API Spec Q1: Petroleum and natural gas industry certification

API Spec Q1 was developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) [¹] for organizations in the oil and gas industry. It is a quality management benchmark that closely aligns with ISO 9001.

API Spec Q1 focuses on the following aspects of an oil and gas organization’s manufacturing or manufacturing-related products and processes:

• Quality Management Systems
• Personnel competency
• Product and service design and development
• Control of purchased products and services
• Product identification and traceability
• Process measurement, analysis and improvement

An API Spec Q1 certification is not mandatory by law or regulation, but it is typically considered a “de facto” certification for organizations operation in oil and gas:

The API Spec Q1 standard ensures that organizations are providing safe and consistent products, services, and processes in oil and gas:

• Manufacturing
• Engineering and design
• Physical product realization activities (such as welding, heat treating, coating, matching, inspection, testing, servicing)
• Physical product-related activities (such as distribution, logistics and software development)

Earning an API Spec Q1 certification involves applying to the American Petroleum Institute’s Quality Registrar (APIQR) program and undergoing an audit that encompasses your organization’s:

• Control features
• Internal audit reports
• Management review records
• Staff responsibilities
• Facility layout

Organizations with API Spec Q1 certifications must undergo annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.

Implementing API Spec Q1 offers several benefits to organizations. Some key advantages include the following.

Implementing API Spec Q1 may pose several challenges to organizations. They include the following.

Here are a few tips for preparing for an API Spec Q1 certification:

• Download API’s Products & Services Brochure
• Familiarize yourself with the APIQR Registration Program Requirements
• Download the APIQR fact sheet

For more information and guidance on API Spec Q1 certification, you can refer to the following resources

American Petroleum Institute. The API’s website should be the first stop for organizations seeking API Spec Q1 certification. There, you can find information related to certification requirements and audits, as well as get a quote for overall certification costs.

Industry skills matrices. AG5 offers a free, industry-specific skills matrix dedicated to the oil and gas industry. You can use it to identify, track, and manage skills related to API Spec Q1 certifications in your organization. 

Certification guides. AG5 offers a free certification guide for ISO 9001, which is closely aligned with API Spec Q1. Our ISO 14001 certification guide may also prove valuable for organizations seeking API Q1 certification.