In 1990, Nadcap® began as a bold idea: bringing the aviation, defense, and space (ADS) industry together to create a unified approach to critical process accreditation. At its launch, Nadcap accredited just four processes. The goal was simple yet ambitious: reduce duplication, increase quality, and set a higher standard for the global supply chain. 

Nadcap now offers 24 distinct critical process accreditations, with two more currently in development, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of industry needs. 

From a Focused Beginning to Global Reach
Those first four accreditations, rooted in the most essential processes for product safety and reliability, laid the groundwork for a program built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Over the decades, new accreditations have been developed to keep pace with evolving technologies, advanced materials, and emerging manufacturing methods. 

The expansion from 4 to 24 critical processes reflects more than just growth. It represents the industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Nadcap accreditations now cover areas ranging from Heat Treating and Composites to Additive Manufacturing and Measurement & Inspection, helping ensure that products meet the highest standards at every stage of production. 

Innovation as a Guiding Principle
Each new accreditation is born from a blend of technical expertise and forward thinking. Task Groups identify emerging needs and develop new Audit Criteria that address them. This proactive approach has allowed Nadcap to anticipate changes in technology and regulation, ensuring that suppliers are not just keeping up, but staying ahead. 

Recent developments include accreditations for advanced manufacturing techniques and work underway on processes like powder bed fusion of non-metallic materials, a clear sign that Nadcap’s commitment to innovation is as strong today as it was in 1990. 

Moving the Industry Forward Together
Nadcap’s success over the past 35 years has been possible because of the collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, and technical experts around the globe. The program’s industry-managed approach ensures that accreditation criteria are developed by the people who know the processes best, those who use and innovate them daily. 

From the first four accreditations to the nearly two dozen available today, Nadcap has evolved into a comprehensive quality assurance system that touches nearly every corner of the ADS supply chain. By promoting consistency, reducing redundancy, and enabling global recognition of accredited suppliers, Nadcap continues to move the industry forward together. 

Looking Ahead
As Nadcap celebrates its 35th anniversary, the focus remains on the future: identifying new technologies, refining existing processes, and ensuring the ADS industry has the tools and oversight needed to maintain excellence. The expansion from 4 to 24 critical processes is not the end of the journey; it’s a milestone in an ongoing mission to drive innovation, strengthen the supply chain, and shape the future of quality.