What’s New? PAS 9980:2026
A free course covering the key changes introduced by PAS 9980:2026.
Learning Style
Time Limit
Duration
Level
Free
PAS 9980:2026 doesn’t completely reinvent the way we assess external wall fire risk – but it does make the process clearer, more structured and easier to apply consistently. This course focuses on the changes that actually matter, so you can quickly understand what’s different from the 2022 edition and what you need to know going forward.
Course aims
Overview of PAS 9980 and the purpose of an FRAEW
Key changes introduced by PAS 9980:2026
Practical implications of the revised guidance for existing and future FRAEWs
Who it’s for
This module is for professionals involved in assessing, managing or making decisions about the fire risk associated with external walls, as well as those who need to understand the impact of the changes introduced by PAS 9980:2026.
Fire risk assessors
Fire engineers and fire safety consultants
Building and facilities managers
Building surveyors
Managing agents and facilities managers
Other professionals involved in the management or assessment of residential buildings
Your learning journey
Welcome
This block covers a welcome to the course, overview of National Safety Academy and setting the scene with regards to the changes to PAS 9980.
Changes to the structure and scope
Explore how PAS 9980:2026 has been reorganised and how its scope now more clearly addresses the process before an FRAEW begins.
When is an FRAEW required?
Learn about the clearer process for determining whether a building or its external walls are inherently low risk and when a full FRAEW is required.
Competence, ethics and professional judgement
Understand the greater prominence given to competence and ethics, including task-specific competence and recognising the limits of your own expertise.
Assessing external wall fire risk
Explore the clearer, iterative methodology for considering fire performance, façade configuration and fire strategy when determining external wall fire risk.
Outcomes, actions and reporting
Learn about the new four-band risk outcome system – high, medium, tolerable and low – and the more detailed expectations for communicating and reporting FRAEW findings.
Existing PAS 9980:2022 assessments
Understand what the new edition means for existing FRAEW reports and when an assessment might need to be reviewed or updated.
7 learning blocks
Your Certificate
How it's delivered and assessed
Online and self-directed
This course is fully online and self-directed, with instant access to the learning materials. You can navigate through the course content in your learning portal online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive tutor support?
Yes. Diploma learners have dedicated tutor support seven days a week. On our shorter courses, learner support is available to answer your questions, and all online learners can use our community forums.
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.
Do you offer training for organisations?
Yes. Whether you need fire wardens trained, managers confident with health and safety, or staff who know what to look for on a fire door, we can help you train your team. Courses are available online, and SafeManagers™ is delivered in the classroom by our Training Partners.
What is BeyondTheory™?
BeyondTheory™ is a practical learning experience designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. You’ll follow experienced professionals as they assess real buildings, gaining insight into their observations, thought processes and professional judgements.
Who is National Safety Academy?
National Safety Academy (NSA) is a UK provider of fire safety and health and safety courses and qualifications. Our assessments are built on real workplace scenarios, and we keep our courses affordable and flexible, with online courses you study at your own pace and classroom courses delivered by approved Training Partners.
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.
Can we train a whole team?
Yes. You can train a whole team with us, whether that’s online courses for your staff or SafeManagers™ delivered by an approved Training Partner. Contact us to talk through the options for your organisation.
