesn’t cover the exam itself, but it does provide preparation.
Are Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, control plan, MSA, SPC) covered in depth in this programme? No. This programme focuses on audit techniques (IATF 16949 system knowledge, ISO 19011, VDA 6.3, VDA 6.5, CQI-8). For learning Core Tools in depth, we recommend Automotive Core Tools Training or the Automotive Quality Engineer Training Program.
What is the difference between VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.5? VDA 6.3 audits the process: it looks at how the production chain works. VDA 6.5 audits the product: it examines the finished product’s conformity to the requirements by sampling it. The two complement each other; this programme covers both.
I already know ISO 19011 or IATF 16949 — can I skip them? Yes, module selection is possible. In the in-house version, the programme can be reconfigured based on the participant profile.
Is the training the same for a second-party auditor and an internal auditor? The methodology and technical background are the same; the difference is who the audit is conducted against. The programme is designed to suit both roles.
Does the in-house programme include a real audit simulation? Yes. In in-house programmes, a sample audit exercise is run on your own processes as much as possible.