Commonly Asked Questions

Q. Who is eligible to become certified?
All professional contractors who are SFIA and AWCI members in good standing are eligible for the certification program. All truss fabricators (floor and roof) who are SFIA members in good standing are eligible. 

Q. Why become a certified contractor?
SFIA Certified Contractors offer tremendous value to general contractors, developers, and owners because they have taken the time and effort to become experts in cold-formed steel fabrication and/or installation. This expertise results in much more efficient installation and the highest levels of quality on construction sites, which translates to cost savings, faster approvals, and improved revenue streams. 

Q. Why become a certified truss fabricator?
Certified Truss Fabricators demonstrate expert knowledge of CFS floor and roof truss design and assembly as evidenced by the SFIA, the leading CFS construction industry association. Certified fabricators offer proven ability to turn exacting engineering specifications into truss systems that meet the most stringent design requirements. Through this certification, owners, building authorities, and general contractors are assured of integrity and high quality. 

Q. How do I become certified?
Several steps are involved. The first is an application process, followed by an online test for structural cold-formed steel construction knowledge. For fabricators of ceiling and floor trusses, a separate exam is required. Applicants also provide affidavits certifying compliance with the SFIA Code of Ethics, quality management system, and safety program. Finally, a third-party observation of installation or truss fabrication skill is required. 

Q. How do I take the online test?
Once your application has been approved and enrollment fee has been processed, you will be sent a link to an online structural or truss fabricator exam. The cost of this exam is included in the initial enrollment fee. However, if you are certifying multiple offices, there is an additional exam fee for each. 

Q. How does the third-party observation process work for contractors?
You select a professional engineer who visits one of your jobsites to observe your installation. If you are a panelizer, this visit may be done to the fabrication facility. Bi-annual report on actual project under construction with significant work completed and still accessible for inspection. The observation will follow an SFIA protocol and the engineer must provide a sealed report on the successful result. You are responsible for all fees associated with the report. 

Q. How does the third-party observation process work for truss fabricators?
You select a professional engineer who visits your fabrication facility to observe a truss assembly (either roof or floor) that is complete from a CFS standpoint. The engineer will be looking to determine whether the finished assembly is in accordance with the design engineer’s plans. The engineer must provide a sealed report on the successful result. You are responsible for all fees associated with the report. 

Q. How much does it cost to become certified?
The certification fee is $750 per certification (structural, truss, or wall panel). Additional office fee is $300 per office per certification requested.

Q. How long does certification last?
Certification is valid for two years, from the date issued, with the option to renew for additional unlimited two-year terms. 

Q. What kind of continuing education is required when applying for recertification?
With initial certification, no continuing education (CE) is required. In subsequent years, the SFIA requires that the certified contractor's office complete five (5) CE credits annually (10 hours for the duration of the Certification term). Credits can be obtained by any member of the contracting firm, on any topic of interest associated with the construction industry. Examples include building science, construction law, risk management, and safety. These CE credits should be obtained during the prior year, and documentation is required. This requirement is not limited to courses on CFS, or to the contractor – other members in the organization can contribute CE credits to the total. 

Q. How will SFIA promote my certification?
SFIA will help promote member certification in two ways: first, by utilizing the association’s promotional channels and tools; second, by providing certified contractors and truss fabricators with their own “toolkit” to promote their expertise within their own markets. 

Q. I live in Canada. Is certification available to me?
Yes. Both Canadian and U.S.-based contractors are able to become certified.