About the qualification
Qualification Number: 610/7560/7
Operational Start Date: 1st July 2026
Total Qualification Time: 130 hours
Guided Learning: 70 hours
What are the objectives for the Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment?
The Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment is designed to develop and validate the competence of individuals undertaking fire risk assessments in line with the expectations set out in BS 8674:2025. It aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out consistent, proportionate and defensible fire risk assessments across a range of premises, including complex and higher-risk environments.
The qualification supports the strengthening of professional standards within the fire risk assessment sector in response to the Building Safety Act 2022 and wider post-Grenfell reforms. It provides a structured pathway for advanced practitioners to demonstrate competence, supports quality and consistency in practice, and contributes to improved safety outcomes in the built environment.
It is intended for individuals operating, or aspiring to operate, at an advanced level, in line with the expectations set out in BS 8674, enabling progression within the profession and alignment with current regulatory and industry requirements.
What are the pre-entry requirements for the Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment?
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, given the advanced level and complexity of the content, centres must carry out a robust initial assessment or skills scan to confirm that learners can work at Level 5 and can meet the demands of the programme.
As a minimum, centres should only enrol learners who can demonstrate one or more of the following:
- a relevant fire risk assessment qualification at Level 4 (or an accepted equivalent), and/or
- substantial recent experience independently conducting fire risk assessments across a range of premises types, and/or
- a current role that provides access to complex or higher-risk premises and enables the collection of appropriate workplace evidence.
Centres must also ensure that learners have sufficient underpinning knowledge of fire safety legislation, building construction, fire protection systems, and risk assessment methodologies.
Where a learner does not meet the above expectations, the centre must clearly record and justify how the learner will be supported to meet the demands of the qualification without compromising assessment standards.
Achievement of this qualification alone does not confirm competence as a Fire Risk Assessor. In line with BS 8674:2025, competence must be demonstrated through a combination of qualifications, relevant experience, supervised practice, and ongoing continuing professional development.
Qualification Handbook