SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program

March 25, 2026

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has approved updates to its Code Compliance Certification (C3) Program, advancing the industry’s benchmark for third-party verification of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products. The changes were approved by SFIA members during a voting process in February and March and announced at the SFIA’s March 16 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

The updated SFIA certification program marks a deliberate shift from identifying defects to preventing them — strengthening quality assurance while aligning with rising expectations for resilient, sustainable and code-compliant construction.

“Today’s market expects verified performance,” said Don Allen, SFIA executive director. “Designers, builders and owners want systems they can trust. Our program updates reinforce that trust by ensuring that certified products meet building codes and perform as intended.”

Allen added: “SFIA’s C3 Program is designed to give the market confidence in cold-formed steel framing — from specification and design to installation.”

SFIA members welcomed the C3P updates, which are expected generally to reduce compliance costs for them, while maintaining the rigor that defines the program.

Designers, builders and owners want systems they can trust. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) certification program ensures products meet building codes and perform as intended.

Audit Structure Rewards Performance

SFIA’s revised code compliance certification program introduces a tiered audit structure. The program recognizes consistent compliance and addresses deficiencies more efficiently.

Following an Initial Audit, members enter a Primary Audit frequency of two inspections per year. After passing two consecutive Primary Audits, members move to a Continuing Audit frequency of just one inspection annually. This would significantly reduce their program costs. Members that do not meet requirements shift to a Remedial Audit frequency. Remedial Audits occur annually until compliance is restored.

At the Continuing level, a failed audit returns a member to the Primary frequency. At the Remedial level, members that pass two consecutive audits may return to Primary status.

The updated program maintains the threshold of three Notices of Non-Compliance to trigger revocation while strengthening how those actions are applied. Revocations now extend to all product classes at the affected facility, reinforcing that quality control systems must be consistent across operations. At the same time, revocations remain limited to the facility where the issue occurs. Certification can be restored with a new Initial Audit.

The updated C3 Program places increased emphasis on compliance traceability. During audits, members must demonstrate that steel coils meet required limits for five key attributes — yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, coating weight and base steel thickness. Members may document this compliance through mill certificates, third-party testing by an accredited laboratory or in-house testing performed on calibrated equipment by a Qualified Technician.

In fact, the updated program establishes formal roles for Qualified Technicians and Quality Control Agents. These new positions help ensure that personnel understand program procedures, testing protocols and documentation requirements.

Core Program Elements Remain Unchanged

SFIA emphasized that the C3 Program’s foundation remains intact. The quality manual, enrollment process and third-party verification framework continue unchanged, preserving the credibility of C3P.

Developers, designers and building officials are placing greater emphasis on documented performance, supply chain reliability and code compliance. The enhanced SFIA C3 Program meets those expectations while reinforcing cold-formed steel framing as a dependable, noncombustible solution.

“These changes make it easier for design professionals to confidently specify SFIA-certified products, reduce headaches for distributors and builders, and position steel competitively against competitive products such as wood and concrete block,” Allen said. “They position our members — and the industry — for what’s ahead.”

For more information about the SFIA Code Compliance Certification (C3) Program, visit steelframing.org.

Additional Resources

• SFIA Certification Program Guards Against Shortfalls in Imported Steel
• Cold-Formed Steel Framing Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• SFIA: Setting the Bar for Quality