IATF 16949 auditors pull a random part and ask you to trace it. They walk your production floor and compare actual practice to your control plans. Core tools and Customer-Specific Requirements are the most scrutinised areas.
ISO 9001:2015 certification current, valid certificate from NABCB-accredited CBIATF 16949 cannot exist without ISO 9001.
CRITICAL
IATF-sanctioned CB confirmed at iatfglobaloversight.orgNot all ISO 9001 CBs are IATF-sanctioned.
CRITICAL
Customer-Specific Requirements reviewed for every customerCSR matrix documented and kept current.
CRITICAL
CSR compliance verified, changes to CSRs actioned
MAJOR
Core Tools0/0
APQP process followed for new product launchesDocumented APQP plan with phase reviews.
CRITICAL
PPAP completed for all customer parts at the correct PPAP levelCustomer sign-off on file.
CRITICAL
PFMEA completed per AIAG-VDA 2019 methodology for all processes
CRITICAL
Control plans for all production processes, match actual practiceAuditors walk the floor and compare.
CRITICAL
MSA / Gauge R&R completed for key measurement systemsAnnual. Results within acceptable limits.
MAJOR
SPC charts maintained for special/critical characteristicsAt the workstation. Operators trained on reaction plan.
MAJOR
Production Traceability0/0
Every job traceable from customer PO to despatchPart number, drawing revision, material heat number.
CRITICAL
First-off inspection conducted and recorded at start of every production run
CRITICAL
In-process inspection records maintained per control plan
CRITICAL
Non-conforming material segregated and tagged with disposition record
MAJOR
Scrap recorded by stage with reason code
STANDARD
Competence0/0
Skill matrix for all production and quality roles, current level vs requiredPost-training assessment required, not just attendance.
CRITICAL
On-the-job training (OJT) records for all operatorsIATF 16949 cl. 7.2.2, documented OJT process.
CRITICAL
Operators cannot run independently until OJT assessment complete
CRITICAL
Internal Audit0/0
Annual product audits, finished product audited against specificationIATF requires product audits in addition to system audits.
CRITICAL
Annual process audits, each production process audited
CRITICAL
System audit covering all IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 clauses
CRITICAL
CAPA from audits closed with verified effectiveness
MAJOR
How to use this checklist: Tick each item you currently have in place. Items marked CRITICAL are highest-priority audit findings. Items marked MAJOR will result in a major nonconformance if absent. Use the Print button to save a PDF for your records or to share with your quality team.
This checklist is a readiness guide, not a substitute for a formal gap assessment. Engage a NABCB-accredited CB for a pre-assessment before your formal certification audit. Read the full IATF 16949 guide ↗