Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
IPC-1710 Complete Guide: How to Qualify & Evaluate PCB Suppliers with MQP
Qualifying PCB suppliers is one of the most time-consuming tasks in electronics procurement. Every OEM has their own questionnaire, every quality engineer wants to audit differently, and every supplier spends countless hours filling out redundant documentation. The result? Manufacturers drowning in paperwork while customers still struggle to compare suppliers objectively.
IPC-1710 was created to solve exactly this problem. The Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile (MQP) provides a standardized framework that both OEMs and PCB fabricators can use to document, evaluate, and communicate manufacturing capabilities. After years of managing supplier qualification programs, I can say that IPC-1710 has transformed how we approach vendor assessment—reducing audit frequency while actually improving the quality of information we receive.
IPC-1710, officially titled “OEM Standard for Printed Board Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile,” establishes a standardized template for documenting PCB manufacturer capabilities, quality systems, and technical competencies. Developed by the OEM Council of IPC, the current revision is IPC-1710A, released in July 2004.
The standard consists of a 49-page Microsoft Word template that manufacturers complete to create their Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile (MQP). This electronic format enables easy updating, sharing, and comparison of supplier information across the industry.
IPC-1710 Standard Overview
Attribute
Details
Full title
OEM Standard for Printed Board Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile
Current revision
IPC-1710A (July 2004)
Pages
49 pages
Format
Microsoft Word template
Developed by
IPC OEM Council
Purpose
Standardized PCB supplier qualification and evaluation
The genius of IPC-1710 is its simplicity: one document, maintained by the manufacturer, that answers the questions every customer asks. Instead of responding to dozens of different supplier questionnaires, manufacturers complete and maintain a single MQP that satisfies most customer requirements.
Why IPC-1710 Matters for PCB Supply Chain
The traditional supplier qualification process creates burden on both sides of the relationship. OEMs send lengthy questionnaires; manufacturers spend days completing them. Customers schedule audits; suppliers prepare documentation. This cycle repeats with every new customer and often annually with existing ones.
Problems IPC-1710 Solves
Traditional Approach
IPC-1710 MQP Approach
Each customer sends unique questionnaire
One standardized profile answers most questions
Manufacturers complete redundant documentation
Single document maintained and shared
Subjective evaluation criteria
Standardized capability assessment
Frequent on-site audits required
Reduced audit frequency with documented profile
Difficult to compare suppliers
Consistent format enables objective comparison
Information becomes outdated quickly
Electronic template easily updated
Benefits for OEMs and Procurement
Benefit
Impact
Standardized evaluation
Compare suppliers using consistent criteria
Reduced audit costs
Less frequent on-site visits needed
Faster qualification
Pre-populated profiles accelerate assessment
Better documentation
Comprehensive capability information on file
Risk identification
Quality system gaps visible before problems occur
Benefits for PCB Manufacturers
Benefit
Impact
Reduced paperwork
One profile satisfies multiple customers
Streamlined audits
Well-documented MQP reduces audit scope
Marketing tool
Demonstrates capabilities to prospects
Continuous improvement
Profile maintenance drives internal assessment
Competitive differentiation
Complete MQP signals professionalism
IPC-1710 MQP Structure and Sections
The Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile is organized into logical sections that comprehensively document a PCB manufacturer’s operations, capabilities, and quality systems.
Section 1: Site Description
The site description provides basic information about the manufacturing facility.
Information Category
Details Documented
Company identification
Name, address, contact information
Facility overview
Square footage, employees, shifts
Ownership structure
Parent company, subsidiaries
Business focus
Market segments served
Certifications held
ISO, AS9100, IATF 16949, etc.
Years in business
Operational history
Section 2: Quality Profile
The quality profile is the heart of IPC-1710, documenting the manufacturer’s Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation across twenty categories.
Quality Category
What It Covers
Quality policy
Documented policy, management commitment
Organization
Quality department structure, authority
Training
Employee training programs, certification
Documentation
Work instructions, procedures, control
SPC implementation
Statistical process control maturity
Supplier programs
Incoming material controls, supplier ratings
Instrument controls
Calibration program, measurement systems
ISO certification
Registration status, scope, registrar
Internal audits
Audit program, frequency, corrective action
Customer feedback
Complaint handling, satisfaction measurement
Section 3: Manufacturing Capabilities
This section documents the technical capabilities of the facility.
Capability Area
Information Provided
Board types
Rigid, flex, rigid-flex, HDI, metal core
Layer count
Minimum and maximum layers
Board dimensions
Panel sizes, minimum/maximum
Line width/spacing
Minimum trace and space
Hole sizes
Drill capabilities, aspect ratios
Surface finishes
HASL, ENIG, OSP, immersion silver, etc.
Special processes
Blind/buried vias, sequential lamination
Materials qualified
Laminates, prepregs, copper weights
Section 4: Equipment List
IPC-1710 requires documentation of major manufacturing equipment.
