IATF 16949 training builds the competence organizations manufacturing in the automotive supply chain need to establish, run and audit their quality management system.
IATF 16949 is a standard that defines the automotive-specific application of ISO 9001 and is used together with ISO 9001, not on its own. For organizations supplying parts to automotive manufacturers it is a de facto market-entry requirement.
Current status: what is in force, what is expected
IATF 16949:2016 is in force. The standard itself has not changed since 2016 and will remain valid until the revised edition is published.
Rules 6th Edition has applied since 1 January 2025. This document did not change the requirements of the standard, but it changed how audits are conducted and how nonconformities are handled. One of the most notable changes is the shortening of the initial response time for major nonconformities — the administrative timeline now runs much tighter.
The 2nd edition is expected in 2027. IATF has confirmed that work on the next edition will begin after the revised version of ISO 9001 is published. Revision activities are expected to start in October 2026, with the new edition published in 2027.
The practical meaning: organizations starting certification today proceed against the current standard and move over during the transition period that will be granted when the revised edition is published. Organizations already preparing for ISO 9001:2026, however, enter the automotive transition a step ahead.
Why is a separate training needed?
IATF 16949 adds roughly one hundred requirements on top of ISO 9001. These requirements are typically concentrated in the following areas:
- Product safety and the related special controls
- Risk analysis, contingency plans and business continuity
- Monitoring and capability of production processes
- Supplier development, monitoring and second-party auditing
- Management of measurement systems and calibration
- Linking quality objectives to shop-floor performance
In addition, the standard brings each OEM’s own expectations into the system through customer-specific requirements. “Knowing the standard” is therefore not enough on its own; you also need to reflect your customer’s CSR document in your system.
Who should attend?
- Quality managers and quality system officers
- Management representatives and process owners
- IATF 16949 internal auditors
- Production, maintenance and engineering managers
- Purchasing and supplier quality teams
- Senior managers who will manage the certification process
ISO 9001 knowledge makes participation easier but is not a prerequisite; the basic concepts are covered within the training.
Training Content
Fundamentals and structure
- The development of the automotive quality management system and the role of the IATF
- The relationship between ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 and their combined use
- The process approach and risk-based thinking
- Certification scope, eligibility conditions and site definitions
Review of the clauses of the standard
- Context of the organization, leadership and automotive-specific responsibilities
- Planning: risks, contingency plans, quality objectives
- Support: competence, awareness, documented information
- Operation: product realization, design, production control, product safety
- Control of externally provided products and supplier development
- Performance evaluation, internal audit, management review
- Improvement, nonconformity and corrective action
Customer-specific requirements
- Finding CSR documents, tracking them and reflecting them in the system
- Version tracking and inventory management
- Demonstrating CSR conformity in the audit
Rules 6th Edition and audit practice
- Changes in audit planning and audit-day calculations
- Nonconformity classification and response times
- Certificate suspension and withdrawal conditions
- Remote audit practices
The Core Tools link
The standard directly requires the application of APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plan and PPAP. The place of these tools within the system and how they are questioned in audits are addressed.
Practical exercises
Participants carry out process mapping, risk analysis and an audit scenario exercise on their own processes. In in-house programmes all examples are built around your organization’s documents.
Learning Outcomes
- Interpreting IATF 16949 requirements clause by clause
- Managing ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 together
- Integrating customer-specific requirements into the system
- Managing the audit process within the Rules 6th Edition framework
- Connecting Core Tools applications to the quality system
- Preparing for certification and surveillance audits
Duration and Participation Options
Duration: 2 days in open-enrolment programmes. In in-house programmes, planned as 1–3 days depending on the scope and participant profile.
Participation type: Open enrolment or in-house.
Training method: In person (at your organization or in our training room), live online, on-demand recording.
Dates: Set according to demand. When you submit the request form, we share suitable date alternatives together with the proposal.
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. It can be used as evidence of competence in your competence records and in audits.
- ISO 9001 Training — the underlying quality management system
- Automotive Core Tools — APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plan, PPAP
- VDA 6.3 Process Audit
- PSCR Training — product safety and conformity
- CQI Trainings — special process assessments
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
- Quality management system set-up and certification preparation
- Building the CSR inventory and reflecting it in the system
- Gap analysis and documentation update
- Internal audit and supplier audit services
- Readiness audit before the certification audit
You can make use of our consulting services in every area where support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About IATF 16949 Training
Which is the current edition of IATF 16949?
IATF 16949:2016 is in force. It will remain valid until the revised edition is published.
When will the new edition of IATF 16949 be released?
The IATF has confirmed that work on the next edition will begin after the revised version of ISO 9001 is published. Revision activities are expected to start in October 2026, with the new edition published in 2027.
Did Rules 6th Edition change the standard?
No. Rules 6th Edition did not change the requirements of IATF 16949:2016; it changed how audits are conducted and how nonconformities are handled. It has applied since 1 January 2025.
Do I need a separate ISO 9001 certificate for IATF 16949?
No. IATF 16949 is used together with ISO 9001, but there is no requirement for a separate ISO 9001 certificate. The certification audit evaluates the requirements of both standards together.
Does it make sense to start certification now?
Yes. Certification against IATF 16949:2016 continues. When the revised edition is published, you move over during the transition period that will be granted.
Do I need ISO 9001 knowledge for IATF 16949 training?
It is not a prerequisite. The basic concepts are covered within the training; for participants with ISO 9001 knowledge the emphasis shifts to the automotive-specific requirements.
Does this training replace internal auditor training?
No. This programme focuses on the requirements of the standard. For audit planning, execution and reporting competence you also need internal auditor training.
How long does IATF 16949 training take?
Open-enrolment programmes take 2 days. In-house programmes are planned as 1-3 days depending on content density.