CQI-IRCA and the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) expect a high level of prior knowledge:

• QMS Knowledge: A solid understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and the PDCA cycle.
• AS 9100 Familiarity: Knowledge of the AS 9100 Rev D standard and its aerospace-specific terminology.
• Industry Context: Basic understanding of aerospace regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA, or local civil aviation authorities).
• Experience: It is highly recommended that delegates have worked within an aerospace manufacturing or service environment.

The training covers the specialized lifecycle of an aerospace audit:

1. Context & Product Safety: Auditing the organization’s ability to ensure safety throughout the product life cycle.
2. Configuration Management: Verifying how the laboratory or factory manages changes to product design and specifications.
3. Counterfeit Parts: Assessing the effectiveness of the prevention and detection systems.
4. Operational Risk: Auditing the integration of risk management into the production and service provision processes.
5. Reporting: Writing non-conformity reports (NCRs) that focus on product integrity and regulatory compliance.

• Aerospace Quality Managers: Responsible for maintaining AS 9100 certification.
• Suppliers to the Defense/Aviation Industry: Companies that must meet Tier 1 and Tier 2 audit requirements.
• Technical Directors & Engineers: Involved in aerospace design and production oversight.
• Internal & External Auditors: Seeking to conduct professional audits in the AS&D sector.
• Consultants: Advising companies on aerospace-specific quality management.

• Course Certificate: Awarded upon successful completion of the continuous assessment and the final IRCA examination.
• IRCA Registration: This certificate is the core requirement to register as an Aerospace Lead Auditor with CQI-IRCA.
• IAQG Recognition: While IRCA provides the auditor registration, this training is often a prerequisite for becoming an Authenticated Aerospace Auditor (AEA) on the IAQG OASIS database.

Q: Is this course the same as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training?

A: No. While it includes ISO 9001, it adds nearly 30% more content focused on aerospace safety, configuration, and regulatory requirements. An ISO 9001 certificate is usually not sufficient for aerospace-level auditing.

Q: What is the exam format?

A: The CQI-IRCA exam is an online proctored exam, lasting approximately 2 hours. It is restricted open-book and heavily emphasizes situational aerospace case studies.

Q: Do I need an engineering degree?

A: It is not a mandatory requirement for the course, but a technical background is extremely beneficial given the complexity of the aerospace production and design clauses.

Q: What is the “OASIS” database?

A: The Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) is where all aerospace audit results and certified auditors are listed globally. This course is the first step toward getting listed.

Q: Can I audit for an airline with this?

A: Yes, AS 9100 is widely used by airlines and maintenance organizations (MROs), though some may also require AS 9110 (Maintenance specific) or AS 9120 (Distribution specific) training.