Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment
The SCQF Level 10 fire risk assessment qualification, developed in line with BS 8674.
Learning Style
Time Limit
Duration
Level
Total excl. VAT
1850
1 licence
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Cost per licence: 1850
Get the course specification
This course marks a long-overdue step forward for the fire safety world. It covers the fundamental principles that anyone responsible for assessing fire safety in buildings should be familiar with.
Course aims
Understand the theoretical concepts that underpin the fire risk in a building
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire precautions in relation to life safety using industry-accepted standards and guidance
Determine the most appropriate solutions to control the fire risk by considering the broad range of measures that would ensure compliance and achieve safety
Justify and communicate recommended fire risk controls considering any legislative, financial and operational impacts
Recognise where a situation is beyond the scope of their role and take the appropriate action
Who it’s for
This diploma is for anyone responsible for fire risk assessments, whether that’s one building or a whole estate, and whether the premises are low, moderate or high risk. If you undertake or sign off assessments, this is the fire risk assessor qualification for you.
Fire safety consultants
Carrying out fire risk assessments for clients across a range of premises and risk levels.
In-house fire risk assessors
Responsible for fire risk assessments across an estate or property portfolio.
Building and facilities managers
Accountable for the fire safety of the premises they manage.
Building designers and architects
Designing fire safety into buildings from first principles.
It also suits anyone who wants to understand the principles behind fire precautions. As well as what you need to know, the course covers why it matters and how to apply it to real buildings.
Where it can take you
The NSA Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment is an SCQF Level 10 qualification. It was developed in line with BS 8674:2025 and covers the knowledge criteria for fire risk assessors up to advanced level.
Undertake fire risk assessments
It’s a strong base whether you want to set up as an independent fire risk assessor, take on fire risk assessments in-house, or add them to your existing fire safety work.
Apply to join the IFE or IFSM
Completing the qualification means you could be considered for the highest tier of membership with the IFE (Member) and IFSM (Member), subject to your experience in the field.
What “credit-rated” means
The Qualifications Scotland has formally evaluated the learning and assigned it an SCQF level and credit value, so learners and employers can compare it with other qualifications. The qualification is delivered and awarded by National Safety Academy, not Qualifications Scotland itself.
Keep developing
Passing the Diploma is just the start. Our CPD modules help you keep your knowledge current, and every module counts towards the CPD hours you can show employers and professional bodies.
Your learning journey
Welcome
This block covers a welcome to the course, academic malpractice policies, and setting the scene of the fire safety landscape in England and Wales.
Block 1 | Fire Safety Law
An introduction to the key pieces of legislation and corresponding responsibilities of those involved in maintaining the fire safety of a premises.
Block 2 | Fire Science
A closer look at what's happening within the flames at a molecular level to support a deeper understanding of explosions, the properties of combustibles, and the difference between smouldering and flaming combustion.
Block 3 | Fire Behaviour
An in-depth analysis of the stages of fire development, from ignition through fire growth and all the way to decay.
Block 4 | Human Behaviour
An exploration of the various factors which affect how occupants of buildings will behave in a fire situation, which will allow us to predict their likely response and incorporate precautions to accommodate.
Block 5 | Evacuation Strategies
A look at the different types of evacuation strategy that you're likely to come across and the precautions that will need to be in place to safely facilitate them.
6 learning blocks
Assessment 1 | Giving Advice
In this assessment, you'll need to respond to a series of requests from clients. To pass, your advice will need to comply with the relevant legislation and demonstrate a sound understanding of fire safety principles.
Block 6 | Fire Prevention
An analysis of each of the main causes of fires, including exactly how they cause a fire and the steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening.
Block 7 | Fire Protection
An in-depth exploration of the various methods of passive and active means of fire protection in buildings.
2 learning blocks
Assessment 2 | Upholding Fire Precautions
Explain deficiencies in preventive and protective systems at a client's premises. Produce a written report along with an audio clip of your executive summary for the client. This assessment has a 4 week deadline from the date of request.
Block 8 | Means of Escape
An introduction to some of the key principles that underpin safe means of escape.
Block 9 | Means of Escape II
Building upon the principles explained in previous block, this is a further exploration of safe means of escape in two-storey buildings.
Block 10 | Means of Escape III
The final means of escape block consolidates knowledge and applies this to a multi-storey, high-risk premises with 100+ occupants.
Block 11 | Fire Safety Management
An exploration of the key principles of fire safety management and thorough evaluation of fire safety management systems.
Block 12 | Becoming a Fire Risk Assessor
This final block offers the opportunity to complete a formative assessment on a high-risk building, alongside learning about proper recording of the fire risk assessment, the importance of continuing professional development, and the various relevant membership bodies.
5 learning blocks
Assessment 3 | Fire Risk Assessment
In this assessment, you'll need to complete a fire risk assessment and produce the corresponding report for a moderate risk premises in a real-life simulation.
ID Verification
Submit your ID documents to move forward to certification.
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Certificate
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Fees and Payment
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NSA interest-free plan
Offered directly by National Safety Academy. No credit check and no interest. First payment today, then monthly by card on the same date. One course per order. Licences are issued when the first payment clears; certificates are issued once the plan is complete.
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Additional charges may be incurred for resubmissions, late submissions, or course extension. See our policies for further detail.
