Probitas Authentication
About Probitas Authentication™
Introduction
In December 1998, the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) was organized for the purpose of achieving significant improvements in quality and reductions in cost throughout the supply chain. Created by SAE International®, the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC), IAQG serves companies through three sector groups in the Americas (AAQG), Europe (EAQG), and the Asia/Pacific region (APAQG).
The IAQG developed 9104, a global scheme for the use of assessment results performed by Certification Bodies (CBs), based on the 9100-series standards, including IAQG 9100 (Aviation, space and defense organizations), IAQG 9110 (Aviation maintenance organizations), and IAQG 9120 (Aviation, space and defense distributors).
For the Americas, the IAQG has established the Registration Management Committee (RMC) to manage the application and oversight of the Aerospace Quality Management System (AQMS) scheme. The RMC approves, as appropriate, Auditor Authentication Bodies (AABs) that authenticate AQMS auditors. Probitas Authentication™ is an RMC-recognized AAB and has been approved to authenticate AQMS auditors in accordance with the requirements of 9104-1 (requirements for certification program) and 9104-3 (auditor qualification and training requirements).
For each of the 9100-series standards, there are two levels of aerospace auditor grades that are defined:
- Aerospace Auditor (AA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to participate in an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as part of an audit team and under the guidance of an Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA).
- Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to lead an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as a lead auditor.
The RMC has also recognized Probitas Authentication as an approved Training Provider Approval Body (TPAB). As a TPAB, Probitas Authentication has a responsibility to ensure that only those courses containing the certification scheme's body of knowledge requirements and demonstrating the training provider's effective administration are awarded certification. The overall purpose of certifying training course content is to verify that minimum body of knowledge requirements are met, and that training provider administration practices are developed, implemented, maintained, and documented in accordance with the certification requirements.
Principles
Probitas Authentication is committed to customer service, thoroughness, accuracy, integrity and continuous improvement:
- It is our goal to be the provider of choice by exceeding the expectations of our customers, being responsive to requests and timely in our responses, and add value beyond the direct service being provided.
- It is our goal to be detail-oriented, free from mistakes and errors, and precise in our conclusions.
- It is our goal to be fair and honest, unencumbered by bias, and intent on providing equal opportunities for success.
- It is our goal to ensure all decisions are based on accepted industry standards and approved practices.
- It is our goal to remain committed to continually improving the effectiveness of our business and quality management systems.
The business operating practices of Probitas Authentication conform to ISO/IEC 17024: 2012 Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons. This international standard was developed with the objective of achieving and promoting a globally accepted benchmark for organizations operating certification of individuals.
Standards
Probitas Authentication authenticates AQMS auditors and reviews and approves AQMS training course content for the following IAQG standards:
- IAQG 9100: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations
- IAQG 9110: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance Organizations
- IAQG 9120: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Distributors
Probitas Authentication has also partnered with the Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Strategy Group™ to be the independent third party tasked with issuing certificates for Delegated Product Release Verification (DPRV) personnel, and maintaining each individual's ongoing credentials and record against the requirements of AS13001A, DPRV Training Requirements.
FAQs
Has Probitas Authentication been approved as an Auditor Authentication Body?
Yes. IAQG approved Auditor Authentication Bodies are identified on the OASIS under Auditor Authentication Bodies (AAB).
What is Probitas Authentication?
Probitas Authentication is an IAQG recognized Auditor Authentication Body (AAB) and Training Provider Approval Body (TPAB). Probitas Authentication is a program of SAE Industry Technologies Consortia™ (SAE ITC), an affiliate of SAE International. Probitas Authentication provides the service of certifying or approving persons (i.e. auditors) against specific certification scheme requirements (i.e. AQMS auditors, AS9104-3). In addition, Probitas Authentication provides the service of conducting the review and approval of training course content and training provider administration against the specific sector requirements (i.e. training courses for AQMS auditors, AS9104-3).
What is the general process to becoming an Aerospace Quality Management Systems (AQMS) auditor?
