1. How do I apply for an API Monogram License?
2. How do I apply for an API quality management system certification, i.e., ISO 9001 certification?
3. How long does the application process take?
4. How can I receive a quotation and/or an application/information package?
5. How can I contact an API Certification Programs marketing representative in my area?
6. Will API Certification Programs use local auditors?
7. Our organization is ISO 9001 certified. How close are we to meeting the API Monogram Program application requirements?
8. What are the English language requirements? Will the audit be in English?
9. We do not develop the design. We purchase the design or our client provides the design or we take the design entirely from an API specification. As a non-designer, can we still apply?
10. Are we required to be ISO 9001 registered or API Spec Q1 registered prior to applying to the API Monogram Program?
11. If I am currently ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 registered through another registrar, can I be transferred into the APIQR program?
1. How do I apply for an API Monogram License?
You must implement a quality manual and quality management system that are compliant with API Spec Q1, and you must have the capability – processes, equipment, and personnel – to manufacture products that meet the technical requirements of the applicable API product specification(s).
You must also perform and document an internal audit and management review in accordance with API Spec Q1. After your quality management system has been operational for at least four months, you may then complete the application documents and send them to API along with a copy of your quality manual and the application fee. Please do not send design documents, procedures or work instructions.
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2. How do I apply for an API quality management system certification, i.e., ISO 9001 certification?
You must implement a quality manual and quality management system that are compliant with the applicable standard: API Spec Q1, ISO/TS 29001 and/or ISO 9001. You must also perform and document an internal audit and management review in accordance with the applicable standard(s). After your quality management system has been operational for at least four months, you may then complete the application documents and send them to API along with a copy of your quality manual and the application fee. Please do not send design documents, procedures, or work instructions.
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3. How long does the application process take?
Approximately three to six months depending on several factors. The length of time it takes API to accept your quality manual is one of these factors. We strongly suggest you complete the quality manual checklist provided in the application package to improve the chances of early acceptance. Other factors include auditor availability and the additional time necessary to correct nonconformances, if any, identified during the audit.
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4. How can I receive a quotation and/or an application/information package?
For a quotation, please contact Chip Evans at evanst@api.org or go to the Get A Quote section of this site. API will prepare a quotation and send it with an application package and a copy of the applicable API product specification(s). You may also contact your local API Certification Programs marketing representative for an application package.
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5. How can I contact an API Certification Programs marketing representative in my area?
Please visit the Marketing Representatives section of this site to review a list of API marketing representatives and contact information. You may also e-mail Chip Evans at evanst@api.org. If API does not have a marketing representative in your area, we are pleased to answer your questions directly.
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6. Will API Certification Programs use local auditors?
API will use local auditors whenever possible. At present, API auditors are based in more than 30 countries. Please note that factors such as auditor availability, conflict of interest concerns, and API’s policy that an organization should not be audited more then twice consecutively by the same auditor may direct API to use non-local auditors.
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7. Our organization is ISO 9001 certified. How close are we to meeting the API Monogram Program application requirements?
Probably very close. ISO 9001 certification means that you meet approximately 85% of API Spec Q1. So, you must add these additional API Spec Q1-specific requirements to your quality manual and quality management system to bring you into conformance. These additional API Spec Q1 requirements are outlined in the application package. Next, ensure that you have the technical capability to meet the applicable API product specification(s) requirements and possess a design package, if required. At that point, you should be ready to apply.
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8. What are the English language requirements? Will the audit be in English?
The application and the quality manual must be provided in English. Procedures and any other documents that make up your quality management system may be in the language of your choice. In most cases, the audit will be performed in the local language.
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9. We do not develop the design. We purchase the design or our client provides the design or we take the design entirely from an API specification. As a non-designer, can we still apply?
Yes, you may apply, but you must still address how you will receive, review, identify, and transfer key aspects of the design package into shop routers/checklists, prepare for the possibility of design changes, and finally ensure the design resulted in a product compliant with the applicable API product specification. API will review these control features that ultimately make up the design package.
In some cases, due to the nature of the products and specifications, API allows an applicant to exclude design and development activities in its quality management system. Casing, tubing, pipe and plate manufacturers, threaders, drilling mud producers, testing agencies, and gage manufacturers that follow the API specification with no deviation, may apply to exclude design development and control. Applicants manufacturing products to one of the other API specifications must be prepared to show the API auditor their design documents.
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10. Are we required to be ISO 9001 registered or API Spec Q1 registered prior to applying to the API Monogram Program?
No. Although registration to these quality management system standards brings you closer to meeting the API Monogram’s quality management system requirements, registration is not required. API Monogram Licensees must have a quality management system that is compliant with API Spec Q1, but API Spec Q1 Registration is not required.
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11. If I am currently ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 registered through another registrar, can I be transferred into the APIQR program?
Yes. However, APIQR will only assume ISO registrations from IAF-MLA accredited registrars. APIQR has the responsibility to see that each ISO registration meets all the requirements of the APIQR accredited registration program. This requirement is mandatory and shall not be changed whether APIQR has itself performed the assessment and registration, or the registration has been transferred from some other registrar, or is an abandoned registration being assumed by APIQR. Registered organization seeking transference of their registration to APIQR is required to complete all paperwork and pay all fees typically required of an applicant.
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