VDA 6.3 training is aimed at teams that will apply the German automotive industry’s process audit methodology at their own facility or at their suppliers.
VDA 6.3 is a process audit guideline developed by VDA and widely requested along the supply chain. It is a process audit, not a system audit: it evaluates how the chain from product and process development through to series production actually works.
The edition in force is the 4th, published in January 2023. The standard was first published in 1998 and revised in 2010 and 2016.
What changed with the 4th edition?
Software topics entered the question catalogue. For products containing embedded software, the hardware–software interface was strengthened. This is the most visible change for suppliers manufacturing electronic components.
Harmonization with other VDA methods. The content was aligned with Automotive SPICE and maturity level assurance for new parts (VDA MLA).
Purchasing requirements added. Requirements relating to purchasing activities were included in process elements P3 and P4. This means pre-sourcing decisions now come into the audit.
Auditor competence defined. The conditions for auditor qualifications were clarified; the rules for obtaining and renewing the certificate changed.
Remote audit notes added. Explanations on remote audit practices were included in the guideline.
The audit process chapter removed. The old chapter 4 (“Audit process”) was removed; because its content is covered in ISO 19011, it was left to that standard. This has increased the importance of ISO 19011 knowledge for applying VDA 6.3.
Service audits separated. The old chapter 8 (“Process audit services”) was removed and moved to a separate publication, VDA 6.8.
Adjustments to the question structure. The questions of special importance (*-questions) were partly redefined, the potential analysis questions were partly redistributed, the transport and part handling assessment was removed, and the glossary was moved to the VDA QMC online glossary.
No transition period was granted. The new volume applies from January 2023. If your audit forms, supplier rules or auditor plans are still based on the 2016 edition, they need to be updated.
Who should attend?
- Process auditors and auditor candidates
- Quality engineers and quality managers
- Supplier quality development (SQA/SQD) teams
- Production and process engineers
- Project and launch officers
- IATF 16949 internal auditors
- Teams involved in purchasing and supplier selection processes
General knowledge of automotive production processes makes participation easier.
Training Content
Fundamentals of the methodology
- The distinction between system audit, process audit and product audit
- VDA 6.3’s relationship with IATF 16949 and customer requirements
- The risk-based audit approach
- The place of VDA 6.3 within the audit programme
Process elements
- P1 — Potential analysis
- P2 — Project management
- P3 — Planning the product and process development
- P4 — Implementation of the product and process development
- P5 — Supplier management
- P6 — Production process analysis
- P7 — Customer care and satisfaction, service
The question catalogue and the assessment
- Interpreting the questions and the evidence expectations
- The questions of special importance and their effects
- The scoring logic, downgrading rules and result calculation
- Classification of the audit result
Conducting the audit
- Audit planning and preparation
- Fieldwork and evidence collection
- Writing findings and reporting
- Action follow-up and corrective action verification
Potential analysis
The scope, questions and assessment logic of the potential analysis, applied when selecting a new supplier or before a new project, are addressed separately.
Practical exercises
Participants interpret questions, evaluate evidence and score using sample scenarios. In in-house programmes the exercises are run on your own processes.
Learning Outcomes
- Applying the VDA 6.3 methodology in internal and supplier audits
- Auditing the P1–P7 process elements with the correct scope
- Using the question catalogue and the scoring system correctly
- Conducting a potential analysis
- Writing evidence-based findings and preparing reports
- Evaluating the software and purchasing questions introduced by the 4th edition
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.
- VDA 6.5 Product Audit
- VDA 6.8 Supply Chain Process Audit
- IATF 16949 Training
- ISO 19011 Training — audit methodology
- PSCR Training
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
- Independent VDA 6.3 process audits at your suppliers
- Setting up the audit programme and the auditor competence matrix
- Pre-audit preparation and improvement work
- Conducting the potential analysis
- Preparation before the customer audit
You can make use of our consulting services in every area where support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About VDA 6.3 Training
Which is the current edition of VDA 6.3?
The 4th edition is in force and was published in January 2023. The standard was first published in 1998 and revised in 2010 and 2016.
Is there a transition period for VDA 6.3:2023?
There is no defined changeover window; the new volume applies from January 2023. If your audit forms and auditor plans are still based on the 2016 edition, they need to be updated.
What is the most important change in the 4th edition?
The inclusion of software topics in the question catalogue and the strengthening of the hardware-software interface for products containing embedded software. In addition, purchasing requirements were added to P3 and P4.
Why was the audit process chapter removed?
The content of the old chapter 4 is covered in ISO 19011, so it was removed from the guideline. ISO 19011 knowledge has therefore become more important for applying VDA 6.3.
What is the difference between VDA 6.3 and IATF 16949?
IATF 16949 is a quality management system standard and is subject to certification. VDA 6.3 is a process audit methodology; it evaluates not the system but how a specific process actually works.
When is the potential analysis used?
It is used when selecting a new supplier or before a new project, to evaluate the supplier’s capability. It is defined as process element P1 in the VDA 6.3 model.
Are there prerequisites for VDA 6.3 training?
There are no prerequisites. General knowledge of automotive production processes makes participation easier.
How long does VDA 6.3 training take?
Open-enrolment programmes take 2 days. In-house programmes are planned as 1-3 days depending on content density.