
What Is Nadcap Accreditation?
Nadcap accreditation is a global mark of excellence that signifies compliance with rigorous aerospace industry requirements for critical processes and products. Managed by the Performance Review Institute (PRI), Nadcap accreditation is recognized and required by the world’s leading aerospace, defense, and space companies.
Only companies that meet strict technical standards and demonstrate robust quality systems achieve Nadcap accreditation.
Why become accredited?
Achieving Nadcap accreditation sets your organization apart by:
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Demonstrating conformance to industry-driven requirements
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Reducing the need for multiple audits from different customers
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Enhancing customer confidence and market competitiveness
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Strengthening internal quality and process control systems
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Opening doors to work with major OEMs
Nadcap accreditation is intended for companies that perform critical processes or product-related services in the aerospace and defense supply chain, including:
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Heat treating
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Chemical processing
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Non-destructive testing (NDT)
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And more
These processes are critical to product safety and reliability and require third-party oversight.

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Nadcap: A Global Standard

Nadcap embodies a vision aimed at creating a world-class supply base for the global Aviation, Space, and Defense (ASD) sector through an efficient industry-managed accreditation process. By uniting Industry and Government experts to collaborate on standard auditing criteria, Nadcap establishes rigorous accreditation criteria, audits suppliers, and defines operational guidelines to ensure the highest level of quality in the supply chain. This collaborative effort seeks to streamline quality assurance processes, minimize redundancy at both the supplier and OEM level, and optimize efficiency, thus enhancing supply chain oversight and resiliency.
Through critical process audits, conducted by subject matter experts approved by program stakeholders, Nadcap elevates supplier quality, ensures standardization, and drives cost savings. Our vision ensures that OEMs benefit from regular audits while alleviating the burden on suppliers, ultimately contributing to the reduction of risk throughout the industry. Nadcap offers 26 critical process accreditations, including historic special processes such as, Nondesctructive Testing, Heat Treating, Chemical processes, but has evolved into critical process oversight for the industry, such as Printed Board Assemblies (PBA), Materials Testing laboratories, and Measurement & Inspection.To be industry managed means that the management, oversight, and decision-making processes are primarily driven by representatives from the participating OEM’s This industry-managed approach ensures that the accreditation program remains relevant and responsive to the specific needs andcy requirements of the OEMs and the ADS industry.
The Nadcap Accreditation Process
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Review audit criteria
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Complete a self-assessment
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Access guidance materials via EAN
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Start the Process
Interested in becoming Nadcap accredited?
Check out the How to Get Started Page or reach out to PRI.
Nadcap Critical Process Accreditations

Evolution of Aircraft Assembly: Automation, Oversight, Accreditation Aircraft assembly has evolved from manual to automated processes, involving complex subcontracting among OEMs and suppliers across tiers. The ASA Task Group ensures compliance, shifting inspections from inspectors to operators. With growing complexity, the Nadcap® ASA accreditation program, established in 2017, oversees over 40 suppliers yearly, emphasizing industry commitment to compliance and growth.

Additive Manufacturing

Aerospace Quality System

Chemical Processing

Coatings

Conventional Machining as a Special Process

Elastomer Seals

Electronics - Cable and Harness Assemblies

Electronics - Printed Board Assemblies

Electronics – Printed Boards

First Article Inspection

Fluid Distribution Systems

Fundamental Aerospace Quality System

Heat Treating

Materials Testing Laboratories

Non Metallic Materials Manufacturing

Non Metallic Materials Testing

NonDestructive Testing

Sealants

Surface Enhancement

Welding



