> CQI Standards > CQI-9
> CQI Standards > CQI-9
The AIAG CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment is used to systematically evaluate heat treatment processes throughout the automotive supply chain. It enables companies to assess whether their processes are effectively controlled, applicable requirements are fulfilled, and heat treatment risks are reliably managed.
The application of CQI-9 may result from customer-specific requirements, quality agreements, or contractual obligations. It is relevant both to companies that perform heat treatment processes themselves and to customers and suppliers that outsource or assess these processes within their supply chains.
TopQM-Systems supports you with CQI-9 training, auditor qualification, GAP analyses, internal audits, and supplier audits – worldwide, practical, and tailored to your processes.
The CQI-9 4th Edition was published in June 2020 and remains the current available edition of the Heat Treat System Assessment. It contains requirements, assessment criteria, Job Audits, and Process Tables for various heat treatment processes.
The CQI-9 4th Edition is available through the TopQM-Systems AIAG Webshop in German and English. Depending on the selected product version, it can be purchased as an e-document or hard copy with the corresponding assessment.
At the AIAG Quality Summit on September 23–24, 2026, detailed insights into the upcoming CQI-9 5th Edition were presented. The announced updates include three additional heat treatment processes, new and expanded assessment questions, revised pyrometry requirements and a structured action plan with automation functionality.
According to AIAG information available to us, publication has been postponed and is now expected in the first quarter of 2027. We currently have no publicly confirmed, binding publication date. Until publication, CQI-9 4th Edition remains the current available edition.
TopQM-Systems is preparing free information sessions and update training. Training and assessment content will be updated following publication of the final edition.
We are official licensed partner of the AIAG in Europe for Distribution and Trainings.
TopQM-Systems is an official AIAG distribution partner in Europe and the only official distributor in Germany.
CQI-9 is an assessment standard developed by AIAG for heat treatment processes in the automotive industry. It helps companies systematically evaluate requirements relating to process control, equipment, inspections, documentation, and responsibilities.
The assessment focuses on the reliable control of heat treatment processes, defect prevention, and the continuous improvement of process quality.
CQI-9 complements existing quality management systems such as IATF 16949. The specific obligation to apply CQI-9 generally results from OEM customer-specific requirements, quality agreements, or contractual obligations within the supply chain.
CQI-9 is particularly relevant to companies that perform, commission, or assess heat treatment processes for the automotive industry.
Typical target groups include:
Companies without their own heat treatment facilities should also determine whether CQI-9 is required by their customers or within their supply chains.
If CQI-9 applies due to customer-specific requirements or contractual agreements, the Self-Assessment is generally conducted at least once a year.
Additional assessments may be required, for example:
The current CQI-9 edition, applicable customer-specific requirements, and contractual agreements must always be taken into account.
The CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment consists of overarching system requirements, a Job Audit, and process-specific Process Tables.
The first section documents essential information about the company and the assessment:
The system requirements cover areas including:
The Job Audit evaluates the practical implementation of the requirements using a specific product or production order.
The assessment covers areas including:
The applicable Process Tables must be included in the assessment depending on the heat treatment processes used.
The Process Tables relevant to a company depend on the heat treatment processes used, the products concerned, and the applicable customer-specific requirements.
TopQM-Systems supports companies and their suppliers in assessing and improving their heat treatment processes in accordance with CQI-9.
Our experienced CQI auditors conduct assessments and audits worldwide – on site and, where technically appropriate and permitted by customer-specific requirements, remotely or in a hybrid format.
Our services include:
The objective is not merely to complete an assessment. The decisive factor is that requirements are understood, risks are identified, and improvements are effectively implemented within the heat treatment processes.
TopQM-Systems provides practical and application-focused training on the requirements of the CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment.
Our CQI-9 training is designed for employees working in quality management, production, process development, quality assurance, and supplier management, as well as internal auditors and supplier auditors.
Our training portfolio includes:
The training can be tailored to your company’s existing processes, heat treatment methods, and customer-specific requirements.
TopQM-Systems has been supporting companies in the application of AIAG CQI Special Process Assessments for many years.
You benefit from:
CQI-9 is not an independent certification standard. It is an assessment used to evaluate heat treatment processes. However, its application may be mandatory due to customer-specific requirements or contractual agreements.
CQI-9 is not a direct requirement that automatically applies to every IATF 16949-certified company. The obligation to apply it generally results from customer-specific requirements, quality agreements, or contractual obligations.
Yes, if CQI-9 is required by the customer or within the supply chain. Companies that outsource heat treatment processes must also ensure that the relevant requirements are considered by their subcontractors.
Individual parts of an audit may be conducted remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on the objective, scope, and applicable customer-specific requirements. However, because CQI-9 evaluates equipment, processes, inspections, and practical implementation, at least part of the assessment will often need to be conducted on site.
CQI-9 4th Edition remains the current available edition. According to AIAG information available to us, the announced 5th Edition is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2027. We currently have no publicly confirmed, binding publication date.
The current CQI-9 edition can be purchased through the TopQM-Systems AIAG Webshop. Depending on availability, German and English e-documents and hard-copy editions are available.
Would you like to assess your heat treatment processes in accordance with CQI-9, prepare a Self-Assessment, or qualify your internal and supplier auditors?
TopQM-Systems supports you with CQI-9 training, GAP analyses, audits, and practical implementation support – for individual sites as well as international supply chains.