Auditors can begin the process by creating a personal account on the Auditor Authentication Body home page. You will then need to complete the online application and provide the supporting documentation. Once you agree to the declaration statements, make payment, and submit your application, Probitas Authentication will be the authentication process. The authentication process includes a formal review of your application, supporting documents, and other relevant information. If you meet the certification scheme criteria, Probitas Authentication will make a recommendation to the AAQG Registration Management Committee (RMC) for your recognition as an AQMS Auditor. You will then be assigned an OASIS auditor number.
If I am certified with another AAB, can I become certified (re-authenticated) with Probitas Authentication?
Yes, please follow these instructions by selecting Re-Authentication Guide.
Where can I find the certification scheme requirements?
You may download the AQMS Auditor Application User Guide for this information, or you may find it in the aerospace standard AS9104-3.
Once I become an auditor, what are the requirements to maintain my certification?
AQMS auditors are required to re-authenticate (re-certify) every three years. The AQMS Auditor Application User Guide contains the certification scheme requirements for re-authentication.
What are the fees?
Probitas Authentication has established the following fee structure:
| Type of Activity | Fee | When |
| New AQMS Auditor Certification | $495 | At submission of application |
| Annual Maintenance of Certification | $245 | End of years 1 and 2 |
| Re-Authentication (re-certification) | $245 | End of year 3 |
| Existing Oasis Members, through other AAB | $245 | Fee for re-authentication with Probitas Authentication |
| Auditor Grade Expansion | $470 | At the time of application for upgrade |
What is a "certification scheme"?
Certification scheme refers to the aerospace standard that you are seeking authentication for. The auditor authentication requirements for each auditor category (scheme) are described in the AQMS Auditor Application User Guide Tables 1-9 and includes the qualification criteria specific to each particular AQMS standard. Auditors are found competent independently in each category and can only conduct audits to the identified standard (e.g., AEA AS9100 auditors cannot perform audits to AS9110 and 9120). However, auditors can be recognized for more than one category.
What is an auditor "grade"?
Auditor grade refers to whether or not the individual meets aerospace industry work experience requirements. The certification scheme requirements allows for the certification to Aerospace Auditor (AA) and Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA). These auditor grades can be defined as:
- Aerospace Auditor (AA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to participate in an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as part of an audit team and under the guidance of an Aerospace Experienced Auditor.
- Aerospace Experience Auditor (AEA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to lead an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as the lead auditor.
How will I know what the status of my application is?
You will be able to identify where your application is by logging into your personal account. Your status is automatically updated and includes the following:
| Status | Status Meaning |
| Work in Progress | This indicates that you are still in the process of completing your application. This will change to Probitas Initial Review after you complete your application, agree to the Declaration Statements, make payment, and submit your application. |
| Request for Additional Information | This indicates that additional information is being requested. Please submit the requested information. If additional information is requested, you will also receive an email with the request. |
| Probitas Initial Review | This indicates that you have successfully submitted your application and the formal authentication process is occurring. |
| RMC Review | This indicates that your application has been submitted to the AAQG RMC for recognition. |
| Probitas Final Review | This indicates that your application is in final review and a decision will be made shortly. |
If my application is rejected, can I re-apply?
Yes, you have one other opportunity to re-apply without being required to submit another application fee.
If I am rejected on my re-application, can I appeal the decision?
Yes, you may file a formal appeal to this decision. For information related to the Appeals process, please review Appeals in the Resources tab or click on this link: Appeals Process
Information for Auditors
Become an Auditor
Authentication is available in one or more of the following Aerospace Quality Management System (AQMS) certification schemes as either an Aerospace Auditor (AA) or an Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA):
- IAQG 9100: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations
- IAQG 9110: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance Organizations
- IAQG 9120: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Distributors
For each of the 9100-series standards, there are two levels of aerospace auditor grades that are defined:
- Aerospace Auditor (AA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to participate in an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as part of an audit team and under the guidance of an Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA).
