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VDA 6.3 Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: Feb 28

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding VDA 6.3 – Qualification, Certification, or Renewal as a Process Auditor AND FAQs regarding Auditing under the new VDA 6.3:2023 standard.



The VDA 6.3 process audit is an effective procedure for assessing processes concerning the planning and manufacturing of a product. These audits are usually conducted within the organization or with suppliers prior to series release but also form a valuable contribution to process optimization within already existing manufacturing lines.


With these new advantages, the worldwide importance of VDA 6.3 increased. Moreover, this process audit standard can now also be applied to further sectors such as mechanical engineering and wind power.


In order to conduct VDA 6.3 process audits, comprehensive knowledge, experience, and competence are necessary. Thus, the qualification of relevant personnel is indispensable. In our VDA 6.3 training participants acquire the necessary background knowledge and understanding of process audit procedures.



Please note that effective from October 2021 the VDA no longer issues physical auditor cards. Your certificate serves as auditor evidence.



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FAQ: Qualification, Certification, and Extension

1. What is the current edition of the VDA 6.3 volume?

2. What are the changes between VDA 6.3:2016 and VDA 6.3:2023?

What has remained the same in both versions of VDA 6.3?

  • Classification system (A, B, C) for overall assessment

  • Structure of questionnaire

  • Evaluation model for individual questions (10-8-6-4-0)

  • Use of Turtle Model

  • Previous downgrading rules

Essential changes in new version VDA 6.3:2023:

  • Software-related matters considered in the questionnaire

  • Harmonization of content, especially with VDA methods Automotive SPICE® and VDA MLA

  • Requirements regarding purchasing activities added to P3 and P4

  • Notes on conducting remote audits added

  • Chapter 4 “Audit process” deleted

  • Chapter 8 “Process audit services” deleted (will be published in a separate publication VDA 6.8)

  • The glossary transferred to a higher-level VDA QMC online glossary

  • Questions of special significance (marked with an asterisk *) partially reassigned

  • Questions regarding potential analysis partially reallocated

Revisions to the VDA 6.3:2023 questionnaire:

  • 59 questions

  • 17 *-questions, partially redefined

  • 35 questions on potential analysis

  • “Assessment threshold” for potential analysis shifted

  • Integration of software requirements

  • Requirements with regard to purchasing in P3 and P4

3. What upgrade training is available to the VDA 6.3:2023 volume?

The “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023” is offered as a half-day live online training. After passing the knowledge test, you will receive a certificate of qualification.

4. Does a new VDA 6.3:2023 certificate have to be applied for after the upgrade training?

No, the VDA 6.3:2016 certificates retain their validity and can only be extended when they expire.

5. When do audits according to VDA 6.3:2023 have to be carried out?

The companies themselves must determine the time for the changeover; for legal reasons, this may not be specified by the VDA QMC nor ENCONA. According to the new volume, audits may only be carried out once the training course “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023” has been completed. It is available as a live online training course. The training is offered until 30.06.2024, and a certificate of successful participation must be provided at the latest for renewal of the VDA 6.3 certificate.

6. What training opportunities are available to become a VDA 6.3 process auditor?

For the initial qualification of both internal and external (supplier) auditors, there is a standard four-day training course:


ID381 VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Qualification

After participation and passing the knowledge test, a certificate of qualification is issued, which serves as a professional certificate of auditor qualification (cf. VDA Vol. 6.3:2023, p. 18).


Apart from this, there are customer-specific requirements that go beyond the requirements of the VDA 6.3 volume. In this case, a VDA 6.3 Certificate is required as a technical certificate, for example, for internal process auditors. This certificate can be acquired with the following educational measure:


ID382 VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Examination for Certification

Auditors who carry out audits for other organizations as external service providers also require a VDA 6.3 certificate qualification (cf. VDA Vol. 6.3:2023, p. 20). The examination consists of an audit simulation. After passing the examination, a VDA e-certificate with a registered number is issued, which serves as a professional certificate of auditor qualification. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of the examination.


