ASD Industry Knowledge

The IAQG requires all third-party auditors to demonstrate essential knowledge of the Aviation, Space, and Defense (ASD) industry aligned to their level of authentication. To support this process, IAQG will launch an IAQG ASD Knowledge Examination during the 2027 Authentication Year. (The 2027 Authentication Year will start in July 2027.)

The IAQG ASD Knowledge Examination will focus on typical operations and practices within ASD industry companies, including operational risk management, external provider approval or control, prevention of counterfeit and unapproved parts, product safety, and configuration management. Topics will vary according to the authenticated standard; a full topic list will be provided prior to the launch of this examination. All auditors are expected to be familiar with the covered topics, whether through prior industry experience or knowledge gained from conducting audits in the industry. Unlike existing examinations that focused on auditing AQMS standard requirements, the ASD Knowledge Examination focuses on a general understanding of these practices from an operational perspective.

All existing authenticated auditors will be required to verify their industry knowledge via this examination once it launches as part of ongoing authentication requirements in the 2027 Authentication Year. This examination, once launched, will also be required for Level 1 and Level 2 initial applicants, and for Level 1 advancement, for each standard. In the meantime, applicants will not need to complete this examination as a prerequisite, but will still be required to complete it as part of ongoing authentication requirements later.

This examination will have two pass grades: a minimal pass grade, required for Level 2 authentication, and a full pass grade, required for Level 1 authentication (including advancement).

More information about this examination will be provided in 2027.