The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry has announced the 2026 relaunch of Steel—Doing It Right, its flagship training program for cold-formed steel framing. Celebrating 20 years as an industry-leading educational resource, the updated program debuts as the most robust and comprehensive digital version to date.

Originally introduced in 2006 to support contractors working on complex structural steel projects, and offered online since 2020, Steel—Doing It Right has steadily evolved from in-person, multi-day seminars into a fully self-paced online curriculum. As CFS framing continues to dominate health care, multifamily, and mixed-use construction, the 2026 update delivers practical, job-ready expertise aligned with today’s building standards.

A Modernized Learning Experience

The 2026 release marks the program’s third edition and its second fully online iteration. Enhancements include:

• Enhanced Visuals: Updated animations, videos, and high-quality photography illustrating real-world applications and code concepts.
• Expert-Led Instruction: Thirteen narrated modules organized into a streamlined learning path.
• Expanded Technical Content: New material covering multi-story commercial construction, load distribution members, load-bearing framing, and panelization.
• Interactive Learning Tools: Integrated glossaries, product catalogs, and improved knowledge checks to reinforce comprehension.

Strategic Benefits for Industry Professionals

“AWCI’s mission has always been to equip the wall and ceiling industry with the highest level of technical knowledge,” said Michael Stark, CAE, AWCI CEO. “By modernizing Steel—Doing It Right, we’re expanding access to world-class CFS education that helps professionals strengthen their competitive advantage and improve profitability.”

The program offers targeted value for all members of the project team:

• Contractors receive up-to-date, code-based guidance on noncombustible, mold-resistant CFS systems, including tolerances, movement, and constructability.
• Estimators benefit from a dedicated module focused on consistent methods for defining scope and material quantities.
• Project Managers gain insight into delegated design responsibilities and submittal processes to support predictable project outcomes.
• Architects and Engineers can earn professional development hours (PDHs) or self-report AIA learning units (LUs).

Industry-Supported Expertise

The 2026 curriculum was developed with input from a distinguished group of subject-matter experts representing leading organizations across the steel industry, including CEMCO, ClarkDietrich, Grabber Construction Products, F.L. Crane & Sons, MAREK, Marino\WARE, Offsite Systems, TrusSteel, Salas O’Brien (Colorado), the Steel Framing Industry Association, Sure-Board, and South Valley. Their collaboration ensures complex engineering principles and code requirements are translated into practical, field-ready knowledge.

For more information, visit awci.org/education/doing-it-right/steel-doing-it-right.