Reference · Automotive SPICE 4.1
Capability levels, attributes and the rating rule
The grid
Process dimension (PRM): which process is assessed, e.g. MAN.3. Each process has a purpose and outcomes.
Capability dimension: levels 0–5, each made of process attributes (PAs), each PA rated N/P/L/F.
PAM = PRM + indicators (base practices, generic practices, information items). Result: one level per process.
WHAT · HOW · DOING
| WHAT | goals and outcomes: the PAM |
| HOW | method, tools, lifecycle: e.g. Scrum, Jira workflow |
| DOING | one performance: a sprint, a PR, a release |
The assessor maps the HOW and DOING onto the WHAT. The PAM prescribes no order and no document structure.
Levels and attributes
| 0 | Incomplete | none |
| 1 | Performed | PA 1.1 Process performance |
| 2 | Managed | PA 2.1 Performance mgmt PA 2.2 Work product mgmt |
| 3 | Established | PA 3.1 Process definition PA 3.2 Process deployment |
| 4 | Predictable | PA 4.1 Quant. analysis PA 4.2 Quant. control |
| 5 | Innovating | PA 5.1 Innovation PA 5.2 Innovation implementation |
Rating scale
| N | 0–15 % | little or no evidence |
| P | >15–50 % | some; P− to 32.5, P+ to 50 |
| L | >50–85 % | systematic; L− to 67.5, L+ to 85 |
| F | >85–100 % | no significant weaknesses |
The level rule
Level n: every PA at level n is L or F, and every PA below level n is F.
| Level | Needs |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.1 ≥ L |
| 2 | 1.1 = F; 2.1, 2.2 ≥ L |
| 3 | 1.1, 2.1, 2.2 = F; 3.1, 3.2 ≥ L |
Sources
PAM 4.1 Preview (VDA QMC, 2026-04-16): §3 p. 13, Tables 3–4 pp. 17–18, Tables 5–8 pp. 18–19, Table 9 p. 22, Fig. 3 p. 26.
Taught in Lesson 1. Related: generic practices, assessment rules, glossary. Course index.