This commentary is for information only and is not part of SSPC-QP 1, QP 2, QP 3, QP 4, QP 5, QP 6, QP 7, QP 8, QP 9, QS 1 or QN 1. SSPC currently develops six types of consensus standards, one type being the "Qualification Procedure," or QP. QPs are published procedures, developed by SSPC technical committees through a consensus process, which define a sequence of actions or functions a contracting firm or inspection firm must meet to establish a level of competence or qualification. They are in essence models for coatings industry-specific Quality Management Systems or QMS. This commentary will summarize the current QP Quality System standards and explain how they can be used to (1) improve the process of qualifying a contractor or inspection firm to perform work and (2) provide a QMS for the contractor or inspection firm to improve its coating and related processes in order to reduce costly rework, latent defects, and become more productive and efficient.