You are able to sign up for both ID381 & ID382 simultaneously:

VDA381_382 VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Qualification & Examination for Certification

7. How do I obtain admission to the VDA 6.3:2023 examination?

Admission to the examination is granted after a successful application review. Please register online here if you are only taking the examination: "ID382 VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Examination for Certification", or here if you are signing up for the full course and examination together: "VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Qualification & Examination for Certification".

8. Is it possible to take the VDA 6.3:2023 examination even if one does not (yet) fulfil the requirements?

No, it is only possible to take the examination if all prerequisites have been met and the application has been approved by the VDA QMC or one of its license partners. Subsequent submission of the application is not permitted.

9. What are the requirements for admission to the VDA 6.3:2023 examination?

10. Which auditor qualification is recognized for the VDA 6.3:2023 examination accreditation?

Qualifications according to DIN EN ISO 19011, ISO 9001, ISO/TS or IATF 16949 - for example training as a VDA auditor, DGQ auditor, or EOQ auditor are accepted as auditor qualifications. As a general rule, a training course of at least three days must have been completed, irrespective of the training provider.

11. Can proof of audits carried out replace the required auditor qualification?

No, audits performed do not replace an auditor qualification according to DIN EN ISO 19011.

12. How is the expertise in the Automotive Core Tools to be demonstrated?

The following credentials are recognized:

OR

OR

In addition to the above-mentioned certificates, 5-ADP certificates are also recognized. This certificate is held by IATF 3rd party auditors who have successfully completed all retakes regarding the Core Tools after the main examination. Please note: The number of the certificate must start with “5-ADP” and not with “4-ADP”.

13. The knowledge test of the training "ID417 VDA Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors" was not passed. Will I still be allowed to take the exam?

No, successful participation in the training is proven by the certificate of qualification, which you receive after passing the knowledge test.

14. How do I get access to the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz?

The VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz is available to all customers.

15. How does the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools Online Quiz work?

In order to be able to take the quiz at the VDA QMC, you first have to register by entering your first and last name and your e-mail address. After gaining access to the quiz portal, the terms of use must be agreed upon.

The quiz consists of 30 randomly selected questions, of which at least 70 % (21 questions) must be answered correctly. Each question contains four possible answers, of which only one is correct. You have a total of 60 minutes to answer the 30 questions. After the answers have been submitted, the result (pass/fail) is immediately sent out. After successful completion of the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz, it is possible to download a PDF document as the certificate.

16. What is the best way to prepare for the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz?

It is strongly discouraged to take the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools Online Quiz without prior preparation. Interested parties should learn about the individual VDA and AIAG core tools and the harmonized VDA-AIAG FMEA in advance before registering for the online quiz.

Using the following overview, auditors can determine where they may still need to refresh their knowledge:

17 What can be done if you have not passed the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz?

If you have not passed the quiz, you must take the training course “ID 417 VDA Automotive Core Tools for System and Process Auditors” or the training course “ID415 VDA Automotive Core Tools (ACT) Professional – Basic Tools of Quality Management in the Automotive Industry”.

* It is not possible to repeat the quiz by registering again, only the first attempt of an online quiz candidate will be counted.

18. Why is it necessary to pass the VDA QMC Core Tools quiz in addition to at least two days of Core Tools training from another provider?

With the online quiz, prospective VDA 6.3 auditors can have their Automotive Core Tools expertise checked and confirmed. Thanks to the standardization and unification of this query, the certificate of success for the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz is regarded worldwide as an official certificate for the auditor that he/she is at the cutting edge of technology in this subject area. This quality feature gives the VDA 6.3 certificate a higher level than before and thus gives the certificate holders an even better reputation in the automotive supply chain.

19. Why do I have to prove that I have attended at least two days of Core Tools training in addition to passing the VDA QMC Core Tools Quiz?

According to DIN EN ISO 19011, chapter 7.6, auditors are required to continuously improve their competence, among other things by participating in training courses. The fact that the VDA QMC requires two days of training in the area of automotive core tools means that prospective VDA 6.3 process auditors meet this requirement.

20. Is it possible to register for the VDA 6.3:2023 examination without proof of five years of professional experience?

From three (3) years of professional experience (preferably in manufacturing companies in the automotive industry), company training periods can be taken into account.

