API has published the 3rd Edition of Specification Q2. Its September 10, 2026 announcement describes a revised focus on well-site service organizations and updates to requirements for managing service quality.

The Wait is Over

This is one of the most significant API quality management updates in years. After an initial review, several changes immediately stand out:

• The scope of organizations eligible for API Q2 certification has been clarified. This should eliminate previous uncertainty regarding whether an organization should pursue API Q1 or API Q2.
• Exclusions are no longer permitted.
• New transition deadlines have been established.
• Some organizations currently certified to API Q2 may actually need to transition to API Q1 instead.

Overall Trend

API Specification Q2, 3rd Edition narrows applicability to well-site services and refines the existing quality management framework. The revision clarifies the relationship with API Specification Q1 while adding targeted requirements for maintenance concessions, performance acceptance criteria, purchasing controls, and record retention.

Significant Additions

• Applicability is expressly focused on organizations providing well-site services and services associated with well-site activities.
• Performance acceptance criteria (PAC) is introduced and used across service-related product controls.
• Preventive maintenance, inspection, and test controls include provisions for documented deferrals or concessions.
• Purchasing requirements place clearer emphasis on risk-based control of suppliers and purchased services.
• Required record retention is extended to 10 years unless a longer period is otherwise required.

Relevant Changes

• Scope language distinguishes well-site services from activities addressed through API Specification Q1 or other systems.
• Terminology and clause titles are revised throughout, including management personnel responsibility, risk management, design of service, and control of service execution.
• Requirements are reorganized and clarified to improve consistent application without treating editorial renumbering as a substantive addition.
• The normative reference to ISO 9000 is now dated to the 2015 edition, replacing the previous undated reference.

What Are Our Next Steps

At Mireaux Management Solutions, we’ve already started:

• Reviewing the entire standard clause by clause
• Building a detailed comparison analysis
• Updating our API Q2 training in Mireaux University
• Preparing implementation packages and transition checklists
• Evaluating the impact on our Web QMS software

If your organization is API Q2 certified or planning to become certified, this is an update you won’t want to miss. Mireaux’s Comparison Analysis helps you review the 2021 2nd Edition against the 3rd Edition, from Clause 1 through Clause 6. Additions are highlighted, removed wording is struck through, and brief notes explain meaningful changes.

Use the comparison to identify areas for closer review in your organization. It is an independent Mireaux resource, not a substitute for the official API specification.

Choose the option that works for you

Get the analysis free through section-by-section weekly releases, or purchase the complete download and review it without waiting.

Get Free Weekly Sections | Get the Full Analysis