ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment

The ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment is an advanced, practitioner-level qualification designed for experienced fire risk assessors operating across complex and higher-risk premises.

Aligned to the Advanced Level competence framework outlined by the British Standards Institution BS 8674, this diploma supports individuals who are undertaking fire risk assessments independently and making high-level professional judgements.

Awarded by ProQual, this qualification reflects advanced technical knowledge, applied competence, and professional accountability.

BS 8674 outlines staged competence development for fire risk assessors:

Foundation Level → Intermediate Level → Advanced Level

The Advanced Level focuses on:

• Assessing complex and higher-risk premises
• Exercising independent professional judgement
• Evaluating fire engineering solutions (at a non-design level)
• Providing defensible, proportionate recommendations
• Managing professional risk and liability
• Demonstrating ongoing competence and CPD
   

The Level 5 Diploma supports evidence of knowledge and applied capability expected at Advanced practitioner level.

The ProQual Level 5 Diploma (Advanced Level) suitable for:

• Experienced Fire Risk Assessors operating independently
• Fire Safety Consultants
• Senior Fire Safety Advisors
• Compliance Managers responsible for diverse portfolios
• Housing and multi-occupied residential specialists
• Professionals preparing for third-party certification schemes
   

It is particularly appropriate for those assessing:

• Multi-occupied residential buildings
• Higher-risk residential buildings (HRRBs)
• Complex commercial premises
• Mixed-use developments
• Premises with vulnerable occupants
• Buildings with engineered fire safety solutions
   

The aim of this Advanced Level qualification is to:

• Develop advanced technical fire safety knowledge
• Strengthen critical evaluation of fire protection measures
• Support independent practitioner status
•  Enhance report defensibility and legal robustness
• Align professional capability with BS 8674 Advanced Level
   

Learners will deepen their understanding of:

• Undertaking a Fire Risk Assessment for High-Risk Buildings
• Managing the Risk of Fire in High-Risk Buildings
• Advanced Fire Risk Assessment
• Professional Development as an Advanced Fire Risk Assessor
   

• Structured assessment of complex layouts and occupancy types
• Evaluating deviations from prescriptive guidance
• Risk-based decision making in non-standard scenarios
• Reviewing fire strategy documents
• Analysing adequacy of engineered fire safety solutions
• Applying proportionality and justification principles
   

• Travel distance calculations and occupancy factors
• Simultaneous vs phased evacuation strategies
• Stay-put principles in residential buildings
• Compartmentation analysis
• Smoke control systems overview
• Interface between fire risk assessment and fire engineering
   

• Fire door inspection and compliance analysis
• Compartmentation breaches and remedial strategies
• Fire detection and alarm system categories (BS 5839 overview)
• Emergency lighting systems (BS 5266 overview)
• Suppression systems (sprinklers, mist systems – principles)
• Inspection regimes and maintenance auditing
   

• High-rise and multi-occupied residential buildings
• Premises with vulnerable occupants (care settings, supported living)
• Commercial buildings with large occupant loads
• Mixed-use and heritage buildings
• Construction phase considerations
• Reviewing external wall systems at a FRA overview level
   

• Writing technically defensible FRA reports
• Avoiding over-conservative or under-specified recommendations
• Structuring prioritised and proportionate action plans
• Evidencing reasoning and professional judgement
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Understanding competence limitations and referral thresholds
• Managing CPD and maintaining Advanced Level status under BS 8674
   

Assessment at Level 5 reflects advanced analytical ability and applied competence and will include:

• Written assignments
• Applied case studies
• Scenario-based evaluation
• Professional discussion
• Evidence of applied knowledge in practice

Learners must demonstrate analytical ability and application beyond Intermediate Level.
 

Progression Opportunities

After completing this Level 5 Fire Risk Assessment course, learners may progress to:

- Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering Design

- Specialist premises-based fire risk qualifications

- Indipendent practice accross High risk buildings

- Professional body membership routes

- Third-party Certification Schemes

This course does not entitle the learner to any post-nominals but does provide access to membership of many institutions and associations where post-nominals can be used.
 

Course Duration

Typical duration:

5 days (Classroom and Online (Via Microsoft Teams))

Entry Requirements

Candidates for this Qualification Should:

- Hold a Level 4 Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment Qualification  (or equivalent)

OR

- Have at least five years proven occupational experience in the field of fire risk assessment,

The course equips you with considerable knowledge; however, learners are still expected to undertake self-study and research in addition to the provided learning to successfully complete the post-course coursework.
 

Achieving his qualification significantly enhances professional credibility and market positioning within the fire safety sector.
 

✔ Aligns with BS 8674 Advanced Level competence
✔ Demonstrates high-level technical capability
✔ Supports assessment of complex and higher-risk buildings
✔ Strengthens professional credibility and defensibility
✔ Enhances consultancy and senior-level career opportunities
✔ Supports third-party certification readiness