What is Nadcap?
Nadcap is an industry-managed program that brings together companies and suppliers in the Aviation, Defense, and Space (ADS) sectors to oversee accreditation for critical processes.
Before Nadcap, each Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) had its own audit requirements. Suppliers often underwent multiple audits, sometimes three or four, for the same process, just to meet different OEM expectations. This approach was time-consuming, costly, and inconsistent.
Founded in 1990 by leading aerospace manufacturers, Nadcap (formerly the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) created a unified, standardized audit process accepted across the industry. This cooperative model reduces duplication, streamlines oversight, and promotes global consistency in quality.
As participation expanded worldwide, the program adopted the standalone name Nadcap to reflect its global scope and collaborative structure. At the same time, terminology evolved from “special processes” to “critical processes” to better reflect the essential role these operations play in safety, compliance, and product integrity.
View more videos to guide and support you through the Nadcap process in the Nadcap Video Library.
Total Critical Processes
- 24
Accredited Suppliers
- 4,500+
Subscribing OEMs
- 60+
Years of Institutional Knowledge
- 35
How Nadcap Operates
Mission
To advance aerospace, defense, and space safety and quality through a globally accepted, cooperative accreditation program for critical processes
Strategic Principles
- Industry-driven governance
- Superior technical audits
- Transparent, collaborative systems
- Global consistency and continuous improvement
Today, Nadcap continues to set the global benchmark for quality assurance in critical processes, backed by:
- Subscriber-driven standards
- Audit Criteria established by industry experts
- Centralized digital oversight
- A continuous improvement culture rooted in shared accountability
Nadcap operates as a second-party auditing program. Unlike third-party certifications, audits are conducted to standards defined and approved by participating Subscribers—your customers.
This means:
- Accreditation decisions are made by industry peers, not independent agencies
- Suppliers complete one standardized audit accepted by multiple OEMs
- OEMs gain greater confidence and control over supply chain compliance and quality
A summary of the Nadcap audit process:
-
Subscribers define Audit Criteria for critical processes
-
PRI schedules audits and assigns qualified auditors
-
Auditors perform on-site assessments
-
Task Groups review reports and address non-conformances
-
Accreditation decisions are made by Subscribers
-
Ongoing oversight continues through periodic audits and performance metrics
This process ensures standardization, fairness, and technical rigor across the global supply chain.
An Industry-Managed Program (IMP)
Nadcap is an Industry Managed Program, meaning governance and Audit Criteria are owned and directed by industry itself – specifically major aerospace, defense, and space Subscribers.
In this model:
- Subscribers define Audit Criteria, review audit results, and make accreditation decisions
- Suppliers undergo audits and close out non-conformances
- PRI staff manage scheduling, audit execution, and certification
- Auditors are technical experts assigned and overseen by PRI
This structure ensures audits are collaborative, relevant, and based on real-world needs, not generic certification requirements.
Nadcap Management Council
The Nadcap Management Council (NMC) is the program’s governing authority. It is composed of Subscriber company representatives and is responsible for:
- Strategic oversight and policy development
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Monitoring and enforcing program consistency
- Addressing emerging risks and technical challenges
Working closely with PRI, Suppliers, and Task Groups, the NMC ensures Nadcap continues to deliver value, integrity, and adaptability. Learn more about the NMC’s role and structure, visit the NMC page.
24 Critical Process Accreditations
Nadcap administers 24 critical process accreditation programs, including:
- Traditional areas: Heat Treating, Nondestructive Testing (NDT), Welding, Chemical Processing
- Specialized areas: Additive Manufacturing, Elastomer Seals, Composites
Each accreditation is overseen by a dedicated Task Group composed of:
- Technical experts from Subscriber companies
- PRI Staff Engineers
- Accredited Suppliers and advisors (as applicable)
Task Groups are responsible for developing and updating Audit Criteria, reviewing and approving audit findings. Each task group additionally addresses technical questions and resolves disputes. Furthermore, they monitor changes in technology and update requirements accordingly.
This structure ensures audits are globally consistent, technically sound, and relevant to current manufacturing practices.
Benefits of Nadcap Accreditation for Your Business:
- Enhanced Credibility: Accreditation serves as an independent validation of your company's capabilities, boosting customer confidence and trust.
- Access to New Opportunities: Many aerospace and defense companies require Nadcap accreditation as a prerequisite for partnerships or contracts.
- Improved Process Efficiency: The audit process often identifies areas for process improvement, driving greater operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Recognition as a Leader: Being Nadcap-accredited sets your company apart as a leader in quality and compliance within the aerospace industry.
How to Prepare for Nadcap Accreditation:
Achieving Nadcap accreditation requires careful preparation and a proactive approach. Companies aiming for accreditation should focus on:
- Understanding the Standards: Familiarize your team with Nadcap requirements and audit checklists relevant to your processes.
- Conducting Internal Audits: Regularly assess your processes to identify gaps and areas needing improvement before undergoing the formal Nadcap audit.
- Training and Collaboration: Ensure your team is well-trained and aligned with the goals of achieving and maintaining compliance.
By obtaining Nadcap accreditation, your company gains a competitive advantage and reinforces its position as a trusted, high-performing supplier in the aerospace industry.
EAN: Nadcap's Digital Hub
The EAN platform (formerly known as eAuditNet) is PRI’s secure, web-based system that supports every phase of Nadcap accreditation.
Platform Capabilities:
- Audit scheduling and document submission
- Non-Conformance Report (NCR) tracking and resolution
- Supplier profiles and history
- Accreditation certificates and the Qualified Manufacturers List (QML)
- Program metrics, analytics, and collaborative decision-making tools
EAN serves as the system of record and communication backbone for all Nadcap stakeholders—ensuring audit transparency, data integrity, and real-time supply chain visibility.
Upcoming Nadcap Meetings
Get Involved
For Suppliers:
Gain global recognition, reduce duplicate audits, and improve your quality management systems.
For OEMs:
Join as a Subscriber to influence Audit Criteria and directly shape global quality assurance standards.
For Industry Experts:
Contribute to the development of audit content or apply to serve as a Nadcap auditor.
Connect with Nadcap
Contact Us
Email: PRINadcap@p-r-i.org
Telephone:
Americas: +1 724 772 1616
Asia: +86 10 6463 6008
Europe: +44 870 350 5011
- Content
Connect with Nadcap
Become a Supplier >
Join as a Subscriber >
Connect with Nadcap on Linkedin
- Content
