About the qualification
Qualification Number: 610/7674/0
Operational Start Date: 1st August 2026
Total Qualification Time: 370 – 400 hours
Guided Learning: 200 – 220 hours
What are the objectives for the Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment?
The Level 5 Diploma 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 Diploma 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.
Learners who are new to formal fire risk assessment qualifications are advised to begin with the SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment, which provides a strong foundation. They may then progress to the SFJ Awards Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment or SFJ Awards Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, before moving on to the advanced competencies covered in the SFJ Awards Level 5 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment.
Together, these qualifications provide a clear progression route from foundation to intermediate and advanced competency tiers, in line with the British Standard.
What are the opportunities for progression after the Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment qualification?
This qualification supports progression within the fire risk assessment and wider fire safety sector, particularly for practitioners operating at an advanced level.
Learners who achieve this qualification may progress to:
- more complex or specialist fire risk assessment roles, including those involving higher-risk or complex premises
- third-party certification schemes or professional registers aligned to BS 8674:2025
- related roles in fire safety management, auditing, enforcement or consultancy
- further professional development, including specialist qualifications in areas such as fire engineering, building safety, or risk management
The qualification also supports progression towards demonstrating competence in line with industry frameworks and may contribute to recognition by professional bodies or registration schemes, where applicable.
Progression will typically require a combination of further experience, ongoing professional development, and evidence of competence in practice.
Qualification Handbook