The quality profile section uses a maturity model approach, documenting progress across twenty Total Quality Management categories. Each category includes multiple questions with scaled responses indicating implementation level.
TQM Implementation Categories
Category
Focus Area
A. Quality Policy
Policy documentation, communication, review
B. Quality Organization
Structure, authority, resources
C. Training
Programs, certification, effectiveness
D. Work Instructions
Documentation, control, accessibility
E. SPC Implementation
Training, processes monitored, capability
F. Supplier Programs
Rating, controls, development
G. Instrument Controls
Calibration, MSA, traceability
H. ISO Registration
Certification status, scope
I. Internal Audit
Program, frequency, follow-up
J. Corrective Action
System, root cause, effectiveness
K. Document Control
Procedures, revision control
L. Management Review
Frequency, metrics, action
M. Design Control
If applicable to operations
N. Process Control
Monitoring, parameters, validation
O. Inspection/Test
In-process, final, equipment
P. Nonconforming Material
Identification, segregation, disposition
Q. Handling/Storage
Per IPC-1601 compliance
R. Quality Records
Retention, accessibility, protection
S. Customer Satisfaction
Measurement, feedback, improvement
T. Continuous Improvement
Programs, metrics, culture
Maturity Level Indicators
Each category uses scaled responses to indicate implementation maturity:
Level
Description
Typical Indicators
Level 1
Initial/Planned
Program planned or just starting
Level 2
Developing
10-25% implementation
Level 3
Defined
25-50% implementation
Level 4
Managed
50-75% implementation
Level 5
Optimized
75-100% implementation, continuous improvement
This approach allows OEMs to quickly assess quality system maturity without lengthy audit processes.
How OEMs Use IPC-1710 for Supplier Evaluation
Original Equipment Manufacturers and contract manufacturers use IPC-1710 MQPs as a primary tool in their supplier qualification and management programs.
Supplier Qualification Process
Phase
IPC-1710 Role
Initial screening
Review MQP for capability fit
Detailed evaluation
Assess quality profile maturity
Gap identification
Identify areas requiring improvement
Audit planning
Focus on-site audit on MQP gaps
Approval decision
Document basis for qualification
Ongoing monitoring
Track MQP updates and changes
Evaluation Criteria Framework
Criteria Category
Weight (Typical)
MQP Sections Used
Quality systems
30-40%
Quality profile, certifications
Technical capability
25-35%
Manufacturing capabilities
Capacity/delivery
15-20%
Capacity, equipment list
Financial stability
10-15%
Site description, ownership
Continuous improvement
5-10%
TQM categories, trends
Red Flags in MQP Review
Warning Sign
Concern
Incomplete sections
Lack of transparency or organization
Outdated information
Poor document control
No ISO certification
Quality system immaturity
Limited SPC implementation
Process control concerns
Weak supplier controls
Material quality risks
No calibration program
Measurement reliability issues
How PCB Manufacturers Complete the MQP
For PCB fabricators, maintaining an accurate and comprehensive IPC-1710 MQP is both a customer requirement and a competitive advantage.
Best Practices for MQP Completion
Practice
Rationale
Assign ownership
Designate responsible person for maintenance
Be accurate
Overstating capabilities backfires during audits
Update regularly
Review quarterly, update when changes occur
Include evidence
Reference certifications, procedures, records
Be specific
Vague answers invite more questions
Address gaps honestly
Acknowledge areas under development
Common Completion Mistakes
Mistake
Consequence
Copying another company’s MQP
Inaccurate, discovered during audit
Overstating capabilities
Customer disappointment, disqualification
Leaving sections blank
Appears incomplete, raises concerns
Not updating after changes
Outdated information, trust issues
Generic responses
Doesn’t differentiate from competitors
MQP Maintenance Schedule
Activity
Frequency
Review for accuracy
Quarterly
Update after certifications
Immediately
Update after equipment changes
Within 30 days
Update after process changes
Within 30 days
Complete revision review
Annually
Distribute to customers
Upon request or annual update
IPC-1710 and Related Standards
IPC-1710 works within a broader ecosystem of IPC quality and performance standards.
Standards That Reference IPC-1710
Standard
Relationship
IPC-6011
Generic performance specification references MQP for supplier qualification
IPC-6012
Rigid board qualification may use MQP for supplier assessment
EN 16602-70-60
Space product assurance PCB qualification references IPC-1710
Complementary Certifications
Certification
Focus
MQP Relationship
ISO 9001
Quality management system
Documented in MQP, reduces audit scope
AS9100
Aerospace quality
Higher-tier certification noted in MQP
IATF 16949
Automotive quality
Automotive-specific requirements
NADCAP
Special process accreditation
Documented in certifications section
IPC-6012 Class 3
High-reliability PCB
Capability documented in MQP
IPC-1710 vs. Customer-Specific Questionnaires
Aspect
IPC-1710 MQP
Custom Questionnaires
Standardization
Industry-wide format
Varies by customer
Maintenance
One document to update
Multiple versions to maintain
Completeness
Comprehensive coverage
May miss important areas
Comparison
Enables supplier comparison
Difficult to compare
Acceptance
Widely recognized
Customer-specific only
Implementing IPC-1710 in Your Organization
Whether you’re an OEM implementing supplier qualification or a manufacturer completing your MQP, a structured approach ensures success.