- Aerospace Experienced Auditor (AEA) recognizes the individual has met the requirements to lead an Aerospace Audit to the qualified scheme as a lead auditor.
For AEA, two different sets of criteria can be applied, depending upon the amount of aerospace industry work experience the auditor holds:
- Direct aerospace industry work experience of four years in the previous 10 years or
- Combination of two years aerospace industry experience in the previous 15 years, industry-specific training, and two full aerospace industry witnessed audits in the previous years.
If you are already certified with another AAB, follow the instructions in the Re-Authentication Guide to renew your certification with Probitas Authentication.
My Account Login
Resources for Auditors
Probitas Auditor Website User Guide
This document provides instruction on creating an account, navigating the website, creating an application, and other website related functionality.
Probitas Re-Authentication Guide
This document contains guidance for completing the AQMS Auditor Re-Authentication process for individuals currently holding an AQMS Auditor Authentication through an Auditor Authentication Body (AAB) other than Probitas Authentication.
AQMS Auditor Application
This document contains the required information when completing the application to become an AQMS auditor. While it is preferred that you complete and submit your application online, this document can serve as a working document to assist you in collecting the required application elements.
AQMS Auditor Application Guide
This document provides guidance on the minimum requirements (Body of Knowledge) for AQMS auditors who will participate in AQMS certification and registration activities, including the auditor authentication process. It is applicable to auditors seeking formal certification to conduct AQMS audits in support of the IAQG.
AS9100 AQMS Auditor Application User Guide
This user guide provides detailed information regarding the AS9100 AQMS Auditor requirements.
AS9110 AQMS Auditor Application User Guide
This user guide provides detailed information regarding the AS9110 AQMS Auditor requirements.
AS9120 AQMS Auditor Application User Guide
This user guide provides detailed information regarding the AS9120 AQMS Auditor requirements.
AQMS Audit Log
The Audit Log will provide you with a document template containing the required elements related to audit experience. The Audit Log is an application requirement for both the initial certification and re-certification processes.
AQMS Audit Log - Word Document
The Audit Log will provide you with a document template containing the required elements related to audit experience. The Audit Log is an application requirement for both the initial certification and re-certification processes.
Continuing Professional Development Log
This document will provide you with a template containing the required elements related to continuing professional development and is a requirement of the re-certification process.
Continuing Professional Development Log - Word Document
This document will provide you with a template containing the required elements related to continuing professional development and is a requirement of the re-certification process.
AQMS Auditor Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct outlines the responsibilities and appropriate practices of individuals serving the aerospace community as AQMS Auditors. Once your application is approved, and each time you go through the re-certification process, you will be required to read, agree to, and sign the document and submit it to Probitas Authentication.
Instructions for Filing an Appeal
Applicants and AQMS Auditors may file an appeal to certification decisions made by Probitas Authentication. This document explains the formal appeals process.
Instructions for Filing a Complaint
The complaint process is the process by which any individual may file a complaint. This document provides the instructions for doing so.
QMS Auditor Application Guide
This document explains how to create your ISO9001 QMS Auditor application.
QMS Auditor Requirements
This document contains the requirements for ISO9001 QMS Auditor authentication.
Terms and Conditions for use of Probitas Authentication Certification Logos and Marks
AQMS Auditors authenticated by Probitas Authentication may use its logo for the benefit of providing evidence of certification. This document provides the terms and conditions for logo use.
Code of Conduct
Confidence and reliance in the audit process depends upon the competence of those conducting the audit, making certification and registration decisions, and supporting an audit program. Competence is based on the demonstration of personal attributes, the ability to apply AQMS knowledge and skills gained through education, work experience, auditor training, and audit experience. As a condition for initial and continued certification, auditors are bound to act in accordance to the following Code of Conduct:
- I will ensure my actions, and the actions of personnel under my direct authority, are unbiased and trustworthy.
- I will disclose to my employer any threat to impartiality that could be, or perceived to be, in conflict with my auditing activities.
