Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Each examination is given twice a year. API 510, 570, and 936 examinations are usually held on the first Wednesday of June and December of each year. API 653, TES, and the Supplemental Certification (571, 577, and 580) examinations are usually held in March and September of each year. Each application package contains the schedule of examinations for the year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.