About the qualification
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment
Operational Start Date: 1st January 2026
Total Qualification Time: 200 hours
Guided Learning: 100 hours
Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment
Operational Start Date: 1st January 2026
Total Qualification Time: 380 hours
Guided Learning: 220 hours
What are the objectives for the Level 4 Fire Risk Assessment Qualification(s)?
The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and underpinning understanding required to undertake fire risk assessments at an intermediate level in line with BS 8674:2025. It prepares learners to apply relevant legislation, guidance and risk-based methodologies across a range of premises, to exercise sound professional judgement, and to produce clear, defensible fire risk assessment findings and recommendations. The qualification supports progression towards demonstrating competence through supervised practice, workplace experience and ongoing professional development.
What are the pre-entry requirements for the Level 4 Fire Risk Assessment Qualification(s)?
There are no formal pre-entry requirements for this qualification. Centres must, however, carry out an initial assessment or skills scan to confirm that learners can work at Level 4 and are able to meet the academic and practical demands of the programme.
The SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment provides a strong foundation for progression to this qualification and is recommended for learners who are new to formal fire risk assessment qualifications. Completion of the Level 3 qualification is not mandatory, but it may support learner readiness and progression.
What are the oppertunities for progression after the Level 4 Fire Risk Assessment Qualification(s)?
This qualification creates a number of opportunities for progression, including further study at a higher level and movement into more complex fire risk assessment environments. Learners may progress to the Level 5 qualification, which will align to the Advanced tier of fire risk assessor competence described in BS 8674:2025. As learners gain workplace experience, they may also work towards third-party certification and professional recognition, reflecting the broader competence expectations set out in the standard.