  • Company training periods are recognized at 50% and only in the case of completed dual training or dual studies in a technical profession in manufacturing companies.

  • In-company internships, working student activities, or similar within the framework of academic Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs cannot be credited.

In principle, it is not possible to take the examination until all requirements have been met and the examination application has been approved by the VDA QMC or an official license partner (cf. FAQ No. 7 and 9).

21. How often may the examination be repeated?

The examination may be repeated no more than twice AND must be passed no later than one year after the first examination.

22. Is it possible to take the VDA 6.3:2023 examination if one has attended the VDA 6.3:2016 qualification?

In this case, in addition to the examination requirements mentioned in point 8, a certificate of successful participation in the training course “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023” must be provided.

23. If one has not passed the VDA 6.3:2016 exam, can one still retake it now?

Yes, in this case, however, a certificate of successful participation in the training course “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023” must also be provided. The examination must be passed at the latest at the second repetition and a maximum of one year after the first examination.

24. How can the VDA 6.3:2016 certificate be extended?

Certificate renewal always takes place after a successful application check. VDA QMC participants must submit their renewal application and the required certificate online.

25. What verification is required for a certificate extension to VDA 6.3:2016?

  • Verification of a valid VDA 6.3:2016 Certificate

  • Certificate of qualification for “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023”

  • Verification of audit experience

    • At least five (5) process audits and/or potential analyses (with at least ten (10) audit days) are to be carried out as the responsible auditor during the validity period.

    • If fewer than 5 process audits and/or potential analyses (with less than 10 audit days) as a responsible auditor in the validity period occurred, a certificate of attendance at "ID341 VDA 6.3 Workshop for Certified Process Auditor" is required.

26. What are the costs for a certificate extension for VDA 6.3?

The application and costs for renewing through ENCONA can be found here: "ID386 VDA 6.3 Process Auditor Renewal".

27. How long is the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate valid?

The VDA 6.3:2023 certificate is valid for five (5) years from the date of issue.

28. How is the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate extended?

As the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate is valid for five (5) years for the first time, ten audits with at least 20 audit days are required for the next extension. Nothing can be said about further requirements at the moment.

29. Is proof of passing the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz still required for an extension of the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate?

No, when extending the VDA 6.3:2023 certificate, proof of passing the VDA QMC Automotive Core Tools online quiz no longer needs to be provided.

30. What happens if one has not applied for the extension of the certificate in time?

The renewal application can be submitted up to three months after the expiry of the certificate. If the certificate has expired more than three months ago, the examination must be taken again. For this, the examination application "VDA 6.3:2023 - Process Auditor Examination for Certification" must be submitted and the prerequisites must be proven (as per FAQ #9). In addition, the “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023” must have been completed.

31. What languages does ENCONA offer VDA 6.3:2023 training in?

We offer training in English, German, and Chinese. For other languages please see the official VDA QMC license partner network.



AUDITING

1. From when does the new version of VDA Volume 6.3 apply? Are there any transition periods?

The new VDA Volume 6.3 applies from January 2023. There is no official transition period. The organizations involved in the audit agree via the customer-specific requirements on which version an audit is based.

2. What is new in VDA Vol. 6.3:2023?

Important changes have been made, especially with regard to the topics of products with integrated software and procurement activities before SoP. Furthermore, the volume was adapted to the state of the art and made even more practical (detailed changes to content, wording, and streamlining of content). In the “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023”, you will receive an overview of the most important changes and can practice your new knowledge directly.

3. Do the changes in VDA Volume 6.3 also change the requirements for auditors?

Since the changes in the new volume mainly concern the streamlining and updating of the existing content, the requirements for auditors will not change to any great extent. New in the volume is the consideration of products with integrated software and the sharpening of procurement activities before SoP. These topics will be covered in the “ID333 Upgrade Training From VDA 6.3:2016 to VDA 6.3:2023”. In the VDA “ID383 Automotive Software Essentials” training course, you can acquire basic knowledge and skills on the subject of “software”.

