The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and FireQual are pleased to announce the introduction of a new examination platform, Surpass, which replaces the previous system used since 2018.

From June 2026, all FIA examinations through FireQual will be delivered via Surpass. The new platform provides an improved examination experience for candidates while supporting enhanced quality assurance, security and compliance requirements.

For most candidates, the transition will be straightforward. The examination process remains familiar, although the appearance of the system and some functionality will differ from the previous platform. Candidates sitting examinations going forward should expect a different user interface and are encouraged to read any guidance provided before commencing their assessment.

This change also marks the beginning of a wider programme of improvements that will be introduced over the coming weeks.

Online Invigilation Coming Soon

As part of ongoing regulatory and awarding organisation requirements, FIA and FireQual will begin introducing Online Proctoring (online invigilation) for examinations.

Online invigilation enables candidates to complete examinations remotely whilst maintaining the same standards of security and integrity expected during in-person assessments.

Candidates taking online invigilated examinations will be required to:

• Complete a system and equipment check before their examination.
• Verify their identity. (Company ID no longer accepted)
• Provide a clear view of their examination environment.
• Ensure desks and workspaces are free from unauthorised materials.
• Remain alone in the room throughout the assessment.
• Follow all examination instructions and invigilation requirements.

Full guidance documents and support materials will be made available before candidates are required to undertake online invigilated assessments.

What Candidates Need To Do

We strongly encourage all candidates, employers and booking contacts to review any examination guidance issued by FIA and FireQual.

Examination arrangements that may have applied previously should not be assumed to remain unchanged under the new system.

Candidates will receive clear instructions in advance of their examination and will be given sufficient notice of any new requirements.

Supporting Guidance

A range of support documents, including step-by-step guides and technical requirements, will be available on the FIA website.

We thank all candidates, members and training customers for their support during this transition and look forward to delivering an enhanced examination experience through the new Surpass platform.

For further information, please contact the FIA Training Team.