VDA 6.1 emphasizes management, as well as auditing experience. Both standards mandate that auditors pass a sanctioned auditor training. The new TS 16949 standard has merged most of these requirements. Criteria for auditor qualification include education, work experience, general ISO 9000 auditor training, and IATF sanctioned training with an exam. A university degree or equivalent is required.
Work experience is necessary for automotive auditors.
Current automotive auditors must have performed at least 15 system audits with a minimum of 45 audit days during the past 3 years. New auditors must demonstrate automotive work experience of at least 3 years, no older than 6 years. They also must have first or second party audit experience of at least eight system audits with a minimum of 24 audit days. In addition to quality auditor training based on the international ISO 10011 standard, Guidelines for Auditing Quality Systems, auditors must be competent in audit management, teamwork techniques, and interviewing techniques. Only qualified registrars and accreditation bodies are allowed to send auditors to IATF-sanctioned training.