Applies to: All auditors and non-auditors and related stakeholders
On April 1, 2024, the IATF released the Rules for Achieving IATF Recognition, 6th Edition ("Rules 6") in all IATF languages. This document's requirements will come into effect on January 1, 2025, superseding the previous 5th Edition.
The IATF has released CB Communiqué 2024-002 which outlines the impact of Rules 6 on the auditor and non-auditor qualification process (including "maintaining qualification" requirements). Please review this communiqué for full details.
The following provides some answers to frequently asked questions based on the information in this Communiqué. We may update this document in the future as we receive more questions.
Q: I will be completing my ADP assessments or retakes within 2024. Will the assessments be aligned to Rules 5 or Rules 6?
A: All ADP Assessments completed in 2024 will be remain aligned to Rules 5. As of January 2025, all ADP assessments and retakes will be aligned to Rules 6.
Q: I will be attending New Auditor Training in 2024. Will this class be based on Rules 5 or Rules 6?
A: All IATF New Auditor Training classes in 2024 will remain aligned to Rules 5. From January 2025 on, classes will be aligned to Rules 6. If you attend a class later in 2024, you must complete your initial assessments (aligned to Rules 5) before the end of the year. Any retakes completed in 2025 will be aligned to Rules 6.
Starting in November 2024, new prospective auditors will be required to successfully complete the Rules 6 Training & Test of Understanding before applying to attend a New Auditor Training class.
Q: Will I, as a qualified auditor/non-auditor, need to do anything to maintain my qualification in light of this transition to Rules 6?
A: Yes, similar to the transition to previous updates to IATF 16949 or Rules, auditors and non-auditors will need to complete training and a quiz/test in the ADP. This will be available starting in September 2024, and must be successfully completed before you can perform scheme-related activities (including audits) in 2025.
Q: I have a 4-AUD-B identifying number and need to complete my Phase 2 Evaluation. What impact does this have on me?
A: If you attend a Phase 2 Evaluation event in 2024, it will be aligned to Rules 5; in 2025, it will be aligned to Rules 6. You will receive access to the Rules 6 Training & Test of Understanding beginning in September 2024, and you must successfully complete it to be able to conduct audits in 2025 (aligned to Rules 6).
Q: I have a 5-ADP identifying number that expires at the end of 2025. What do I need to do to extend these credentials?
A: Qualified 5-ADP auditors who successfully complete the Rules 6 Training & Test of Understanding will be issued a new identifying number, with no fixed expiry date, indicating that they are eligible to conduct audits to Rules 6. Auditors will not need to perform a full "requalification" at this time.
Q: I have a 4-ADP identifying number that expires in late-2024 or early-2025. How am I impacted?
A: You will only receive access to the Rules 6 Training & Test of Understanding after you achieve an all-green result your ADP retakes. Therefore, you should aim to complete your retakes as soon as possible so you can then transition to Rules 6 before January 2025.
Q: How can I get a copy of Rules 6?
A: Please visit the IATF Publications page for more information.