We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide further detail and to help you decide if this course is right for you.
Please click on the link below.
If you still have questions please contact the office on 01252 792 088
Thursday 15th October 2026
Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats
Friday 16th October 2026
Fire Engineered Solutions & Calculations
De Vere Horsley Park
Ockham Road South, East Horsley, Surrey KT24 6DT
Telephone: 01483 917 075
Website: https://www.devere.co.uk/horsley-estate
Monday 2nd November 2026
Hospitals & Public Assembly
Monday 16th November 2026
Schools & Heritage
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
Specialised Housing, Residential Care and Hotel Sleeping Risks
Fire risk assessment is fundamental to fire safety law. Employers and any other person who has control over premises must take measures to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can escape safely. To this end, the legislation requires that a fire risk assessment (FRA) be carried out.
The training course follows the requirements of BS 8674: 2025 Built environment – Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors – Code of practice.
The aim of this qualification is to provide candidates with the opportunity to achieve a regulated qualification that evidences the skills, knowledge and experience required to competently undertake Advanced level FRAs.
The qualification’s objective is to allow candidates to successfully undertake the role of Advanced fire risk assessor. It is suitable for candidates who wish to develop a deeper set of skills and knowledge, thereby allowing them to competently identify hazards and situations that could lead to fires in higher-risk buildings and premises. This includes reviewing existing fire safety measures and, where necessary, the creation of recommendations to mitigate the risk of fire.
This qualification does not define categories of risk within building or premises types, nor does it specify risk for processes. Instead, it recognises that fires occur within various premises which carry varying risk profiles and, in this regard, the following factors all contribute to determining the overall risk level:
This qualification provides the final (BS 8674:2025) step in the fire risk assessor learning and development pathway where, career progression follows three core competency levels namely, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, in line with guidance provided in BS 8674:2025.
Candidates will demonstrate evidence of having successfully completed the FireQual Level 4 (England and Wales)/7 (Scotland) Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment or equivalent.
Candidates must also have access to the relevant environment, equipment, and materials to allow them to successfully gather the evidence requirements. For this qualification you are required to submit two redacted fire risk assessments of a higher-risk premises.
An Experienced Worker Route (EWR) is available for candidates that have been working in fire safety and carrying out fire risk assessments of at least moderate-risk premises for a minimum of 12 months and are well versed in all the qualification criteria areas. If you believe you meet these requirements, please contact training@cstodd.co.uk for an EWR questionnaire and more information.
The qualification has several one-day training courses, some are virtual and others are in-person training days. If you are looking to progress from FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment (or equivalent) candidates are required to attend all four training days. If you are working at the required level and only need training/refresher in a few areas, please contact training@cstodd.co.uk, who can provide more information on the EWR. If you received the FireQual Level 4 (or equivalent) qualification outside C.S. Todd and Associates, you are required to attend an additional virtual training day covering Specialised Housing, Residential Care and Hotel Sleeping Risks (unless you are well versed in these types of premises).
All training days are also available for CPD only. These can be booked individually and separate from the qualification. Please email training@cstodd.co.uk for more information.
| In-Person Training | |
| Training | Training Date & Location |
| Fire Safety in Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats | Thursday 15th October 2026, Surrey |
| Fire Engineered Solutions & Calculations | Friday 16th October 2026, Surrey |
| One Day Virtual Training | |
| Training | Training Dates & Legislation |
| Hospitals & Public Assembly | Monday 2nd November 2026, England & Wales |
| Schools & Heritage | Monday 16th November 2026, England & Wales |
| Specialised Housing, Residential Care and Hotel Sleeping Risks | Tuesday 3rd November 2026, England & Wales |
| Legislation & Enforcement with Legal Case Studies | Online recording to be watched at any time. |
This qualification provides candidates with advanced skills and knowledge and builds on existing competencies. It develops a greater understanding which is required to produce fire risk assessments within premises that can be categorised as presenting a high-risk due to the building’s construction, its use or occupancy etc. This requires the Advanced fire risk assessor to possess a higher level of skills and knowledge to allow them to offer solutions that mitigate risk and achieve safe and compliant buildings or premises, in more complex and difficult environments.
The courses are for individuals wanting to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake fire risk assessments and develop competence in higher-risk buildings. Whilst there is no obligation to complete each foundation, intermediate and advanced stages, progression through all three levels is encouraged to ensure an understanding of the training gained and practical experience at each level. Knowledge and skills are then put into practice by carrying out fire risk assessments.
The course is assessed against a set of learning outcomes, in the form of virtual training, in-person training and submission of ‘a portfolio of evidence’. Following attendance on all training days, candidates are required to complete a virtual fire risk assessment and submit two fire risk assessments of at the appropriate level (higher-risk), completed in your own time, at suitable premises. This is referred to as your portfolio of evidence. The final stage is to undergo a professional interview with one of our trainers via Microsoft Teams.
Upon successful completion of this course you will be awarded the following certification:
FireQual Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment to BS 8674:2025
Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) England & Wales Level 5
If you are successful in achieving the pass marks for the Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment to BS 8674:2025, you will receive a qualification certificate from our third‑party accrediting body. However, while this meets the ‘best practice’ qualification level and the knowledge/skills, you should make sure that you are competent to address all of the fire risks within any of the premises you are assessing.