- I will not conduct myself in my performance or actions during an audit that would bring the IAQG into disrepute.
- I will comply with all certification scheme requirements and procedures and will remain up-to-date with relevant changes to industry standards and corresponding certification schemes.
- I will not intentionally communicate false or misleading information.
- I will not accept gifts, gratuities, commissions, discounts, or any other inducement during my auditing activities that is, or could be perceived as being, offered in exchange for favorable treatment, nor knowingly permit others under my direct authority to do so.
- I will not disclose privately held information, or any other confidential information that is derived as a result of my auditing activities, to anyone that could be considered as being outside the scope of the audit activities, unless I obtain written authorization to do so, or required by law.
- In the event my actions come into question and there is an alleged breach of this code, I will cooperate fully in any formal inquiry process.
- I commit myself to this Code of Conduct and any complaints, appeals, or disciplinary actions taken by the IAQG, the AAQG, or PROBITAS AUTHENTICATION as a result of a breach of this Code of Conduct.
- I understand that any act in violation of this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by the IAQG, the AAQG, and/or PROBITAS AUTHENTICATION including issuing a formal warning, suspension of certification, or withdrawal of certification if the violation is found to be accurate and true.
Training Programs
Get Training Course Approval
Aerospace Quality Management System (AQMS) training providers can begin the process to become approved by Probitas Authentication™ by reviewing the AQMS Training Provider Approval Requirements from the Resources tab. Once you download and complete the AQMS Training Provider Application, you will submit your application along with the supporting documentation. Once all documents are received, Probitas Authentication will invoice your company for the application review fee. In addition to reviewing the application and supporting documents, we will conduct an office audit of your administrative practices as well as a classroom observation as part of the final approval process.
Probitas Authentication evaluates each AQMS training provider application again the scheme requirements outlined in AS9104-3. Based on this review, Probitas Authentication takes the following actions:
- If the evaluation result is acceptable, the training provider's application and supporting documents will be submitted to the AAQG RMC for recognition.
- Probitas Authentication will then contact the training provider applicant to coordinate an office audit of the training provider's administrative procedures.
- Upon notification of approval, Probitas Authentication uploads the appropriate training provider information data into the OASIS database and notifies the AQMS training provider of their approved status.
- If a training provider's application is rejected, Probitas Authentication will notify the training provider applicant of the decision.
Requirements
The training provider must operate a Quality Management System (QMS) which is documented and covers all the requirements of the AS9104-3 standard and ensures the effective application of those requirements. A documented QMS based on ISO 9001 which addresses the requirements of AS9104-3 would be one method of satisfying this requirement.
In addition, the training provider must develop, implement and maintain documented procedures for the effective administration of their courses. These procedures shall also include documented procedures for:
- Records
- Management review
- Certificates
- Complaints and appeals
- Subcontracting of courses
- Confidentiality
- Changes
- Variations
If you would like to begin the process to become a recognized IAQG training provider, please contact Probitas Authentication at [email protected] or 724.772.7545.
Resources for Trainers
IAQG Approved Training Providers - Americas
This document lists the training providers and their courses that are recognized and approved for IAQG Aerospace Auditor authentication.
Probitas Authentication Website User Guide
This document provides instruction on creating an account, navigating the website, creating an application, and other website related functionality.
AQMS Training Provider QMS Requirements Checklist
The training provider shall operate a QMS which is documented and covers all the requirements of AS9104-3 and ensures the effective application of the requirements. This document provides the required QMS elements.
AQMS Training Provider Approval Checklist
In addition to the QMS requirements, this document provides the additional requirements for AQMS Training Provider course administration.
9100 Aerospace Industry Specific Course Checklist
This document contains the course content requirements, including learning objectives and course length, for the 9100 Aerospace Industry Specific Course.
9110 Aerospace Industry Specific Course for Repair-Maintenance Checklist
This document contains the course content requirements, including learning objectives and course length, for the 9110 Aerospace Industry Specific Course for Repair-Maintenance.
