ASME NQA-1 Part I defines eighteen basic requirements for a nuclear quality-assurance program, mapping closely to the eighteen criteria of 10 CFR 50 Appendix B. Use this interactive checklist to work through each requirement, mark where your program stands, capture notes, and export a readiness report. For the full explainer, see NQA-1 Explained. New to the process? See how to become NQA-1 qualified.
Note: This tool is an orientation and self-assessment aid, not a compliance determination. A formal NQA-1 program is verified through audits by a customer, a joint audit body (such as NUPIC), or a qualified third party. Descriptions below are plain-language summaries of the standard's intent.
Not sure what a requirement means? Each item includes a plain-language summary and a “what auditors look for” cue. For deeper detail, see NQA-1 Explained.
Defines the QA organizational structure and assigns responsibility and authority for quality, with enough independence from cost and schedule pressure to act.
What auditors look for: documented authority, org chart, QA independence
Establishes and documents a planned QA program, with personnel indoctrinated and trained to the activities they perform.
What auditors look for: written program, training & indoctrination records
Controls design inputs, processes, and outputs; verifies the design by independent review, alternate calculation, or test; and controls design changes.
What auditors look for: design verification records, independent reviews, change control
Ensures applicable technical and quality requirements are correctly stated and flowed down into procurement documents.
What auditors look for: POs cite requirements, technical & QA reqs flowed down
Activities affecting quality are prescribed by and performed to documented instructions, procedures, or drawings that include acceptance criteria.
What auditors look for: procedures govern work, quantitative acceptance criteria
Controls the issue and revision of documents so that the correct, current versions are used where the work is done.
What auditors look for: controlled distribution, current revisions at point of use
Evaluates and selects suppliers, controls procurement, and verifies purchased items and services conform before use.
What auditors look for: approved supplier list, supplier audits, receipt inspection
Maintains identification and traceability of items from receipt through fabrication, installation, and use to prevent mix-ups.
What auditors look for: markings/tags, heat & lot traceability
Controls special processes such as welding, heat treating, and NDE using qualified procedures and qualified personnel.
What auditors look for: qualified procedures & personnel, process records
Verifies conformance to acceptance criteria through inspections planned and executed by qualified, independent inspectors.
What auditors look for: inspection plans, qualified inspectors, hold points
Demonstrates that items and systems perform satisfactorily through testing to written procedures with defined acceptance criteria.
What auditors look for: test procedures, prerequisites, documented results
Ensures measuring and test equipment is calibrated, of proper range and accuracy, and traceable to recognized standards.
What auditors look for: calibration records, traceability, out-of-cal evaluation
Controls handling, storage, cleaning, packaging, and shipping to prevent damage, loss, or deterioration of items.
What auditors look for: handling instructions, storage levels, preservation
Indicates the inspection, test, and operating status of items to prevent inadvertent use or bypass of required steps.
What auditors look for: status tags/labels/stamps, control of status indicators
Identifies, documents, segregates, and dispositions items that do not conform to requirements to prevent inadvertent use.
What auditors look for: NCR process, segregation, disposition authority
Identifies and corrects conditions adverse to quality; for significant conditions, determines the root cause and prevents recurrence.
What auditors look for: corrective action program, root-cause for significant conditions
Specifies, authenticates, retains, and protects QA records so they are complete, retrievable, and safe from loss or damage.
What auditors look for: records controls, retention & storage, retrievability
Verifies through planned, periodic audits that the QA program is effective and being followed, with findings tracked to closure.
What auditors look for: audit schedule, independent trained auditors, findings closure
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Related reading: NQA-1 Explained · Commercial Grade Dedication · Nuclear Supply Chain Bottleneck