The new Fire Risk Assessment qualifications

What you need to know and how the Fire Service College can help

The fire safety landscape in the United Kingdom is undergoing significant transformation. With the introduction of BS 8674:2025, a new national benchmark has been created to ensure consistent and professional fire risk assessment. This standard sets clear expectations for competence across different types of buildings.

The Fire Service College is uniquely positioned to support assessors, employers and duty holders as they adapt to these changes. We provide industry leading training, structured development pathways and expert support.

A New National Standard: BS 8674:2025
The standard defines what competent practice means by setting out the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for effective assessment.

Three Competency Levels

Foundation Level, suitable for assessors working in simple, low risk premises.
Intermediate Level, suitable for moderate complexity environments such as schools and hotels.
Advanced Level, suitable for complex or high risk sites such as hospitals, high-rise buildings and large venues.

Why These Changes Matter
The framework strengthens professional standards, supports compliance with modern fire safety legislation and increases public trust in fire safety arrangements.

New Qualifications Under Development
Awarding bodies such as SFJ Awards are developing formal qualifications aligned to the BS 8674 tiers. We have worked with SFJ Awards to develop all 3 of the qualifications so are well placed to deliver quality courses. These qualifications provide structured progression and offer greater assurance to employers.

Our experience in shaping these qualifications means we are well placed to deliver high quality courses. We use a blended learning model and will continue to support future qualification development across the sector.

How the Fire Service College Can Support You
We deliver training aligned to all three competency levels. Our programmes support individual development, team upskilling and compliance management across complex estates. Our facilities offer realistic, scenario based learning and we provide consultancy to help organisations understand and prepare for the impact of BS 8674.

Preparing for the Future
As the sector transitions to this new model, aligning teams to national standards is one of the most effective ways to strengthen compliance and safety. The Fire Service College is ready to support organisations at every step.