.
Purpose & Scope
API Q1
o Title: Specification for Quality Management System Requirements for
Manufacturing Organizations for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry.
o Purpose: Provides a framework for manufacturers who design,
manufacture, repair, and service equipment used in the oil & gas industry.
o Scope: Focuses on products (equipment, tools, spare parts).
API Q2
o Title: Specification for Quality Management System Requirements for Service
Supply Organizations for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry.
o Purpose: Provides a framework for service providers in upstream oil & gas
(well construction, intervention, abandonment, etc.).
o Scope: Focuses on services (drilling, maintenance, intervention).
2. Key Requirements
🔹 API Q1 (Manufacturing Focus)
Product Quality Planning (PQP): Ensures all design, manufacturing, and
inspection activities are planned.
Design & Development: Controls for product design, verification, and validation.
Supply Chain Management: Strong emphasis on supplier evaluation, approval,
and control.
Inspection & Test Plans: Requires documented inspection and testing at defined
stages.
Calibration: Measurement devices must be calibrated and traceable.
Preventive Maintenance: Systems to ensure machines and tools are maintained.
Nonconformance & Corrective Action: Defect control, root cause analysis, and
corrective actions.
🔹 API Q2 (Service Focus)
Service Quality Planning (SQP): Ensures all services (drilling, maintenance, etc.)
are planned and controlled.
Risk Assessment & Management: Mandatory risk identification, mitigation, and
contingency planning before and during service execution.
Management of Change (MOC): Any change in service scope, equipment, or
conditions must be controlled.
Contingency Planning: Must prepare backup plans for emergencies (e.g., well
control, equipment failure).
Service Execution: Requires documented procedures for service delivery, job logs,
and records.
Post-Job Evaluation: Requires review after service completion to capture lessons
learned.
Competence & Training: Stronger focus on personnel competency in field
operations.
3. Risk & Safety Approach
API Q1:
o Mainly product-driven, with less emphasis on risk and contingency (risk is
managed indirectly through product testing and inspection).
API Q2:
o Strong emphasis on risk assessment, contingency planning, and MOC.
o Recognizes that services are performed in dynamic and hazardous
environments (offshore rigs, drilling wells).
4. Output / Deliverables
API Q1 → Physical equipment (valves, BOPs, drilling equipment, downhole tools).
API Q2 → Execution of safe and reliable services (drilling, well servicing, pipeline
repair, offshore maintenance).
5. Examples of Companies Applying
API Q1 Companies:
o Manufacturer of drill bits, casing heads, pumps, BOPs, valves.
o Fabricator of pressure vessels, drilling rigs, or spare parts.
API Q2 Companies:
o Drilling contractors (onshore/offshore).
o Well intervention companies (wireline, coiled tubing, cementing).
o Maintenance contractors (pipeline services, field repair teams).
6. Certification & Application
API Q1:
o Often a requirement for OEMs and suppliers selling equipment to oil & gas
operators.
o Can be combined with API Monogram licenses (e.g., API 6A, 16A).
API Q2:
o Required by operators (like ExxonMobil, Shell, BP) for contractors providing
well services.
o First international standard specifically written for oilfield service
providers.
7. Summary Table
Feature API Q1 API Q2
Manufacturing of
Focus Service execution
equipment
OEMs, equipment
Users Drilling & service contractors
suppliers
Risk Management Limited Strong emphasis
Management of Change
Not required Mandatory
(MOC)
Contingency Planning Not required Mandatory
Not applicable (service planning
Design & Development Required
instead)
Output Products Services
Pumps, BOPs, valves, Drilling, well intervention, pipeline
Examples
tools services
✅ In simple words:
API Q1 = Quality system for making equipment.
API Q2 = Quality system for delivering services safely & reliably.
