Overview
The Level 4 Advanced Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Award is a nationally recognised qualification designed for professionals assessing high-risk buildings.
Aligned with BS 8674: Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors and the Building Safety Act 2022 (Golden Thread requirements), the award develops advanced knowledge and applied skills to assess complex fire risks, produce compliant reports, and demonstrate professional competence in line with industry standards.
Who it’s for
Fire safety professionals working in, or progressing towards, roles involving fire risk assessment of high-risk or complex buildings.
Entry requirements
• Minimum age: 18
• Must hold a ProQual Level 3 Fire Risk Assessment Award or have at least three years’ occupational experience conducting FRAs in medium-risk premises
• Access to high-risk buildings is required to generate evidence
What you’ll learn
• Understand the principles of advanced fire risk assessment in line with BS 8674
• Apply knowledge of legislation, codes and standards to high-risk building assessments
• Conduct and document suitable and sufficient FRAs in complex or high-risk premises
• Evaluate and recommend active and passive fire protection measures proportionately
• Produce reports compliant with PAS 79 and Golden Thread expectations
• Demonstrate ethical, reflective and professional practice in fire risk assessment
Programme structure
Unit 1 – Principles of Advanced Fire Risk Assessment
• Legislative and guidance framework for high-risk premises
• Types of high-risk buildings and occupant characteristics
• Causes of fire and fire spread in complex buildings
• Active and passive fire protection systems
• Professional standards, ethics, CPD and reflective practice
Unit 2 – Practice of Advanced Fire Risk Assessment
• Preparing to conduct a high-risk FRA (tools, planning, liaison)
• Carrying out assessments using relevant codes, standards and guidance
• Identifying risks, control measures and limits of own competence
• External wall assessment and FRAEW integration
• Report writing in line with PAS 79 and Golden Thread principles
• Communicating outcomes to stakeholders and regulators
• Demonstrating professional conduct and ethical decision-making
Assessment
Candidates must produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all outcomes, including:
• At least three complete Fire Risk Assessments in high-risk premises (as defined in BS 8674 / ProQual guidance)
• Candidate-written reports in PAS 79-compliant format
• Recorded debrief (video, audio or written)
• Knowledge tasks or workbook activities
• Oral questioning or professional discussion
• Annotated photos/drawings supporting FRA findings
• Reflective practice logs and CPD plan
• Signed declaration confirming authenticity of work
All assessments are internally verified and subject to ProQual external moderation.
Progression
On completion, candidates can progress to:
• ProQual Level 5 qualifications in Fire Safety or Building Safety Management
• Specialist roles within High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) and Building Safety Act compliance
• Work as independent or accredited fire risk assessors in high-risk settings