4. How do the innovations affect the overall result of an audit according to VDA 6.3?

The evaluation scheme has not changed with the revision of the volume. The number of questions has also remained almost the same, only the distribution of the starred questions has changed (the number of star questions has remained the same). A greater focus is placed on products with integrated software with the revision, which may have an impact on the overall result.

5. Why has the distribution of the starred questions changed in some cases?

A re-weighting of the starred questions was carried out when updating the volume. Here, in addition to the content aspects, consideration was also given to how the redistribution (and thus the change in emphasis) affects the balance of the distribution of starred questions (for example 6.3.1 is no longer starred because the number of questions in EU3 is very low (3) and a low score has a big impact on the sub-element score, and thus on the overall result).

6. Why was the red rating of the potential analysis toned down (awarded by management decision)?

The new VDA Volume 6.3 was revised with the aim of providing an even more practical-oriented manual. For this reason, the possibility of a management decision (which was already common practice before) has now also been included in the volume.

7. Why were software topics integrated in the new VDA Volume 6.3:2023, although Automotive SPICE® already exists?

The interface between hardware and software for products with integrated (embedded) software has been strengthened, but the Automotive SPICE® method must be used for a detailed evaluation of software development.

8. May I add or remove questions in the audit?

In the VDA 6.3:2023 volume it is specified that no questions may be removed or added. This is the only way to ensure comparability with other audits according to VDA Volume 6.3.

9. How does risk analysis work in the context of audit preparation?

Risk analysis is described in VDA Vol. 6.3 in chapter 2.4 (turtle approach). The scope of the risk analysis always depends on the product and production process risk, the scope of the process under consideration, and the duration of the planned audit. It is up to the auditor to decide which method to use for the risk analysis in each individual case.

10. How do I deal with remote and hybrid audits?

The decision matrix on p. 23 in VDA Volume 6.3 is a recommendation from the project group as to when a remote audit can be carried out. The final decision on the handling and process lies with the auditing organization (unless otherwise specified by the customer). In principle, remote audits cannot represent a fully comprehensive VDA 6.3 process audit (P2-P7). Reasons for this are the lack of transparency during the audit process as well as technical, legal, and data protection aspects. The same applies to the performance of potential analyses (P1), which can only be carried out to a limited extent without an on-site visit to the supplier. Hybrid audits, on the other hand, can be considered fully comprehensive, taking into account the risk and influencing factors.

11. Can I also carry out process audits as remote audits?

You will find information on this in the recommendation on conducting remote audits.

12. What is the best way to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills on the new topic of "software"?

In addition to the revised VDA 6.3 training courses, the new training course “ID383 Automotive Software Essentials” is offered to learn relevant software know-how.

13. Can I continue to use the Analysis Tool 1.0, Version 2017?

Only the VDA Analysis Tool 2.0 can be used for audits according to VDA Volume 6.3:2023.

14. Why is there no update for the Analysis Tool 1.0, Version 2017?

Analysis Tool 1.0 was offered for over 4.5 years, and no further fees or payments were due after the purchase of the license. During this time, the tool was significantly upgraded and improved (to version 1.8.9), and new report types were also added at no additional cost. However, the upgrades were always limited to the release cycle of the VDA 6.3 Edition.

15. What is the advantage of the new Analysis Tool 2.0?

With the Analysis Tool 2.0, it is much easier to document findings, notes, and certificates during the audit – even without having to immediately assign them to an assessment question. The tool also simplifies communication between the auditor and the organization with regard to the action plan: there is no longer any need to create Excel spreadsheets to coordinate regarding measures, and everything can be mapped completely online and via the same user interface (cf. KARA Tool/IATF).

16. Can I add my own minimum requirements or, for example, relevant CSRs to the Analysis Tool 2.0?

Currently, this option is not made available. However, the VDA QMC looks forward to your feedback and suggestions for improvement, which you are welcome to send to the following e-mail address: vda@infosysc.de.

17. Is the Analysis Tool also available as an Excel version?

An Excel tool was used until a few years ago and then replaced by the new VDA Analysis Tool.





VDA 6.3 Frequently Asked Questions

1 Comment

Cristian Sosa
May 04, 2021

Very good summary! Very clear and timesaving. Thanks!

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