This qualification is valid throughout the UK. If you work in Northern Ireland, the Scottish course in 2027 should be selected, due to similarities in legislation.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the in-person training days.
The dress code for the in-person training is smart casual. There is no specific requirement for the virtual day training, however you are required to keep your camera on at all times.
The professional interview is the final stage of your portfolio of evidence. This will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams.
The professional interview will be with one or two of our assessors and last a maximum of two hours. The discussion will assess your overall understanding of the concepts of legal, regulatory and enforcement practices, and the methods and practices to undertake a fire risk assessment within higher-risk premises.
The professional interview will be recorded and transcribed, which will be stored on our system. The interview transcript will be stored for up to seven years, whereas the recording will be destroyed after one year. In addition, the transcript and recording could be subject to auditing by FireQual. Please note that you must have a working camera on the device that is used, and this must be switched on for the duration of the interview.
The assessor(s) will discuss your portfolio of evidence and go through the processes you used to undertake your fire risk assessments. The discussion will cover your decision-making process to contextualise your learning, which will allow you to demonstrate your full understanding of the fire risk assessment process. This may include questions relating to your decision-making process with regard to the submitted fire risk assessments. Your discussion may include how you quantified risk and standards you have applied. It is suggested that you have copies of your course notes and the redacted fire risk assessments whilst you attend the professional interview.
Our courses are delivered by a mixture of experienced trainers, all of whom are practising fire risk assessors, and understand the practicalities of working in the field.
Our team of trainers include:
Senior Trainer
Joined in May 2022 Carries out fire risk assessments. Delivers fire safety training.
Consultant
Joined in 2019: Carries out fire risk assessments. Advising clients on fire safety management.
Managing Director
Established the company in 1982. Overall responsibility for strategic running of the company. Other responsibilities: Expert witness cases. Author of a number of BSI publications, […]
£3,700 plus VAT per candidate. The fee must be prepaid by cheque, BACS or credit card, excluding Amex.
Please note, accommodation is not included in the fee for either course route.
If you do not reach a pass on areas within your portfolio of evidence, we offer the option of a remote mentoring session with one of our trainers, followed by resubmission of the document in question. If you do not reach a pass during your professional interview you will be required to do some self-study on the areas of weakness. Following the self-study you will be required to submit an additional document for your portfolio of evidence and/or undergo another professional interview.
A comprehensive one-day fire safety training course following amendments to the English and Welsh legislation and guidance following the current findings from the Public Inquiry into the fire and loss of life at Grenfell Tower.
The course is accredited with 6 FIA CPD hours and 6 IFSM CPD hours.
Candidates will be able to:
8:45 am Coffee/tea on arrival
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
Existing and new legislation
Interpretation of the new legislation including information to be sent to residents of flats
Coffee/Tea break
Assessments of Hazards and their elimination or control:
Lunch break
Fire protection measures continued:
Coffee/Tea break
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish
A comprehensive one-day training course which develops the knowledge and skills required for an Advanced Fire Risk Assessor to understand how building design, construction methods, building services, and maintenance arrangements influence fire safety throughout a building’s lifecycle. Learners will develop the ability to assess complex fire safety challenges in high-risk buildings and provide informed recommendations that support legal compliance and improve fire safety outcomes. The module also explores the use of fire engineered solutions, fire protection systems, and the wider environmental considerations associated with building design and operation.
Candidates will be able to:
This learning outcome will assist candidates in making informed professional judgements regarding the relationship between building design, construction, maintenance, and fire safety, enabling them to undertake advanced fire risk assessments within complex and high-risk environments.
8:45 am Coffee/tea on arrival
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
The Role of the Advanced Fire Risk Assessor
Working with Responsible Persons and Duty Holders.
Coffee/Tea break
Building Design and Construction Principles
Understanding building design, construction methods, building fabric, compartmentation and the impact on fire safety performance.
Lunch break
Fire Engineering Solutions
Introduction to fire engineered solutions, performance-based design, compensatory measures and when engineered solutions are appropriate.
Coffee/Tea break
Fire Protection Systems
Active and passive fire protection systems, requirements, limitations, maintenance considerations and risk mitigation
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
Impact of building materials, services, refurbishment, maintenance and environmental factors throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Case Study Workshop
Application of learning outcome 4 principles using complex high-risk building scenarios.
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish
A comprehensive one-day virtual training course to provide candidates with an advanced understanding of fire safety management, design principles, evacuation strategies and fire risk assessment methodologies applicable to healthcare environments. Particular emphasis is placed on patient dependency, progressive horizontal evacuation, HTM Firecode guidance, healthcare-specific hazards and the practical application of fire risk assessment principles within complex healthcare premises.
Candidates will be able to:
Assess the role of fire engineering, passive fire protection and maintenance in achieving effective fire safety outcomes.
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
Historic healthcare fire incidents, development of Firecode, why healthcare premises require a specialist approach.
