Prepare your team for the on site AISC audit by defining roles, staging evidence, and rehearsing demonstrations. This module is written for steel fabricators, structural steel erectors, and certified steel companies that want to pass the audit on the first try. It shows what AISC auditors look for during structural steel erection and steel fabrication, how to align to AISC certification requirements, and how to use an AISC audit checklist to avoid costly rework.
The on site audit is where AISC auditors confirm that your documented quality system is active in real work. They will walk your facility or job site, interview staff, and request records on the spot. For steel fabricators, this includes welding stations, bolting areas, material traceability, calibration logs, and inspection records. For structural steel erection companies, this includes rigging, torque checks, safety procedures, and field nonconformance handling. Buyers searching what is AISC certification or how to become AISC certified should know this is the stage that separates paperwork from practice.
Assign one person to guide the auditor, manage the schedule, and resolve questions quickly. This person should know the full AISC quality certification program scope for your company, be able to reference the application packet, and escort the auditor to staff or records. This role prevents wasted time and signals strong control.
Line supervisors and quality leads must be ready to explain their processes and produce records immediately. For a steel fabricator, this means weld maps, WPS and WPQ records, calibration logs, and receiving inspection tied to MTRs. For a structural steel erector, this means erection drawings, torque records, safety meeting logs, and site inspections. Buyers looking at the list of AISC certified fabricators or the AISC certified erector list expect these controls to be live, not staged after the fact.
Document control, training, and safety representatives should be on standby with access to their respective records. This is where an internal audit guide pays off: the same staff who prepare for internal audits will shine during the AISC audit.
Organize records in advance so they can be produced instantly. For fabricators, stage project drawings, MTRs, travelers, NCRs, CAPA closeouts, welding and bolting inspection reports. For erectors, stage erection drawings, torque and bolting records, daily safety logs, and field NCRs. Structural steel erection companies that prepare binders or digital folders mapped by category (document control, training, calibration, welding, erection, nonconformance) give AISC auditors confidence in system maturity.
A certified steel company that shows a clear map of evidence is far more likely to move quickly from audit day to being AISC certified without repeat visits. This efficiency also lowers the effective AISC certification cost.
Rehearse shop floor and field demonstrations. For a fabricator, that means receiving inspection, welding, bolting, inspection release, and document retrieval. For an erector, that means crane signaling, rigging, bolting and torque, and site safety meetings. Structural steel erection staff must be able to explain what is steel erection in terms of load paths, bracing, torque, and inspection. Steel building erection and steel structure erectors that can show control in real time are what buyers expect when they check the AISC certified erectors list.
Include calibration checks on torque wrenches, welding machines, and inspection tools. This proves alignment with the AISC quality certification program and supports both shop and field control. Mentioning modern steel construction practices and current AISC certification categories during demonstrations reinforces credibility.
Procurement and project owners look at the AISC certification list, the list of AISC certified fabricators, or the AISC certified erectors list before awarding work. They expect an AISC certified fabricator or AISC certified erector to demonstrate control under live conditions. This is why the on site audit is the most critical stage. Buyers typing phrases like AISC certification consultants, AISC certification requirements, AISC shop certification, or AISC welding certification are all signaling that audit performance is the proof point. Treat the on site audit as a buyer facing demonstration as much as an auditor review.
Use an internal audit guide to run a rehearsal before the auditor arrives. Confirm that all staff can answer what is AISC certification, what is steel erection, and how your company meets AISC certification requirements. Make sure your scope aligns with your chosen program: AISC certified fabricator, AISC certified erector, bridge certification, or advanced categories. Check that your evidence would place you on the AISC certified fabricators list or the AISC certified erectors list without question.
If gaps remain, contact an AISC certification consultant before the audit. Use the site contact form here: AISC contact. This can prevent costly repeat visits and lower AISC fees overall.