The FIA is introducing a new suite of FireQual regulated qualifications in Fire Risk Assessment, providing professionals with qualifications at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels. 

The new qualifications will consist of: 

• 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 both for those developing their Fire Risk Assessment knowledge and for experienced professionals who are already working at the appropriate level. 

For those developing their careers, the qualifications will 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 appropriate to their existing knowledge, skills and competence. 

Level 4 is available now 

The first qualification 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 reference to BS 8674:2025 – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors, and provides experienced professionals with a recognised way of demonstrating their knowledge, skills and competence. 

Already an experienced Fire Risk Assessor? You don't need to wait. 

The Level 4 qualification is currently available through an assessment-only route for experienced Fire Risk Assessors who already have the underpinning knowledge and practical experience required to undertake Intermediate Fire Risk Assessments. 

There is 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 experienced practitioners do not need to wait for the complete suite of FIA training programmes to become available before gaining a regulated qualification at the appropriate level. 

Who is the Level 4 qualification intended for? 

The qualification is aimed at experienced professionals already undertaking Fire Risk Assessments on buildings presenting a moderate level of fire risk. 

Candidates should already have relevant practical experience, be actively undertaking Fire Risk Assessments, have access to suitable workplace evidence and be able to produce Fire Risk Assessment reports independently. 

The Level 4 assessment route is not intended as an introduction to Fire Risk Assessment. 

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

How does the Level 4 assessment work? 

Candidates complete a series of online assessment activities and 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 reflection on professional decisions. 

Each candidate is allocated an FIA assessor who will review their submissions, provide assessment feedback and support them through 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 areas where they are already competent. 

The flexible online format also allows candidates to work towards the qualification alongside their existing professional commitments. 

What does the assessment cover? 

The Level 4 qualification assesses a range of areas involved in undertaking Intermediate 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 
• producing suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment reports with proportionate recommendations. 

Importantly, the qualification is not 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. 

Level 5 – Advanced Fire Risk Assessment 

An assessment route for suitably experienced Fire Risk Assessors working at Advanced level will follow. 

Level 3 – Foundation Fire Risk Assessment 

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 will be aimed at those developing their Fire Risk Assessment knowledge, skills and experience. 

Further FIA training and assessment options at Intermediate and Advanced levels are also planned as the qualification range develops. 

Ready to demonstrate your competence? 

If you are an experienced Fire Risk Assessor already working at Intermediate level, you do not 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 website.