Core Tools Certification Training (APQP, Control Plan, FMEA, SPC, MSA and PPAP)

IATF 16949:2016 mandates the effective use of automotive Core Tools in line with customer requirements. Despite widespread adoption, many organisations fail to realise the full benefits of continual improvement, defect prevention and waste reduction due to a lack of competence in applying the tools correctly and understanding how they interact.

This course addresses that gap directly. Rather than teaching the tools in isolation, the training emphasises how APQP, Control Plans, FMEA, SPC, MSA and PPAP work together to support quality planning, defect prevention and continual improvement.

The "learn by doing" methodology combines focused teach points with practical case studies and exercises. Delegates leave with the understanding and confidence to apply the automotive Core Tools in line with IATF 16949:2026 requirements.

The full Core Tools Certification is achieved by completing all five modules and passing the knowledge and application exam. Modules can be taken as five consecutive days or individually, giving flexibility for delegates who have already completed specific modules.

For details of the individual module dates and content, see:

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Control Plan Training
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Training
Statistical Process Control (SPC) Training
Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) Training
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Training

Please note: The statistical techniques used during the MSA module are covered in depth during the SPC module. We strongly recommend that attending SPC before MSA unless you already have a strong grounding in statistical methods.

This course is designed for quality, engineering and manufacturing professionals involved in the development, implementation or auditing of automotive quality management systems. It is particularly relevant for:

• Quality engineers and quality managers responsible for implementing IATF 16949:2016
• Internal auditors whose competency must include an understanding of Core Tools (as required by IATF 16949:2016, clause 7.2.3)
• Supplier quality professional managing PPAP submissions and supplier development activities
• APQP team members involved in new product introduction and project quality planning
• Manufacturing and process engineers applying SPC and MSA to control variation

No prior knowledge of all five tools is required, although familiarity with APQP or quality planning is beneficial. Delegates who are entirely new to the automotive sector may wish to first consider the Core Tools Fundamentals eCourse as a primer before attending the full certification course.

The course covers five modules across five days, each combining theory with practical application:

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Control Plan:

Covers the five phases of APQP and the development of robust Control Plans.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA):

Covers Design FMEA (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) in line with the AIAG-VDA FMEA 1st Edition.

Statistical Process Control (SPC):

Covers control chart selection, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) and process monitoring techniques.

Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA):

Covers accuracy, precision, bias, linearity and Gage R&R studies.

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP):

Covers PPAP elements, submission levels and customer approval requirements.

On successful completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the purpose, structure and application of all five automotive Core Tools in line with IATF 16949:2016 and AIAG/VDA reference manuals.
• Apply APQP phases and develop robust Control Plans that link to FMEA and SPC outputs.
• Conduct DFMEA and PFMEA using the AIAG-VDA 1st Edition methodology to identify, assess and mitigate product and process risks.
• Select, construct and interpret control charts and process capability studies using SPC.
• Plan and conduct Gage R&R and other MSA studies to validate measurement systems.
• Prepare complete PPAP submissions across all required elements and submission levels.
• Understand how the Core Tools integrate across the product lifecycle to support defect prevention and continual improvement

These competencies directly satisfy IATF 16949:2016 clause 7.2.3, which requires internal auditors to demonstrate understanding of applicable Core Tools requirements relevant to the scope of their audit.

Delegates who pass the written knowledge and application exam at the end of the course will receive a Core Tools Certification Training (APQP, Control Plan, FMEA, SPC, MSA and PPAP) Certificate underwritten by the UK IATF Oversight Office.

This is one of the only UK training providers to offer Core Tools certification at this level of accreditation. The certificate is recognised by automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers and provides objective evidence of delegate competency against IATF 16949:2016 requirements.

For delegates who have already completed individual modules, certification can be achieved by completing remaining modules and the final exam there is no requirement to repeat previously completed modules.