SFIA Selects Keystone to Administer Updated Code Compliance Certification Program

August 10, 2026 — It’s official. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has selected Keystone Certifications, Inc. to administer its updated Code Compliance Certification (C3) Program beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Keystone provides accredited, independent third-party certification, inspection and testing management services to building product manufacturers worldwide.

The selection follows a March vote by SFIA members to update the existing program with a new method of verifying code compliance.

The updated C3 Program will continue to require unannounced audits of manufacturing facilities while placing greater emphasis on manufacturing processes, quality control procedures and documentation. Inspection procedures and the frequency of inspections will also change under the updated program.

From left, SFIA’s Programs and Operations Manager Holly Mellinger meets with Keystone Certifications’ President Daniel Shiflet, Program Manager Devin Kohler and Inspection Manager Seth Gordon on July 30 to prepare for the C3 Program transition.

Keystone Selected Following Competitive Review

Following the membership vote, SFIA issued a request for proposal for a third-party program administrator. Four companies responded, with the SFIA Board of Directors selecting Keystone based on recommendations from SFIA staff and the association’s Compliance Committee.

“A big thank you goes out to the volunteer members of the Compliance Committee for carefully and thoughtfully evaluating the four proposals received,” said Don Allen, SFIA executive director. “Every proposal had several good attributes, and it was not an easy decision.”

SFIA certification programs assure architects, owners, building officials and contractors that specified cold-formed steel (CFS) framing components, assemblies and installations meet recognized codes and standards.

Keystone will manage administration, compliance auditing and quality assurance workflows for the updated C3 Program.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Steel Framing Industry Association,” said Dan Shiflet, president at Keystone Certifications. “Our team looks forward to delivering reliable, efficient, and independent third-party verification that supports quality and integrity throughout the steel framing industry.”

SFIA, Keystone Begin C3 Program Transition

SFIA, Keystone and participating members are preparing for the transition ahead of Keystone assuming administration of the program Jan. 1.

Current efforts include training on program requirements and inspection procedures. SFIA Manufacturer and Contractor Manufacturer members are preparing their quality control procedures. They are also organizing their documentation for audits under the updated program.

Training will include:

• Prearranged hosted visits at select SFIA member manufacturing facilities
• Visits will give inspectors and participating members insights on what to expect during future audits
• The hosted visits are for training purposes only and will not provide participating members with an advantage during subsequent audits

SFIA is also developing training videos and documents. These materials will support Manufacturer and Contractor Manufacturer members during the transition. They will also help new members navigate the C3 Program onboarding process.

Keystone and SFIA will continue coordinating training, inspections and program procedures ahead of the Jan. 1 launch.

Additional Resources

• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• SFIA 2026 Annual Meeting Features Newly Approved Certification Program, Industry Awards and More
• SFIA Certification Program Guards Against Shortfalls in Imported Steel