In the manufacturing of modern vehicles, the technical cleanliness of components and subassemblies is an important functional feature of quality.

VDA Volume 19.1 “Inspection of Technical Cleanliness – Particulate contamination of functionally-relevant automotive components” addresses in detail the methods and procedures which are implemented to characterize the cleanliness state of products in the quality chain of the automotive industry. VDA Volume 19 was first introduced by the VDA QMC in 2005 and was available in a completely revised and extended form as VDA 19.1 from 2015 onwards. The second completely revised, extended and current version was published in 2026.

Participants in the 4-hour training course will receive the relevant information on testing technical cleanliness using current technical and methodological approaches as update for the content of VDA 19.1 (2026). This upgrade training covers only the new features and changes introduced by VDA 19.1 (2026) compared to VDA 19.1 (2015). Participants are assumed to have knowledge of the content of VDA 19.1 (2015), which will not be covered in this training.

Theoretical principles

• Background information on the revision of VDA 19.1 (2015)
• New, dry extraction methods and adjusted starting parameters
• Current status of the analytical methods used and the new SEM/EDX standard analysis
• Methodological improvements in the qualification of cleanliness inspection through declining tests, blank value testing, and particle recovery
• New case examples and support for the accreditation of test methods
• Current information on the creation of cleanliness specifications and the test strategy

Insight into laboratory practices

To illustrate the changes and innovations in the field of extraction and analysis in a practical way,
film sequences are integrated into the corresponding presentations, so that participants can gain a direct insight into the application of the technologies and methods in the laboratory.

People who conduct cleanliness inspections in the automotive and supplier industries or as service providers, and who have successfully completed the “VDA 19.1 Inspector for Technical Cleanliness” or “VDA 19.1 Skilled Assistant for Technical Cleanliness” training. This upgrade training is a prerequisite that cleanliness tests can continue to be carried out in accordance with VDA 19.1 (2026).

Completed qualification as “VDA 19.1 Inspector for Technical Cleanliness” or “VDA 19.1 Skilled Assistant for Technical Cleanliness”.

After passing the knowledge test (single choice test) you will receive a certificate of qualification.

Together with the existing certificate “VDA 19.1 Inspector for Technical Cleanliness” or “VDA 19.1 Skilled Assistant for Technical Cleanliness”, this proves the updated training status.