For OEMs: Implementation Steps
Step
Action
1. Adopt the standard
Obtain IPC-1710A, train procurement/quality staff
2. Establish requirements
Define minimum MQP requirements for approval
3. Communicate to suppliers
Request MQP from current and prospective suppliers
4. Develop evaluation criteria
Create scoring system based on MQP sections
5. Integrate with audits
Use MQP to focus audit activities
6. Maintain supplier files
Store and track MQP updates
For Manufacturers: Implementation Steps
Step
Action
1. Obtain the template
Purchase IPC-1710A from IPC
2. Assign responsibility
Quality manager typically owns MQP
3. Gather information
Collect data for each section
4. Complete accurately
Fill in all applicable sections honestly
5. Review internally
Have management review before distribution
6. Distribute to customers
Provide upon request, post on website
7. Maintain current
Update as changes occur
Frequently Asked Questions About IPC-1710
What is the difference between IPC-1710 and a supplier audit?
IPC-1710 provides documented information about a manufacturer’s capabilities and quality systems, while an audit involves on-site verification of those claims. The MQP doesn’t replace audits but significantly reduces their scope and frequency. When a supplier maintains a comprehensive, accurate IPC-1710 MQP, auditors can focus their limited on-site time verifying critical areas rather than gathering basic information. Many OEMs use the MQP to determine whether an audit is needed at all, reserving on-site visits for high-risk suppliers or those with incomplete profiles.
Is IPC-1710 certification required to supply PCBs?
No, IPC-1710 is not a certification—it’s a documentation standard. There’s no “IPC-1710 certified” status. The standard provides a template for manufacturers to document their capabilities, which customers then evaluate against their requirements. However, many OEMs, particularly in aerospace, defense, and automotive, require suppliers to maintain a current IPC-1710 MQP as part of their approved supplier program. While not mandatory, having a complete MQP demonstrates professionalism and facilitates customer qualification processes.
How often should the MQP be updated?
IPC-1710 MQPs should be reviewed quarterly and updated whenever significant changes occur. Major updates that require immediate revision include new certifications or certification lapses, significant equipment additions or removals, capability changes (new processes, discontinued processes), organizational changes affecting quality, and facility moves or expansions. Annual comprehensive reviews ensure nothing is missed, but waiting a full year between updates often results in outdated information that undermines the document’s value.
Can IPC-1710 replace ISO 9001 certification?
No, IPC-1710 and ISO 9001 serve different purposes. ISO 9001 is a quality management system certification that requires third-party audit and registration. IPC-1710 is a self-reported documentation of capabilities and quality systems. However, they complement each other well. The MQP includes a section documenting ISO certification status, and having ISO 9001 certification typically satisfies many of the quality system questions in the MQP. Most OEMs require both: ISO certification as a baseline quality system requirement and the MQP for detailed capability assessment.
Is IPC-1710 applicable to PCB assembly (PCBA) suppliers?
IPC-1710 was specifically designed for bare printed board manufacturers, not assembly operations. For PCB assembly suppliers, the equivalent document would be company-specific or based on other standards. However, many EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) companies that offer both fabrication and assembly maintain separate qualification documents for each operation. Some have adapted the IPC-1710 format for their assembly operations, though this isn’t officially part of the standard. For assembly supplier qualification, look to standards like IPC-A-610 for workmanship and J-STD-001 for soldering requirements.
Conclusion: Making IPC-1710 Work for Your Supply Chain
The IPC-1710 Manufacturers’ Qualification Profile represents the industry’s best solution for standardizing PCB supplier qualification. For OEMs, it provides a consistent framework for evaluating and comparing suppliers while reducing audit burden. For manufacturers, it offers an efficient way to document capabilities and satisfy customer requirements with a single, maintainable document.
Key success factors for implementation:
Adopt the standard formally—make IPC-1710 MQP part of your supplier qualification requirements
Train your team—ensure procurement and quality personnel understand how to evaluate MQPs
Set clear expectations—communicate MQP requirements to suppliers
Maintain currency—outdated profiles lose their value quickly
Integrate with audits—use MQP information to focus audit activities
Drive continuous improvement—track quality profile maturity over time
The investment in implementing IPC-1710 pays dividends through reduced qualification costs, better supplier information, and more efficient supply chain management. In an industry where quality and reliability are paramount, having a standardized approach to supplier qualification isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.
Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
