Skip to content 
NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is the globally recognised accreditation for aerospace special processes — heat treatment, NDT, chemical processing, welding, and composites. A single NADCAP accreditation replaces individual customer audits from dozens of prime contractors, reducing supply chain audit burden and cost for aerospace suppliers who serve multiple OEMs.
NADCAP vs. Customer-Specific Process Qualification: The Core Value Proposition
| Process Area | Without NADCAP | With NADCAP |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Treatment | Customer-specific audit required per contract | Single NADCAP audit accepted by all AAQG subscribers |
| NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) | Individual qualification per customer, recurring audits | NADCAP NAS410-qualified personnel; universally accepted |
| Chemical Processing | Supplier audit required for each prime contractor | Single NADCAP scope covers all AAQG prime subscribers |
| Welding | AWS/customer-specific qualification per program | NADCAP D1.1/D17.1 qualification accepted across primes |
| Coatings (Painting/Primer) | Customer QPL approval required per program | NADCAP approval streamlines multi-customer qualification |
| Nonmetallic Materials Testing | Program-specific approval process | NADCAP testing scope accepted cross-program |
| Fluid Distribution Systems | Customer audit per contract | NADCAP accreditation replaces individual customer audits |
| Electronics Soldering | IPC-7711/7721 per customer | NADCAP scope accepted by AAQG members globally |
| Adhesive Bonding | Engineering approval per program | NADCAP scope covers composites adhesive bonding broadly |
| Composites | Customer engineering approval per lot | NADCAP scope simplifies multi-customer composite programs |
What Is NADCAP and Why It Exists
Before NADCAP was established in 1990, every major aerospace prime contractor — Boeing, Lockheed, General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas, and others — maintained its own approved supplier list for special processes and sent its own auditors to perform facility audits on every supplier performing heat treatment, plating, NDT, or other critical processes. A heat treatment shop that served five prime contractors would receive five separate sets of auditors, each following slightly different audit checklists, each generating its own audit report and corrective action system, and each requiring the supplier’s quality organisation to manage five separate approval relationships.
The redundancy and cost burden of this system was significant on both sides: prime contractors were spending enormous resources auditing the same suppliers repeatedly for the same processes, and suppliers were spending equally large resources hosting audits, responding to different corrective action formats, and maintaining multiple approval databases. NADCAP was the aerospace industry’s collaborative solution: a single neutral third-party audit accepted by all participating prime contractor subscribers, eliminating the need for individual customer process audits.
The Performance Review Institute (PRI), a non-profit organisation based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, administers NADCAP. PRI recruits and trains NADCAP auditors (typically retired aerospace prime contractor quality engineers with deep special process expertise), develops and maintains the audit checklists (called PRI/NADCAP Audit Criteria or PACs) for each commodity, manages the Merit approval system, and maintains the NADCAP database that prime contractor subscribers access to verify supplier accreditation status.
- NADCAP was established in 1990 by major aerospace prime contractors through the AAQG (Americas Aerospace Quality Group)
- Approximately 80 aerospace prime contractor Subscribers accept NADCAP in lieu of individual process audits
- Over 2,000 aerospace suppliers worldwide hold NADCAP accreditation in one or more commodity areas
- PRI (Performance Review Institute) administers NADCAP from Warrendale, Pennsylvania
- NADCAP audit checklists (PACs) are developed collaboratively by prime contractors and supplier representatives through the relevant commodity Task Group
The 10 NADCAP Commodity Areas Explained
NADCAP covers ten primary commodity areas, each with its own audit checklist and Task Group that develops and maintains the requirements. Understanding what each covers is essential for aerospace suppliers determining which accreditations they need:
1. Heat Treatment
NADCAP Heat Treatment accreditation covers all thermal processing operations performed on aerospace structural components: solution heat treating, age hardening, annealing, stress relieving, case hardening, and brazing. The audit checklist covers pyrometry (temperature uniformity surveys per AMS 2750), furnace documentation, load records, process recipes, and personnel qualification. Heat treatment is perhaps the most critical NADCAP commodity because incorrect thermal processing can produce parts that appear dimensionally correct but have compromised fatigue life or corrosion resistance that only manifests in service.
2. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
NADCAP NDT accreditation covers inspection methods including fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), and eddy current testing (ECT). The fundamental requirement is that all NDT personnel performing Level I, II, or III inspections be qualified per NAS 410 (the aerospace NDT personnel certification standard) and that NDT procedures are written to match the specific inspection requirements of the applicable material, geometry, and defect type. NDT is required for any safety-critical structural component where internal or surface defects could cause catastrophic failure.
