Existing Auditor Recognition - IAQG Authentication Model FAQs

What are the key differences between IAQG Authentication and the previous authentication system?

The main changes with IAQG Authentication are:

1. IAQG Authentication uses different terminology to refer to Audit Team Members and Audit Team Leaders (Lead Auditors):

   1. For those previously authenticated as an “AA” (Aerospace Auditor), IAQG Authentication will recognize them as a Level 2 Auditor Authentication.
   2. For those previously authenticated as an “AEA” (Aerospace Experienced Auditor), IAQG Authentication will recognize them as a Level 1 Auditor Authentication.

   (Learn more about Authentication Levels.)

2. IAQG Authentication uses an ongoing authentication model with annual requirements, rather than a three-year authentication cycle. Provided you continually meet the annual ongoing requirements, authentication(s) will remain active “indefinitely” without requiring reapplication. (Learn more about Ongoing Authentication.)

3. Requirements for audit experience and continuing professional development will move to an annual model. These requirements are temporarily waived and will take effect beginning in July 2027. (Learn more about Ongoing Authentication.)

4. IAQG Authentication requires payment of Annual Maintenance Fees as part of your obligation to maintain an active authentication status. These fees are due on the day and month of the expiry date for each authentication (so they might be different for each authentication, if you have multiple). Assuming the respective fee is paid on time (and the other ongoing authentication requirements are met), authentication will be extended for another year. (Learn more about Annual Maintenance Fees.)

As an integrated global system managed by the IAQG, you will also see several benefits and time-saving optimizations. For example, when you complete IAQG-sanctioned training, the related CPD hours will automatically count towards your annual Ongoing Authentication requirements. Your IAQG Training & Authentication Dashboard will provide easy ongoing access to maintain your authentications, apply for new authentications, and meet ongoing requirements.

Given that IAQG Authentication is using an annual model, what happens to my existing three-year authentication?

As part of the recognition process, your current three-year authentication will be recognized by IAQG Authentication as a one-year authentication under the ongoing authentication model. For example, if your current authentication expiry date is set to 15 March 2028 in OASIS, IAQG Authentication will use the day and month from that expiry date (15 March) and set the expiry date for your new authentication to 15 March 2027. This date becomes the due date for your next Annual Maintenance Fee. If you have multiple authentications, each authentication’s expiry date is determined individually, following the same approach, so expiry dates may differ. After this initial recognition, you will no longer need to apply for re-authentication. Authentication recognition is automatically maintained, provided you meet the annual ongoing authentication requirements, including payment of fees.

NOTE: If authentication was previously processed by your existing AAB in 2026, the next Annual Maintenance Fee will be set to the corresponding expiry date in 2027 to reduce the risk of paying for a given authentication twice within the same calendar year.

I have multiple authentications that expire on different dates. Can I consolidate these into the same day to make things easier?

While this is currently not an option, it is being considered based on demand.

How many days of audit experience and hours of CPD will I need to complete each year to remain authenticated?

IAQG is finalizing the exact audit experience and CPD requirements that will take effect starting July 2027. An announcement will be made closer to the start date.

The ongoing requirements for audit experience and continuing professional development are being waived by IAQG Authentication for the year beginning July 2026. Any reported audits conducted and CPD hours completed during the period from July 2026 to June 2027 will be counted towards the 2027 Authentication Year requirements.

Note that the annual cycle for ongoing authentication requirements is not tied to the Annual Maintenance Fee due date.

Will I have to complete any IAQG-sanctioned training or examinations each year to remain authenticated?

IAQG may require authenticated auditors to complete online training or examinations to maintain their authentication. This could include Update/Delta Training when IAQG releases new standards and other circumstances where IAQG wishes to improve auditor competence. Any such requirements will be announced by IAQG in advance with the necessary completion timeframe and pass threshold (if applicable). Auditors who successfully complete the requirement within the designated timeframe will have their authentications updated in OASIS (when applicable) and their CPD hours will automatically count toward their annual CPD requirement.