The API Monogram Licensing Program is a globally recognized certification that assures compliance with stringent standards for oil and gas equipment manufacturing. One critical aspect of this program is Design Package Verification, which ensures that manufacturers can consistently produce products meeting API specifications. If you’re preparing for API Monogram licensing, understanding design package requirements and verification steps is essential. 

What is API Monogram Licensing? 

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Monogram Program is a voluntary licensing initiative that allows manufacturers to apply the API Monogram mark on products that conform to applicable API specifications. To obtain and maintain this license, organizations must: 

  • Implement a quality management system compliant with API Spec Q1. 
  • Demonstrate technical capability to manufacture products per API standards. 
  • Successfully pass an on-site audit by API auditors. 

Why Design Package Verification Matters 

Design packages are the backbone of product compliance. They provide documented evidence that your product design meets API specifications and regulatory requirements. During initial, surveillance, and renewal audits, API auditors review these packages to verify: 

  • Capability to manufacture products within the licensed scope.
  • Consistency and reliability of design processes.
  • Compliance with API Spec Q1 Clause 5.4, which governs design.  

What Does a Design Package Include? 

A complete design package is a structured collection of documents and records. While specifics vary by product type, the following elements are typically required: 

  1. Design Plan
  • The plan(s), including plan updates, used for design. 
  • The resources, responsibilities, authorities, and their interfaces. 
  • The review, verification, and validation activities necessary to complete each design stage. 
  • The requirements for a final review of the design. 
  1. Design Inputs
  • Customer-specified requirements. 
  • Requirements provided from external sources. 
  • Environmental and operational conditions. 
  • Historical performance and other information derived from previous similar designs. 
  1. Design Outputs
  • Meet the input requirements for design. 
  • Provide information for purchasing, production, inspection, testing, and servicing, as applicable. 
  • Identify or reference design acceptance criteria (DAC). 
  • Include results of applicable calculations. 
  1. Design Review & Verification
  • Include results of applicable calculations. 
  • Inspection and test reports for incoming, in-process, and final stages. 
  1. Design Validation
  • Validation tests as per API standards. 
  • Final tests. 
  1. Design Change Records
  • Documented evidence of review, approval, and implementation of changes.  

Steps for Design Package Verification 

Verification is not just about compiling documents—it’s about proving compliance and capability. Here’s a step-by-step approach: 

Step 1: Understand Applicable API Specifications 

Identify the product specification(s) relevant to your license (e.g., API 6A, 7K, 16C). Each specification has unique design and testing requirements. 

Step 2: Align with API Spec Q1 

Ensure your quality management system addresses design, including risk assessment, validation, and change control. 

Step 3: Develop Comprehensive Documentation 

Create detailed design plans, calculations, drawings, and validation records. Include evidence of design reviews and approvals. 

Step 4: Perform Design Validation 

Conduct prototype or performance tests as required. For certain specifications, physical validation is mandatory and can involve significant cost. 

Step 5: Internal Audit 

Before the API audit, perform an internal review to confirm completeness and compliance of the design package. 

Step 6: Present During API Audit 

API auditors will select a design package for review during initial, surveillance, or renewal audits. Be prepared to demonstrate traceability and conformity.  

Common Challenges and Solutions 

  • High Cost of Prototypes: For products like drilling structures (API 4F, API 7K, API 8C), prototype validation can be expensive. Consider phased validation or consult API-approved alternatives. 
  • Incomplete Documentation: Missing risk assessments or validation records often lead to nonconformities. Use a checklist aligned with API Q1 Clause 5.4. 
  • Design Exclusions: Some products may qualify for design exclusion under API Advisory 6, but most critical equipment does not. Verify eligibility before planning.  

Best Practices for Compliance 

  • Maintain Up-to-Date Standards: Always use the latest edition of API specifications. 
  • Integrate QMS and Design Processes: Embed design controls into your quality management system for seamless compliance. 
  • Leverage Expert Support: API consulting firms can assist with documentation, gap analysis, and audit preparation. 

How Vegas Consulting Helps 

At Vegas Consulting, we specialize in helping manufacturers across the oil & gas and industrial sectors prepare API-compliant design packages. Our experts:

  • Conduct detailed Design Package Verification reviews 
  • Ensure alignment with API Q1 and product specifications 
  • Support documentation structuring for API Monogram application 
  • Provide training for engineering and quality teams 

With our experience across API 6A, 7K, 16A, and other specifications, we help you eliminate gaps and achieve audit-ready confidence.