How it's delivered and assessed
Learn from first principles
You’ll come away able to explain why and how, not just what. You study online in our learning portal at your own pace, through real-life examples, case studies, videos and e-learning written in everyday language.
Assessments based on real life. There are three assessments. When you’re ready for each one, download the assignment from the portal, work through a realistic fire risk assessment scenario and submit it before the deadline.
Giving advice
Respond to a series of emails from clients asking for fire safety advice.
2-week deadline from requestUpholding fire precautions
Explain deficiencies in preventive and protective systems at a client premises. Written report plus an audio executive summary.
4-week deadline from requestFire risk assessment
Complete a fire risk assessment of a moderate risk premises in a real-life simulation.
6-week deadline from requestNot the right course for you? Maybe you’ll like…
What’s new? BS 8674:2025
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Buying for a team?
Discount applies automatically
Choose the number of licences on any course page. Licences stay unassigned until you allocate them and remain valid for 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience to complete your courses?
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, some experience of fire safety within the workplace will help you to put what you have learnt into context.
Can I study online at my own pace?
Yes. Our online courses are self-directed distance learning, studied in our learning portal whenever suits you. Each course has a time limit, from 3 months for our shortest courses to 12 months for the Diploma.
What payment options are there? Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can pay in full, spread the cost with one of our payment plans, or use a third-party provider. Every option costs the same, and you choose at checkout.
What happens if I don’t pass an online assessment?
Don’t worry! If you don’t pass an assessment on your first attempt, you’ll usually receive feedback to help you understand where you went wrong – dependent on the nature of the assessment. Once you’ve paid the resubmission fee and revisited any relevant areas, you’ll be able to resubmit your work, although the number of attempts permitted may vary by course.
Do I need previous experience to take the Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment?
No. The Diploma has no prerequisites. It suits practising and aspiring fire risk assessors, and anyone who wants to understand the principles behind fire precautions.
What certificate will I receive for the Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment?
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate confirming that you’ve achieved the Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, awarded at SCQF Level 10. This provides formal recognition of your achievement and can support your professional development as a fire risk assessor.
How do I become a fire risk assessor?
Start with a recognised fire risk assessment qualification, then build experience. The NSA Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment covers the knowledge criteria for fire risk assessors up to advanced level in BS 8674:2025, and has no prerequisites. Competence also depends on experience, so plan for supervised practice and CPD once you’ve qualified.
What is BS 8674?
BS 8674:2025 is the British Standard that sets out the competence expected of fire risk assessors. The NSA Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment was developed in line with it and covers its knowledge criteria up to advanced level.
What does SCQF Level 10 mean?
SCQF Level 10 is equivalent to Level 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the same level as an honours degree. The Diploma has been credit-rated by Qualifications Scotland, which means it has been formally evaluated and given an SCQF level and credit value, so learners and employers can compare it with other qualifications.
Is the Diploma awarded by Qualifications Scotland?
No. The Diploma is delivered and awarded by National Safety Academy. Qualifications Scotland has credit-rated it.
Can I join the IFE or IFSM after the Diploma?
Completing the Diploma means you could be considered for the highest tier of membership with the IFE (Member) and IFSM (Member), subject to your experience in the field.
Can I study the Diploma while working full-time?
Yes. It’s self-directed distance learning, so you study at your own pace in our online learning portal. You have 12 months to complete around 410 hours of study, with dedicated tutor support seven days a week.
Do I need a qualification to be a fire risk assessor?
There is no specific qualification legally required to become a fire risk assessor. However, anyone carrying out fire risk assessments must be competent, with the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB). A recognised qualification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills, but practical experience is also essential to developing competence.
What’s the purpose of BeyondTheory™?
Competence in fire risk assessment is built upon skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB). Whilst traditional training helps develop knowledge and skills, practical experience can be harder to gain. BeyondTheory™ helps bridge this gap by allowing learners to observe experienced professionals assessing real buildings and understand the reasoning behind their decisions.
Is a qualification a legal requirement for fire risk assessors?
No. In England and Wales there’s no mandatory qualification or licence for fire risk assessors. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, and the responsible person should make sure whoever carries it out is competent, with enough training, experience and knowledge. A recognised qualification is one of the clearest ways to show this.
Can I train to become a fire risk assessor online?
Yes. Our Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment is studied online in our learning portal at your own pace, with up to 12 months to complete it (approx. 410 hours of study). You’ll have dedicated tutor support seven days a week, community forums to learn with other learners, and three assessments based on realistic fire risk assessment scenarios.
How much does it cost to become a fire risk assessor?
It depends on your route. Training is the main cost, and once qualified you may also choose to pay for professional body membership. The fee for our Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment is shown on the course page, and you can spread the cost with our payment options for the same total price.
Do I need practical experience as well as a qualification?
Yes, to be fully competent. A qualification gives you the knowledge, but competence also depends on experience of assessing real premises. Our Diploma covers the knowledge criteria in BS 8674:2025, and professional body membership with the IFE or IFSM also takes your experience into account. You don’t need previous experience to start the Diploma.
Are NSA’s courses accredited or recognised?
Several of our courses carry external recognition. Our Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment is an SCQF Level 10 qualification developed in line with BS 8674:2025, and our Fire Door Inspection course is recognised by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) as a Recognised Training Course. Each course page sets out the recognition and CPD hours that apply.
