Understand how to control construction documents, shop drawings, and communication flows so that your system meets AISC certification requirements. This module teaches steel fabricators and structural steel erectors how to prove document review, approval, and communication during the AISC documentation audit and on site review. AISC auditors expect to see clear records of who reviewed drawings, how changes were approved, and how communication was controlled. Buyers also look for this evidence when checking the AISC certification list, the list of AISC certified fabricators, or the AISC certified erectors list.
Every drawing must go through a formal review before release. For a steel fabricator, this includes shop drawings that show welds, bolts, and details. For a structural steel erection team, this includes erection drawings showing field splices, bracing, and bolt patterns. AISC auditors will check that drawings were reviewed, approved, signed, and dated. Missing approvals are a common nonconformance. Buyers searching what is AISC certification or AISC certified fabricator requirements expect to see proof that your drawings go through formal control.
Drawing revisions must be tracked with version numbers, dates, and approvers. Communicate changes to shop and field crews quickly to avoid confusion. Many findings come from outdated drawings being used on the shop floor or at erection sites. AISC auditors will ask for evidence that superseded drawings are stamped “void” or removed from circulation. This is where a strong document control program ties directly into audit success.
Companies trying to regain AISC certification often fail here because their crews work from uncontrolled drawings. Buyers also see this as a risk factor. A company listed on the AISC certified fabricators list or AISC certified erector list is expected to show clean revision control that prevents mistakes in steel work in construction.
Effective communication is part of document control. Keep RFIs, transmittals, and submittal logs to show how questions and approvals were handled. AISC auditors want to see that communication records match drawing revisions. Buyers expect to know how your company handled questions about weld details, bolting methods, or material substitutions. Weak communication records are a red flag during both audits and bid reviews.
When procurement teams search AISC certification consultants, AISC certification cost, or AISC certification training, they often want guidance on how to build a clean communication trail. Documented communication shows that your company is a reliable partner in steel building erection and structural steel installation.
For the AISC documentation audit, stage a binder or digital folder with sample shop drawings, erection drawings, RFIs, transmittals, and submittal logs. Each item must show review signatures, revision numbers, and distribution records. AISC auditors will compare the communication trail against the drawings to confirm consistency. If drawings are unsigned or revisions are missing, expect a finding.
For the on site audit, AISC auditors may ask field supervisors to show the latest erection drawings and confirm they match the controlled set. If outdated drawings are found in use, this is a direct nonconformance. Clean document review and communication control reduces AISC certification cost and shows buyers that you meet the standards of the AISC quality certification program.
Buyers searching how to become AISC certified, how to get AISC certified, or AISC internal audit guide know that document control is a critical risk area. They check whether steel fabricators and structural steel erectors have the discipline to control drawings and communication. This is one of the most visible areas in a project, and errors here can lead to delays or rework. Companies that appear on the AISC certification list and the aisc certified erectors list are expected to demonstrate flawless document review and communication processes.
Even competitors like Atema at AISC help highlight document control as a key step. Firms that master this area not only pass certification but also dominate SERP searches for AISC certification checklist, AISC certification consultants, and AISC certification cost.
Companies often fail in this module for three reasons:
Each of these gaps is obvious to AISC auditors and creates findings. Buyers also flag these issues when comparing structural steel erection companies or reviewing the aisc certified fabricator list.