Certification Process

Get A Quote or contact API at quote@api.org. API will send a quotation and an application package containing the applicable API product specification(s).
Organizations applying for licensing under the API Monogram Program must develop and maintain a quality manual that describes their quality management system and how it conforms to the requirements of API Spec Q1. Organizations participating in the API Monogram Program must also demonstrate continued ability to meet the technical requirements identified in the applicable API product specification(s).
Prior to submitting an application to API, organizations must have had a quality management system in place for at least four months. This includes performing and documenting an internal audit and management review in accordance with API Spec Q1.
Submit the completed application forms, application fee, and the quality manual. The quality manual must be written in English.
API will review the application forms and the quality manual for conformance with program requirements and applicability of desired scope of certification. Should application forms be incomplete, and/or should the quality manual be out of conformance with requirements, API will provide comments.
When the application package and quality manual are accepted, API will schedule a Stage 1 audit. The audit costs are at the organization's expense.
Stage 1 audits are generally performed offsite and require the organization to provide the auditor with documents for review. These documents may include procedures, control features, internal audit reports, management review records, staff responsibilities and facility layout. If needed, parts of the Stage 1 audit may be carried-out at the organization’s premises.
Once the Stage 1 audit has been successfully completed, API and the assigned auditor will schedule a Stage 2 audit. The audit costs are at the organization’s expense.
Stage 2 audits are performed on-site and include verifying the organization’s conformance with API Spec Q1 and any applicable API product specification.
API will make the certification decision on the basis of an evaluation of the audit findings and conclusions, and evidence of effective implementation of corrective actions by the organization (if required)*.
Organizations licensed under the API Monogram Program will have audits scheduled every three years to ensure continued conformance with the applicable program requirements.

*A follow-up audit may be required if nonconformances are deemed significant.