AQMS Foundation Course Checklist
This document contains the course content requirements, including learning objectives and course length, for the AQMS Foundation Course.
AQMS Standard Auditor Course Checklist
This document contains the course content requirements, including learning objectives and course length, for the AQMS Standard Auditor Course.
Instructions for Filing an Appeal
Applicants and AQMS Training Providers may file an appeal to certification decisions made by Probitas Authentication. This document explains the formal appeals process.
Instructions for Filing a Complaint
The complaint process is the process by which any individual or company may file a complaint. This document provides the instructions for doing so.
Terms and Conditions for use of Probitas Authentication Certification Logos and Marks
AQMS Training Providers authenticated by Probitas Authentication may use its logo for the benefit of providing evidence of certification. This document provides the terms and conditions for logo use.
DPRV Personnel
DPRV Program
Probitas Authentication™ has partnered with the Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Strategy Group™ to be the independent third party tasked with issuing certificates for Delegated Product Release Verification (DPRV) personnel, and maintaining each individual's ongoing credentials and record against the requirements of AS13001A, DPRV Training Requirements.
In the aerospace industry, the DPRV process establishes a uniform set of requirements by which a supplier may be granted authority to ship product in order to remove or minimize source and/or receiving inspection by the delegating organization, or their third party representatives. Commonly referred to as DSQR, SARA, SRP, DQR, and DCQR, among others, each of these delegating organizations has historically managed and conducted a unique training program for individuals responsible for their over-check process. For suppliers producing products for multiple delegating organizations, each was required to manage multiple training requirements. This training course has been developed to improve quality and reduce costs through the removal of duplication between each delegating organization's individual training requirements.
Sign Up for DPRV Training
Common Training for DPRV Personnel is a three-day foundations course that provides DPRV personnel with a comprehensive and standardized set of requirements for the DPRV process. This course is designed to cover the key elements of the process along with a detailed explanation of DPRV over-check activities. Beginning with the role and responsibility of DPRV personnel and their importance to flight safety, the course covers the various DPRV activities including a review of documentation, visual inspection, dimensional over-check, part marking and serialization, and release documentation requirements. In addition to attending and participating in the full three days, attendees must take and pass a learning assessment to successfully complete this course. The course is available through SAE International® and is offered in multiple locations. There is a registration fee for this training.
This foundations course is recognized as satisfying the respective customer training requirement for initial DPRV qualification when the AS13001A (Delegated Product Release Verification Training Requirements) standard is imposed from a delegating organization. In addition to this course, delegating organizations may also require the completion of their company-specific training prior to beginning DPRV activities. Upon successful completion of this course and while the qualifications remain valid, DPRV qualification is recognized by all participating delegating organizations and is transferable between suppliers. The initial qualification is valid for a duration of three years, at which time the invidual must then complete the necessary recertification training in order to maintain the qualification. Probitas Authentication issues certificates and maintains each individual's ongoing credentials and records.
Resources for DPRV Personnel
DPRV Guide to Creating Your Account:
This document provides information on how to create your DPRV account int eh Probitas database.
Course Description:
This webpage contains the course description for the Common Training for DPRV Personnel course.
How to Register:
This document contains directions on how to register for the Common Training for DPRV Personnel course.
Schedule of Classes
This webpage contains scheduling information, including dates and locations where the Common Training for DPRV Personnel course is being offered.
News
Probitas Authentication™ aims to be the provider of choice for authenticating auditors and approving training courses to the Aerospace Quality Management System (AQMS) standards. Below is recent news on Probitas Authentication, SAE Industry Technologies Consortia® (SAE ITC), SAE International® and affiliated organizations and stakeholders. Be sure to follow SAE ITC on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to get the latest updates on social media.
Contact Probitas Authentication
For questions and inquiries, you may contact Probitas Authentication™ at:
Probitas Authentication
161 Thorn Hill Rd
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 USA
Phone: 724-772-7545
Email: [email protected]
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SAE ITC Board ChairpersonAlan Berger