2024 AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training Schedule

Course Date Location Registration Links
AAR Quality Auditor and Industry Conference February 25-27 Phoenix, AZ PENDING
Basic Auditor Training Class May 21-23 San Diego, CA QA-BAT-May 2024-San Diego
July 16-18 New Orleans, LA QA-BAT-July 2024-New Orleans
October 22-24 Nashville, TN QA-BAT-October 2024-Nashville
Advanced Auditor Training Class June 4-6 Indianapolis, IN QA-AAT-June 2024-Indianapolis
June 18-20 Saltillo, Mexico (Spanish) QA-AAT-June 2024-Saltillo
August 6-8 Pueblo, CO QA-AAT-August 2024-Pueblo
November 5-7 Lincoln, NE QA-AAT-November 2024-Lincoln
Root Cause Analysis Class August 27-28 Guadalajara, Mexico (Spanish) QA-RCA-August 2024-Guadalajara
November 19-20 Pueblo, CO QA-RCA-November 2024-Pueblo

M-1003 Basic Auditor Training Class - In-person:

The M-1003 Basic Auditor Training is intended to improve the participant’s knowledge, background, and skills needed in conducting M-1003 internal or external audits. This course provides a thorough review of the M-1003 requirements; development of an organization’s Quality Assurance Manual/Procedures; and administration of a facilities audit program.   Personal auditing experience is gained through active interaction in class discussions. 
Cost $1200.


M-1003 Advanced Auditor Training Class – In-person:

The M-1003 Advanced Auditor Training Seminar is designed for those parties seeking in-depth training in AAR Quality Assurance Program auditing techniques and practices.  Attendees must have attended the AAR Basic Auditor Training seminar.  The attendee must have performed at least one internal or external audit prior to attending the seminar.  The course will include: case study work, a detailed quality assurance manual review using the QAPE checklist, and various role-playing activities.  Hands-on experience is obtained though participation in an on-site compliance audit.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for this class including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel toe shoes.
Cost $1,200.


Root Cause & Corrective Action Class - In-person:

The Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action course is an interactive two-day training program and is designed to improve the problem-solving skills of employees by promoting the understanding of the processes and techniques used for effective root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.  The intent is to enhance awareness of the underlying causes of problems that negatively impact many organizations' operations, quality, and profitability.  Instructors will utilize lectures, group discussions, hands-on exercises, and other interactive activities to develop the knowledge and skills of the attendees.
Cost $860.


When is the next QA Conference?

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) is currently planning the 37th Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor & Industry Conference. Tentatively scheduled for February 25-27, 2025 in Phoenix Arizona.

How do I pay for the Training Courses? 

To students for AAR M-1003 Classes:

Please note that for payment, credit card is always preferred.  If a purchase order is the only available method for payment, all terms and conditions of the purchase order MUST be removed prior to submission.  If terms and conditions remain, the registration will be voided.

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A los estudiantes para las clases AAR M-1003:

Tenga en cuenta que para el pago, siempre se prefiere que se haga con tarjeta de crédito. Si una orden de compra es el único método disponible para el pago, DEBEN eliminarse todos los términos y condiciones de la orden de compra antes de enviarla. Si los términos y condiciones permanecen, el registro será nulo.

What is the cost of the M-1003 Training Courses?

The three-day M-1003 Basic and Advanced Auditor Training Courses cost $1,200.00 The two-day Root Cause and Corrective Course costs $860.00. All classes include continental breakfast and full lunch each day.

Who should attend the M-1003 Training Courses?

The courses are ideal for the following people: • Any individual requiring a working knowledge and understanding of the M-1003 Specification for Quality Assurance • Quality professionals and consultants that are new to the railroad industry. • Railroad industry quality managers and supervisors responsible for training internal QA auditors and implementing a Quality Management System.

How do I register for an M-1003 Training Course?

An AAR Circular Letter will be released when event registration has opened.

2024 QA Conference Presentations

  1. Opening Remarks - Sanjay Varma
  2. Featured Speaker - MxV Rail Update - Kari Gonzales
  3. Audit Quality Task Force Update - Karen Carriere
  4. Workshop Information - Tony Parolisi
  5. Automated Single Car Airbrake Test Device - Mark Michel
  6. FRA Update - Larry Strouse
  7. Benefits of an Effictive Training Program - Jim Dinell and Gary Alderson
  8. QAPE Checklist & Auditor Survey - Tom Cavanaugh and Gordana Halvadzija
  9. AAR Update - Nichole Fimple
  10. Tank Car Committee Update - Ken Dorsey and Joe McCann
  11. Auditing to Multiple Standards - Josh Paserba
  12. Featured Speaker - Railway Supply Institute - Patti Long
  13. IIRX Database - Mark Rusovick
  14. Improvement and Change Management - Jay Standish
  15. Auditing Change Management 2.19 - John Gronberg
  16. M-1003 2024 Revisions - Chris Gouran and Ray Morgan
  17. 2024 Mandatory Element 2.5 Test Plan - Michael Ruby
  18. 2024 Mandatory Element 2.7 Document Control - Benedict Okine
  19. 2024 Mandatory Element 2.8 M&T Equipment - John Cross
  20. 2024 Mandatory Element 2.21 Internal Audits - Margaret Zero
  21. AAA Brake Systems Committee - Heath Bushel

2023 QA Conference Presentations

  1. Featured Speaker - MxV Rail Update - Kari Gonzales
  2. CSTCC & WABL Committee Update - Dan Gutscher & Dan Carter
  3. Risk Based Approach to Quality - Larry Strouse
  4. Rail Industry Regulatory Structure - Jason Riggs
  5. Technical Inspection vs Quality System Auditing - Mike Yon & Alex Velasco
  6. ANSI Z1.4 Sample Methodology - Steve Geneva
  7. M-1003 Quality Management Program - Gordana Halvadzija
  8. Auditing a Coatings Shop - Ken Campbell
  9. Railway Supply Institute - Donna Jacobi
  10. Advanced Product Quality Planning - Steve Geneva
  11. Featured Speaker – AAR - Ian Jefferies
  12. 2.10 Incoming Inspection - John Gronberg
  13. 2.11 In-process Inspection - Tom Cavanaugh
  14. 2.12 Final Inspection - Brandon Box
  15. 2.21 Internal Quality Audits - Ray Morgan
  16. IIRX Database Accounts - Mark Rusovick
  17. M-1003 Auditee Preparedness - Josh Paserba
  18. Effective Corrective Action Evaluation - Steve Berkshire & Arturo Castanon

2022 QA Conference Presentations

2021 QA Conference Presentations