Individuals with a NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety can now progress to the FireQual Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment through a new bridging course being offered by the Fire Protection Association (FPA)

The launch of the course follows the publication of BS 8674:2025 in August 2025, which outlines the framework for assessing the competency of individual fire risk assessors. The new code of practice has encouraged training providers, including the FPA, to update their fire risk assessment qualifications to ensure they are fully aligned with the new standard.

Supporting the professionalisation of fire risk assessors, the UK government confirmed it would introduce mandatory competence requirements for fire risk assessors and independent verification by UKAS-accredited certification bodies. By achieving a formal qualification aligned with BS 8674:2025, practicing fire risk assessors will now be able to demonstrate their competence and prepare for future industry requirements.

The bridging course from the FPA is specifically designed for learners who have previously completed the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety through any training provider.

It delivers the additional knowledge required to achieve the FireQual Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment, aligned with the Foundation core competency level outlined in BS 8674.

Delivered as self-study followed by assessment, this course builds on existing fire safety knowledge and requires learners to:

  • submit a fire risk assessment report for low-to-moderate risk premises, aligned with the foundation competency level of BS 8674, and completed within the last six months
  • analyse a fictional fire risk assessment case study (provided) and answer a series of questions relating to the strengths and weaknesses of the report, the requirements of fire safety signage, and the role of fire safety engineered solutions in design compliance.

The course runs for four weeks, and upon successful completion, learners will achieve the FireQual Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment (RQF Level 3) – 610/6233/9.

In line with the competency levels set out in BS 8674:2025, the FPA offers a full suite of FireQual-accredited qualifications:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment
  • Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment
  • Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment

More information about the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment – NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate Bridging Course, including details on how to apply, can be found here.