New Level 5 Diploma – Consultation open
The fire risk assessment profession is continuing to evolve in response to higher expectations, tighter regulation and an increasing focus on demonstrable competence. Against this backdrop, SFJ Awards has been developing a new Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, designed to support professionals working at the most advanced levels of practice. As part of this development, we’ve launched a sector-wide consultation to provide the opportunity for fire safety professionals and organisations to help shape the qualification intended to reflect real-world practice and regulatory expectations.
Sitting at the top of our Fire Safety and Fire Risk Assessment pathway, this qualification responds directly to the demands of BS 8674, the Building Safety Act 2022 and the wider reforms shaping the future of fire safety in the built environment. The consultation phase is a key step in ensuring the qualification robustly supports those operating at, or aspiring to, advanced practice, and that it aligns clearly with the competence framework set out in the standard.
Why this qualification matters
The Level 5 Diploma has been developed to build on the existing Level 3 Certificate and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma, supporting the sector to align with the requirements of BS 8674:2025 – Built environment: Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors. Further supporting the sector with this aim, we are also developing a Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment, which is due to go live in July.
This qualification represents the next stage of professional competence for fire risk assessors, with a clear focus on strengthening quality, consistency and defensibility in fire risk assessment practice. Developed in collaboration with sector specialists through a dedicated working group, the Diploma reflects the expectations set out in BS 8674, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the wider post-Grenfell reform landscape.
What the Level 5 Diploma covers
The proposed Level 5 Diploma offers a natural progression from the Level 5 Certificate those looking to develop skills for different high risk building types. Additionally, it is designed to support those operating at, or progressing towards, the Advanced Fire Risk Assessor tier defined in BS 8674. The qualification focuses on advanced-level competence, enabling learners to:
- Plan, conduct and justify fire risk assessments for high‑risk and complex premises
- Apply advanced professional judgement in line with legislative and regulatory expectations
- Demonstrate clear, defensible decision‑making aligned with current standards.
Alongside core mandatory units, the Diploma offers operational units that extend competence into specialist environments such as shopping complexes, industrial sites and sports grounds, as well as Advanced Methods in Personal Development.
Who we’re seeking feedback from
We are keen to hear from experienced professionals and organisations involved in fire risk assessment and fire safety, particularly those who:
- Operate as fire risk assessors at, or aspiring to work at, the advanced tier defined in BS 8674
- Employ or contract fire risk assessors working on complex or higher-risk premises
- Are involved in fire safety management, enforcement or regulatory oversight
- Provide training and education for fire risk assessors
- Represent professional bodies, sector groups or industry organisations connected to fire safety and the built environment.
Take part in the consultation
The consultation is open from Friday 8 May until Monday 8 June.
If you would like a copy of the consultation units, please contact [email protected].
Your feedback is vital in shaping a qualification that supports competence, professionalism and confidence across the fire risk assessment sector.
