The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is introducing a new suite of FireQual-regulated qualifications designed to provide recognised competency pathways for fire risk assessment professionals.
The qualifications will cover Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels, providing routes for both developing practitioners and experienced Fire Risk Assessors.
Three qualification levels introduced
The new qualification suite consists of the Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment, Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment and Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment.
The qualifications are being introduced in stages. Professionals developing their careers will be able to progress through the different levels, while experienced practitioners can enter at a level appropriate to their existing knowledge, skills and competence, subject to entry requirements.
Level 4 qualification available
The first qualification to become available is the FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment.
The nationally-recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification has been developed with reference to BS 8674:2025, Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors.
It is intended for experienced professionals already carrying out Fire Risk Assessments on buildings presenting a moderate level of fire risk.
Candidates should have relevant practical experience, be actively undertaking assessments, have access to suitable workplace evidence and be capable of producing Fire Risk Assessment reports independently.
Assessment focuses on existing competence
The current Level 4 qualification is available through an assessment only route and does not include classroom or taught FIA training.
Candidates instead complete structured online assessments to demonstrate their existing knowledge, practical experience and professional judgement.
Assessment activities include scenario-based case studies, written activities, Fire Risk Assessment reports, workplace evidence and explanations of professional decisions.
Each candidate is allocated an FIA assessor who reviews submissions, provides feedback and supports them throughout the assessment process.
Practical fire safety knowledge assessed
The qualification assesses candidates across areas including fire hazards, legislation, standards and guidance.
It also covers means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, structural fire protection, compartmentation, fire safety management and external wall construction.
Candidates must also demonstrate when specialist advice is required and their ability to produce suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment reports containing proportionate recommendations.
The FIA said the qualification assesses the practical application of knowledge, skills, experience and professional judgement rather than theoretical knowledge alone.
Further qualifications planned
An assessment route for suitably experienced professionals working at Advanced level will follow with the Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment.
The Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment is expected to launch in early 2027. This qualification will combine FIA training with assessment and will target professionals developing their fire risk assessment knowledge and experience.
Further training and assessment options at Intermediate and Advanced levels are also planned as the qualification suite develops.
