Differentiate between a nonconformance and a deviation with CBM T6 context?

• A. Nonconformance relates to supplier quality only; deviation relates to process.
• B. Nonconformance = failure to meet specified requirements; deviation = approved exception from a standard due to justified circumstance, with mitigations and documentation.
• C. Nonconformance = approved exception; deviation = failure to meet requirements.
• D. They are the same.

Answer: (B)

In CBM T6 practice, nonconformance means a product, process, or service did not meet specified requirements. A deviation is a sanctioned exception from a standard because of a justified circumstance, and it must be documented with a risk-aware mitigation plan. This distinction matters because a nonconformance signals a problem that needs disposition—such as rework, repair, or scrap—and often prompts corrective actions and supplier notifications. A deviation, on the other hand, is an approved departure from the standard, granted by an authorized party, allowing continued use under defined controls after its justification is recorded and mitigations are in place. The first option narrows nonconformance to supplier quality and wrongly ties deviation to process; the third option reverses the definitions; the fourth option claims they’re the same. The correct interpretation captures the problem-focused nature of a nonconformance versus the approved, justified nature of a deviation.