FIA introduces new suite of fire risk assessment-centred qualifications

The new qualifications will consist of the following: 

*Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment

The qualifications are being introduced in stages and will provide opportunities for those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge as well as for experienced professionals already working at the appropriate level.

For practitioners developing their careers, the qualifications provide progression from Foundation through to Advanced level. However, experienced fire risk assessors will not necessarily need to start at Level 3 and work through each qualification. Subject to the relevant entry requirements, they will be able to enter at the level deemed appropriate in relation to their existing knowledge, skills and competence.

The first qualification to be made available is the FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment. This is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by FireQual. It has been developed with specific reference to BS 8674:2025 Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors and provides experienced professionals with a recognised way in which to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence.

Assessment-only route

The Level 4 qualification is currently available through an assessment-only route for experienced fire risk assessors who already harbour the underpinning knowledge and practical experience required to undertake Intermediate-level fire risk assessments.

There’s no classroom or taught FIA training included as part of the current route. Instead, candidates demonstrate their existing competence through a structured programme of online assessment. This means that experienced practitioners don’t need to wait for the complete suite of FIA training programmes to be made available before they’re able to gain a regulated qualification at the appropriate level.

The qualification is aimed at experienced professionals already undertaking fire risk assessments on buildings presenting a moderate level of fire risk. Candidates should already hold the relevant practical experience, be actively undertaking fire risk assessments, have access to suitable workplace evidence and be able to produce fire risk assessment reports on an independent basis.

Candidates will need to meet the relevant FireQual entry requirements before commencing the qualification.

Level 4 assessment in practice

In practice, candidates complete a series of online assessment activities and then submit evidence demonstrating the practical application of their existing fire safety knowledge and professional judgement.

Assessment activities include scenario-based Case Studies, written assessment activities, fire risk assessment reports, workplace evidence, explanations and then a reflection on professional decisions.

Each candidate is allocated an FIA assessor who will review their submissions, provide assessment feedback and support them throughout the assessment process. For experienced practitioners, this provides an opportunity to gain formal recognition of their existing knowledge and experience through a regulated qualification without repeating training in those areas where they’re already competent.

The flexible online format also allows candidates to work towards the qualification in parallel with attending to their existing professional commitments in the workplace.

Detail underpinning the assessment

The Level 4 qualification assesses a range of areas involved in undertaking Intermediate-level fire risk assessments. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to identify and evaluate fire hazards and apply relevant legislation, standards and guidance.

Assessment also covers areas including means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, structural fire protection and compartmentation, fire safety management arrangements, external wall construction, identifying when specialist advice is required and producing suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment reports with proportionate recommendations.

Importantly, the qualification isn’t simply a test of theoretical knowledge. Candidates need to demonstrate the application of their knowledge, skills, experience and professional judgement when undertaking fire risk assessments.

What’s coming next?

The Level 4 assessment route is the first part of the FIA’s new fire risk assessment qualification suite. The Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment offers a route for suitably experienced fire risk assessors working at Advanced level. This will follow in due course.

The Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment is expected to be introduced in early 2027. This will combine FIA training with assessment and is aimed at those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge, skills and experience. Further FIA training and assessment options at both the Intermediate and Advanced levels are also planned as the qualification range develops in time.

If you’re an experienced fire risk assessor already working at the Intermediate level, you don’t need to wait for the rest of the qualification suite to become available. The FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment is available now through the FIA’s online assessment route.

*Further information about the qualification, entry requirements, assessment activities and how to apply is available on the FIA’s website at www.fia.uk.com