SFJ Awards is pleased to confirm that, following our submission in January, two of our fire risk assessment qualifications have been formally included on the BAFE SP205 Qualification Register. This update was published in BAFE’s March 2026 release of the SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Competency criteria.
The following SFJ Awards qualifications are now listed:
Both qualifications have been reviewed against the requirements of the BAFE SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment scheme and are recognised as aligning with the expectations set out for individuals conducting fire risk assessments (FRAs) within a third-party certificated environment. This includes meeting the relevant aspects of Clause 12.3.1 of the BAFE SP205 Scheme, which requires fire risk assessors to demonstrate and maintain the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to undertake FRAs.
To satisfy this clause, assessors must evidence their knowledge through a regulated qualification that has been mapped against the core competency requirements set out within BS 8674 – an expectation met by both of these qualifications.
They also align with BS 8674, the British Standard that defines core competence criteria for fire risk assessors working in the built environment. Within this framework, the Level 3 Certificate aligns with the Foundation level, while the Level 4 Certificate aligns with the Intermediate level, as described in BS 8674:2025.
What this means for the sector
Inclusion on the BAFE SP205 register demonstrates that these SFJ Awards qualifications support the development of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of competent fire risk assessors. This recognition provides assurance for:
- Individuals
Those seeking to demonstrate competence in line with industry standards, including BS 8674, can use these qualifications as part of their professional development and evidence of capability. - Employers and organisations
For organisations working towards, or maintaining, BAFE SP205 certification, these qualifications offer a trusted route to ensuring staff have demonstrated the skills and knowledge needed to work within certificated fire risk assessment environments and they are working towards competency.
Training providers
Centres delivering fire risk assessment training can be confident that these qualifications reflect current industry expectations and align with nationally recognised competency frameworks.
Looking ahead to the Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment
Development of the Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment is currently underway. Consultation on the draft qualification will begin on Friday 20 March, allowing stakeholders across the sector to share feedback and help shape the next stage of fire risk assessor training and competence development.
Once the Level 5 qualification has been finalised, SFJ Awards will submit it to BAFE for consideration for inclusion on the SP205 Qualification Register as well.