3. Chemical Processing
Chemical Processing covers surface treatment operations including anodising (Type I, II, III), chromate conversion coating, electroplating (cadmium, nickel, chrome, zinc, copper), electroless nickel plating, chemical etching, and passivation of stainless steel. The audit covers bath chemistry control, anode current density, temperature control, pre-treatment sequence, rinse water quality, and worker PPE. Chemical processing dramatically affects the corrosion resistance and fatigue life of aerospace parts — an incorrect anodise thickness or a plating adhesion failure can cause premature corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement.
4. Welding
NADCAP Welding covers gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW/TIG), gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG), electron beam welding (EBW), laser beam welding (LBW), resistance welding, and friction stir welding on aerospace structural components. The audit covers welder qualification per AWS D17.1 (Specification for Fusion Welding of Aerospace Vehicles), procedure qualification records, base material and filler material traceability, pre-heat, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements.
5. Coatings, 6. Nonmetallic Materials Testing, 7–10. Additional Commodities
Coatings covers organic coating application (primer, topcoat, sealant) for aerospace structure, with the audit covering surface preparation, application procedures, film build measurement, adhesion testing, and coating system QPL (Qualified Products List) compliance. Nonmetallic Materials Testing covers mechanical and physical testing of composites, elastomers, and adhesives in an aerospace lab environment. Fluid Distribution Systems covers fabrication and testing of hydraulic and fuel tubing assemblies. Electronics covers PCB fabrication, wire harness assembly, and soldering. Adhesive Bonding covers structural bonding of composite and metallic structures. Composites covers layup, cure, and inspection of carbon fibre and glass fibre composite structural components.
Who Needs NADCAP Accreditation
Any company performing one or more of the ten commodity processes as a service to aerospace prime contractors or their Tier 1 suppliers, and where the prime contractor’s purchase order quality clause requires NADCAP, needs NADCAP accreditation for the relevant commodity. The key word is “service” — if a company is performing heat treatment or NDT only on parts it manufacturers itself for sale to a non-aerospace customer, NADCAP is not required. The requirement is triggered when an aerospace customer’s purchase order references NADCAP in its quality clause.
Prime contractor quality clauses that trigger NADCAP requirements include: Boeing D1-9000 (General Quality System Requirements), Airbus EN 9100/AIPI 00-00-001, Lockheed Martin LMS-QA-5002, and Raytheon Quality Clauses. These documents flow down from the prime to Tier 1, and Tier 1 may then flow the NADCAP requirement to Tier 2 special process suppliers. If your company performs any special process on parts destined for an aerospace program and the customer references NADCAP in their quality clause, you need accreditation. Verify your specific requirements through the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) or directly with your customer’s supplier quality organisation.
- Trigger: prime contractor purchase order quality clause references NADCAP for your specific process
- Not required: special processes performed only on your own manufactured parts sold to non-aerospace customers
- Tier cascade: if Tier 1 flows NADCAP requirement to Tier 2, the Tier 2 must be NADCAP accredited for the specified process
- Self-assessment: before spending on NADCAP pursuit, confirm with your customer that the specific requirement applies to your scope
The NADCAP Accreditation Process Step by Step
Step 1: Application to PRI. The company submits a formal application to PRI identifying the commodity area(s) for which it is seeking accreditation, the specific processes within each commodity, and contact information. PRI assigns a Supplier Support Representative (SSR) to guide the company through the process.
Step 2: Self-Assessment. The company conducts a self-assessment against the NADCAP Audit Criteria (PAC) for its commodity. PACs are available from PRI and are organised as checklists with yes/no/not applicable responses. The self-assessment identifies gaps between current practice and NADCAP requirements, which become the basis for the corrective action and process documentation work before the audit.
Step 3: Corrective Action and Documentation. Based on the self-assessment findings, the company develops or revises process specifications, control plans, training records, pyrometry records (for heat treatment), bath chemistry records (for chemical processing), procedure qualification records (for welding), and other documentation required by the PAC. This phase is the most resource-intensive part of NADCAP preparation and is where experienced consultants add the most value by knowing exactly what documentation the auditor will look for.
Step 4: Audit. PRI schedules an on-site audit performed by a NADCAP-trained auditor. The audit typically takes one to three days depending on the commodity complexity and facility scope. The auditor works through the PAC systematically, reviewing documentation, observing processes being performed, questioning personnel, and examining physical evidence (calibration records, temperature charts, bath test results, personnel certification cards). Findings are classified as Major (requiring corrective action before approval is granted) or Minor (requiring corrective action within 30 days of approval).
Step 5: Corrective Action Closure. The company submits corrective actions to PRI for review by the relevant Task Group. Major findings must have corrective actions approved before the Merit certificate is issued. Minor findings must be closed within 30 days of Merit status issuance.
Step 6: Merit Status and Subscriber Notification. Once findings are closed and the Task Group approves, PRI issues the Merit accreditation certificate and updates the NADCAP database. The prime contractor subscribers can then see the company’s accreditation status and begin or continue placing purchase orders for the accredited process.
