Co-authored with Kevin Rockhold
With the latest AISC 207 updates upon us (2025), it is time to break down and identify just what those changes are and how they may impact your next audit. For those not wishing to read the summary and analysis, please skip to the end where the specific changes and their associated chapters have been laid out. Additionally, you’ll find various links that will take you to either the AISC download page or Freer Consulting information.
First, here is the general summary as shown on the AISC.org website:
“The revised AISC 207-25 (effective February 1, 2026) incorporates updates across several key areas, including updates to the glossary; an added list of abbreviations; the term “Contract Documents” replaced with “Construction Documents”; expanded “Simple Bridges” to include folded steel plate girders (FSPG) and press brake tub girders (PBTG); the distortion control procedure moved to 4I from 4A; and Section 5.18 Erection Plan moves to 5.12.6 Process Control. Redundant safety-related requirements were also removed.”
— AISC 207
It is important to note that the governing requirements and supplemental requirements were updated in Jun 2025 and Jan 2026, the application submittal was updated in Mar 2026, and the internal audit guide was updated to highlight program changes.
If you are looking at what to do for the next step, your company will need to complete the updated AISC 207-25 internal audit guide. If your company is being re-certified soon, you will need to review the updated AISC Application Submittal Checklist.
For those who are a bit lost in the weeds, dealing with tight deadlines, or simply don’t have the personnel to handle certification, recertification, or internal auditing, we at Freer Consulting are here to help. We handle any type of situation to get your company on the road to AISC certification.
Changes Summary
Highlighted text below indicates the specific changes from AISC 207-23.
Chapter 1 Changes
1.2 Scope
(b) When specified in the contract documents, manufacturers of camera, light, sign, and signal support structures; high mast light towers; bridge rail; complex expansion joints; high-load multi-rotational (HLMR) bearings; and mechanical movable bridge equipment shall also meet specific supplemental requirements to those in Chapter 3.
1.3 References
(c) Selected ASTM Standards, as available from AISC (at their portal for ASTM online access), or ASTM standards necessary for compliance with the contract documents
1.5.1 Policy for Quality
(b) A quality management system that provides a framework for establishing, communicating, and reviewing the quality goals of the organization
1.10.2 Selection of Subcontractors and Suppliers
Subcontractors and suppliers shall be evaluated and selected on the basis of their ability to meet subcontract requirements, the management system requirements, the applicable requirements of this Standard, and the requirements of the construction documents and referenced standards.
1.12.2 Bolt Installation
A documented procedure shall be developed for bolting. The procedure shall meet the requirements of the RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts and the requirements of construction documents and referenced standards. The documented bolting procedure shall include storage, pre-installation verification, installation, and inspection of fastener assemblies.
Chapter 4 Changes
4.2 Scope
Simple bridges consist of unspliced rolled sections, folded steel plate girders (FSPG), and press brake tub girders (PBTG).
4.3 References
(c) ASTM F3148 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 144ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch Dimensions
4.5.5.1 Personnel
(a) For production and quality assurance (QA) management functions, at least five years of steel fabrication experience that includes an appropriate amount of training
(b) For quality control (QC) and purchasing management functions and for detailing checkers, at least three years of steel fabrication experience that includes an appropriate amount of training
4.12.2 Bolt Installation
(b) ASTM F3148 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 144ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch Dimensions
4.I.12.1 Welding
The fabricator’s documented procedure for welding shall include a distortion control program.
Chapter 5 Changes
5.3.3 Bridge Erection Endorsement
(c) ASTM F3148 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 144ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch Dimensions
5.12.6 Erection Plan (formerly 5.20 in AISC 207-23)
In accordance with the AISC Code of Standard Practice and contract documents, the erector shall have documentation or other evidence that the required information in AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 7.10 has been provided.
Removal of the following safety-related sections from AISC 207-23
- 5.3.4 Safety
- 5.5.2 Management Review
- 5.5.8 Safety Manual
- 5.5.9 Policy for Safety
- 5.5.10 Responsible Safety Personnel
- 5.8 Control of Management System Documents and Project Documents
- 5.10 Purchasing
- 5.16 Corrective Action
- 5.18 Training
- 5.19 Internal Audit
- 5.21 Safety Plan
- 5.22 Other Project-Specific Requirements
Chapter 6 Changes
6.3 References
(c) ASTM F3148 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 144ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch Dimensions
6.5.5.1 Personnel
The following qualification requirements shall apply:
(a) For production and quality assurance (QA) management functions, at least five years of fabrication experience that includes an appropriate amount of training
(b) For quality control (QC) and purchasing management functions and for detailing checkers, at least three years of fabrication experience that includes an appropriate amount of training
6.A.3 References
(b) ASTM F3148 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 144ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch Dimensions
Get help with your AISC 207-25 readiness
