Internal auditor competency (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Internal auditors must be demonstrably competent for what they audit — system, process or product — with documented criteria covering audit approach, automotive process thinking, CSRs, core tools and the standards themselves, and competence maintained over time.
What the clause is really asking
A warm body with a checklist is not an auditor. Document how auditors qualify: understanding of the automotive process approach and risk thinking, relevant CSRs, requirements of ISO 9001/IATF, core tools relevant to scope (FMEA, control plan, MSA, SPC), and how they keep current. Manufacturing process auditors must understand the processes they audit, including PFMEA and control plans.
What auditors look for
Auditors audit the auditors: qualification records against your documented criteria, evidence of core-tools knowledge, a register of auditors with scopes, and maintenance of competence (refreshers, minimum audits per year). A process audit done by someone who cannot read a PFMEA invites the finding.
Typical evidence
Auditor qualification criteria and records; training certificates (standard, core tools); auditor register with scopes; competence maintenance evidence.
How to comply — recommendations
Define three tiers — system, process, product auditor — each with its criteria. Use external training for the standard and core tools, then qualify internally by witnessed audits. Schedule a yearly auditor refresher covering CSR changes and findings trends.
Common nonconformities
No documented auditor criteria; process audits by auditors without core-tools knowledge; auditor list static for years with no maintenance evidence.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 7.2 / 9.2
In the book
Chapter 7 — Support — People, Kit and the Truth About Documents treats this clause family in full: what it is really asking, what auditors look for, the evidence that satisfies, how to make it work on a real floor, and where companies stumble. This IATF requirement is covered in the Automotive Edition, in the same six blocks as the ISO clause around it.
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Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.