The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) has announced significant updates to its New Auditor Training and Evaluation Process. These changes are set to take effect in January 2025 and will apply exclusively to initial new auditor qualifications.

Alignment with Rules 6th Edition

A primary driver for these changes is the recent release of the IATF 16949:2024 standard, commonly known as Rules 6th Edition. The revised training and evaluation process aims to ensure that new auditors are adequately prepared to assess organizations against the latest requirements of this standard.

Enhanced Assessment Process

The IATF is introducing several enhancements to the assessment process for new auditors:

• Updated Content: The content of the ADP assessments will be revised to reflect the changes in Rules 6th Edition. This includes updates to topics such as risk-based thinking, cybersecurity, and organizational resilience.
• Revised Question Formats: The format of the assessment questions may be modified to better assess the auditor’s understanding of the new requirements and their ability to apply them in practical situations.
• Increased Rigor: The overall rigor of the assessment process may be increased to ensure that only highly qualified individuals are granted auditor certification.

Impact on Existing Auditors and Candidates

It’s important to note that these changes will not affect existing auditors or auditor candidates who are already in the qualification process. They will continue to adhere to the requirements outlined in CB Communiqué #2021-010.

Implications for Non-Auditors

While the primary focus of the changes is on auditor qualifications, certain aspects of the revised process may also impact individuals qualifying as non-auditors. However, specific details regarding these changes have not been provided in the current notice.

CB Communiqué #2024-002

As mentioned earlier, CB Communiqué #2024-002 provides detailed information about the specific changes to the Auditor Qualification Process related to the rollout of Rules 6th Edition. Key points from this communiqué include:

• Alignment of ADP Assessments: All ADP assessments, including retakes, will be aligned with Rules 6th Edition.
• Updated Assessment Content: The content of the assessments will be revised to reflect the new requirements of the standard.
• Transition Period: A transition period may be implemented to allow certification bodies and auditors to adapt to the new requirements.

By staying informed and proactive, organizations can successfully navigate the transition to Rules 6th Edition and maintain their IATF certification. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay always informed about the incoming news regarding IATF!