Legislation, Guidance and Firecode Framework
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Regulations, Health and Social Care requirements, HTM 05-01, HTM 05-02 and HTM 05-03.
Coffee/Tea break
Fire Safety Management Structure
Responsible Person, Trust Board, Chief Executive, Executive Director, Fire Safety Manager, Fire Safety Adviser, Authorising Engineer and Fire Safety Group.
Patient Dependency and Evacuation Strategy
Independent, dependent and very high dependency patients; progressive horizontal evacuation; stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3 evacuation.
Lunch break
HTM 05-02 Design Principles
Healthcare design principles, compartmentation, hospital streets, travel distances, fire-resisting construction, protected escape routes and building layout.
Fire Protection Systems and Fire Safety Measures
Fire detection and alarm systems, active and passive fire protection, fire doors, fire stopping, suppression, maintenance and reliability of systems.
Coffee/Tea break
Healthcare-Specific Hazards
Hazard rooms, hazard departments, laboratories, textiles and furnishings, commercial enterprises, arson prevention, atria and medical gases.
Fire Risk Assessment in Complex Healthcare Premises
HTM 05-03 Part K, primary and secondary FRAs, PAS 79 approach, ALARP, action planning, risk rating and review.
Case Study Workshop
Practical application using healthcare scenarios involving patient dependency, compartmentation, evacuation planning, hazards and fire safety management.
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish
A comprehensive one-day virtual training course that provides learners with an advanced understanding of fire risk assessment principles across heritage buildings and educational premises, two building types that present unique fire safety challenges. Candidates will examine how building design, occupancy profiles, management arrangements, fire protection measures and statutory requirements influence fire safety outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on balancing life safety with property protection in heritage buildings and managing the complexities of high-occupancy educational environments.
Candidates will be able to:
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
Heritage Buildings: Context and Fire Safety Objectives
Historic and listed buildings, listed building grades, conservation considerations, and the need to balance life safety with property, asset and business continuity objectives.
Fire Risk Assessment in Heritage Buildings
Regulatory requirements, enforcement considerations, retrospective fire strategies, risk-based reviews and proportionate fire safety recommendations.
Coffee/Tea break
Heritage Building Fire Risks
Combustible construction, timber elements, lath and plaster, hidden voids, compromised compartmentation, ageing electrical systems, heating systems, lightning protection and arson risk.
Heritage Fire Protection and Management
Fire doors, detection and alarm systems, emergency response procedures, salvage planning, public/private events, and working with conservation bodies.
Lunch break
Schools: Context and Occupancy Risk
Why schools are different, occupancy profiles, pupils, staff, visitors, varying ages and abilities, behaviour, out-of-hours use and non-standard layouts.
Guidance, Statistics and Common Causes of Fire in Schools
Relevant guidance including BB100, the DfE Technical Manual, DCLG educational premises guidance, school fire statistics, arson, electrical faults, cooking, equipment misuse and business continuity impacts.
Coffee/Tea break
School Fire Prevention and Hazard Control
Arson prevention, site security, housekeeping, combustible displays, laboratories, workshops, kitchens, plant rooms, storage areas, dangerous substances and areas of special fire hazard.
Means of Escape and Fire Protection in Schools
Travel distances, protected stairways, single stairway buildings, exit capacity, seating and gangways, securing exits, inner rooms, open spatial planning, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting and signage.
Combined Case Study Workshop
Practical workshop applying learning to heritage and school scenarios, including risk prioritisation, conservation constraints, arson prevention, compartmentation, escape routes and management controls.
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish
A comprehensive one-day virtual training course that provides candidates with an understanding of fire safety principles applicable to specialised housing, residential care premises and sleeping accommodation. The programme examines fire safety legislation, person-centred fire risk assessments, vulnerable residents, evacuation strategies, fire protection systems, management arrangements and sleeping risk considerations. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between building design, resident vulnerability, staffing arrangements and fire safety outcomes.
Candidates will be able to:
9:00 am Course Opening & Introduction
Introduction to Specialised Housing
Sheltered housing, extra care housing, supported housing and key fire safety challenges.
Fire Safety Legislation
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, Housing Act 2004, Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and Building Safety Act 2022.
Coffee/Tea break
Fire Risk Assessment Principles
FRA types, competent assessors, review frequencies and assessing specialised housing premises.
Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment
Vulnerable residents, behavioural risks, mobility issues, hoarding, smoking and person-centred interventions.
Lunch break
Fire Prevention and Common Hazards
Electrical systems, smoking, cooking, mobility scooters, medical gases, arson and contractors.
Compartmentation and Fire Protection
Roof voids, fire stopping, compartment walls, fire doors and suppression systems.
Coffee/Tea break
Means of Escape
Practical Case Study Workshop
Assessment of specialised housing and residential care scenarios, identification of deficiencies and development of recommendations.
Final Discussion
5:30 pm Finish
Please return your completed questionnaire to training@cstodd.co.uk
You will need copies of your Level 4/Level 7 Fire Risk Assessment to BS 8674:2025 Certificate (or Medium-Risk FRA).
© 2026 · C. S. Todd & Associates Ltd.