Metric · Embedded Software & Tools
Capability level
In process assessment, a rating of how capable one process is, from level 0, incomplete, to level 5, innovating. Automotive SPICE uses the levels of the ISO/IEC 33000 series.
- Type
- Metric
- Domain
- Embedded Software & Tools, Software process
Overview
A capability level says how well a process is carried out, not how good the product is. It is given per process, so an assessment produces a profile of levels across the processes in scope, which is compared with the target profile the customer set.
How it works
The levels are incomplete, performed, managed, established, predictable and innovating. Each level from 1 upwards adds process attributes: performing the process; managing its performance and its work products; defining and deploying a standard process; analysing and controlling it quantitatively; and improving it.
Assessors rate each attribute on a four-point scale: not, partially, largely or fully achieved. A process reaches a level when that level's attributes are largely or fully achieved and those of the lower levels are fully achieved.
The result holds for the scope and projects assessed, at the time of the assessment, and is reported as the capability profile in the assessment report.
Examples
- Software requirements analysis rated at level 2 on one project.
- A target profile asking for level 2 on engineering and management processes.
- A process held at level 1 because its work products are not reviewed or controlled.
- An organisation aiming for level 3 with a released standard process set.
Why it matters
Vehicle makers name a target level for the processes in a supplier's scope, most often level 2. Quality and process teams plan to reach it, projects produce the evidence, and assessors rate it at the end of the Automotive SPICE lifecycle.
It matters most to: Audit and Certification Coordinator, Process Quality Engineer (Automotive SPICE), Quality Systems Manager
Common confusions
- Not the same as Maturity level
- Some models rate a whole organisation on maturity levels; a capability level belongs to one process.
- Not the same as Certification
- An assessment result is a rating for a scope at a point in time, not a certificate.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 33020 (process measurement framework for assessment of process capability)
Sources
- ISO/IEC 33020:2019 Process measurement framework for assessment of process capability (opens in a new tab), Estonian Centre for Standardisation and Accreditation (EVS), 2026-11-10
- Automotive SPICE (opens in a new tab), VDA QMC, 2026-11-10
- Automotive SPICE (opens in a new tab), Wikipedia, 2026-11-10
Related terms
Part of the Embedded Software & Tools glossary, with every term in the topic and the lifecycles, tools and standards that use them.
Where it appears on the Hub
Used on 4 pages of the Hub. In each group, the pages that mention it most come first.
Lifecycle stages and gates
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Last reviewed . Written by The Semiconductor Hub editorial team. The full glossary