- Timeline: 6–18 months from application to Merit status
- Cost: $15,000–$60,000 per commodity area for small-to-medium suppliers (all-in)
- Annual surveillance audit fees: $3,000–$12,000 per commodity depending on complexity
- Merit status: initial accreditation level; Merit Periodic (18–24 month intervals) rewards consistent performance
How Rapid Precision Supports Programs Requiring NADCAP
Rapid Precision holds AS9100D certification and ITAR registration for its core precision CNC machining operations. CNC machining itself is not a NADCAP commodity — NADCAP applies to the special processes that may accompany precision machined aerospace parts. For programs requiring NADCAP-accredited heat treatment, NDT, or chemical processing, Rapid Precision works with a vetted network of NADCAP-accredited sub-tier special process suppliers, maintaining AS9100D Clause 8.4 externally provided process control across the supply chain.
If your aerospace program requires a machined part that must also undergo heat treatment, anodising, and fluorescent penetrant inspection — all NADCAP processes — Rapid Precision can coordinate the complete processing sequence from raw material through certified machining and NADCAP special processes, delivering a ready-to-install flight-ready component. Contact the Rapid Precision program team to discuss your specific NADCAP sub-tier requirements and how they can be managed within a single program.
Conclusion
NADCAP accreditation is not optional for aerospace suppliers performing special processes on flight-critical hardware — it is the entry ticket to the global aerospace supply chain. The upfront investment of $15,000–$60,000 per commodity and 6–18 months of preparation pays back within one to two years through eliminated individual customer audits and access to programs that were previously out of reach. For aerospace CNC machining programs that need NADCAP-compatible processing, Rapid Precision coordinates certified machining with accredited special process supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NADCAP and who administers it?
NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is a global cooperative accreditation program for aerospace special processes. It is administered by the Performance Review Institute (PRI) in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. NADCAP was established in 1990 by major aerospace prime contractors to reduce the burden of individual supplier audits by creating a single recognised accreditation accepted by all participating customers (called Subscribers), which include Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Honeywell, GE Aviation, and approximately 80 other primes globally.
Which processes require NADCAP accreditation?
NADCAP accreditation is required for special processes that significantly affect part quality and safety but are difficult to verify by inspection of the finished part alone. The primary NADCAP commodity areas are: Heat Treatment, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Chemical Processing (anodising, plating, etching, conversion coating), Welding, Coatings (paint, primer), Nonmetallic Materials Testing, Fluid Distribution Systems, Electronics (soldering, PCB fabrication), Adhesive Bonding, and Composites Manufacturing. The specific processes requiring NADCAP accreditation on a given program are defined by the prime contractor’s quality plan and purchase order quality clauses.
How long does NADCAP accreditation take?
The NADCAP accreditation process typically takes 6 to 18 months from initial application to receiving Merit status (the first level of formal accreditation). Companies with mature existing quality systems and experienced NADCAP consultants can achieve accreditation in 6 to 9 months. The process involves: applying to PRI, a pre-audit self-assessment, preparation of an audit package, an on-site audit by a PRI-authorised auditor, corrective action on findings, and final approval by the relevant NADCAP task group. Surveillance audits occur at intervals of 12 to 18 months.
What is the cost of NADCAP accreditation?
The total cost of achieving NADCAP accreditation for a single commodity area (e.g., Heat Treatment) typically ranges from $15,000 to $60,000 for a small to medium aerospace supplier, including PRI fees, consultant costs, process documentation development, training, and internal quality resource time. Annual audit fees from PRI range from $3,000 to $12,000 per commodity scope depending on company size and complexity. Companies pursuing multiple commodity areas (e.g., Heat Treatment + NDT + Chemical Processing) face proportionally higher costs.
Does Rapid Precision hold NADCAP accreditation?
Rapid Precision holds AS9100D certification and ITAR registration for its CNC machining operations. NADCAP accreditation typically applies to special processes such as heat treatment, chemical processing, and NDT that are separate from primary CNC machining. Rapid Precision coordinates with NADCAP-accredited sub-tier suppliers for any special processes required on aerospace programs, maintaining the supply chain traceability required by AS9100D Clause 8.4. Contact Rapid Precision to discuss specific NADCAP sub-tier supplier requirements for your program.
What is Merit status in NADCAP?
Merit status is the first formal level of NADCAP accreditation, achieved when a supplier completes an initial audit with no major findings and closes all minor findings within the specified corrective action period. Merit-status suppliers undergo audit intervals of 18 months for well-performing companies. Companies that demonstrate exceptional audit results and process stability over multiple audits may progress to Merit Periodic (24-month intervals), which significantly reduces the ongoing audit burden and cost.
