Information for Auditors

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• Become an Auditor
• Resources for Auditors
• Code of Conduct
• FAQs

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.

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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.

AQMS Auditor Code of Conduct

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:

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:

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