This distance learning qualification is aligned with skills and behaviors outlined in BS 8674: 2025 – Built Environment Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessor.
Throughout the qualification candidates will develop both foundational and intermediate competencies in fire risk assessment. You will demonstrate your ability to carry out effective assessments, produce clear and accurate reports, and promote best practice within the field. By completing this qualification, you will be able to evidence your competence, strengthen your career prospects, and contribute to creating safer workplaces.
Who should complete this course?
This qualification is designed for individuals currently working in, or aspiring to work in, the fire safety sector, or those who carry out fire risk assessments as part of their job role.
You should consider this Level 4 if you: ✓ Hold the ProQual Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment or equivalent Level 3 Qualification or ✓ Have a minimum of three years proven experience in the field of fire risk assessment
You must also be employed in a role, or enrolled on a training course, that enables you to carry out fire risk assessments either in real environments or through realistic simulations.
What does this course involve?
During the course, you will cover the following subject areas:
✓ Foundational and intermediate fire risk assessment ✓ Understanding fire development and spread ✓ Managing fire risk ✓ Fire risk assessments for low and moderate risk buildings ✓ Professional development as a fire risk assessor
You will demonstrate your competence through a range of assessment methods, including submission of real work completed during your day-to-day job, a professional discussion with your assessor to back up your knowledge, and an observation at your workplace.
As part of your assessment, an observation will need to be held in at least one of the workplace activities listed below: ✓ Evaluate & report on fire risk assessment materials ✓ Produce & present fire risk assessment report for moderate-risk buildings ✓ Plan a fire risk assessment for a moderate-risk building in line with fire safety legislation & guidance ✓ Demonstrate the ability to plan, conduct, and present a fire risk assessment ✓ Demonstrate personal performance and situational awareness The observation will be carried out either by a suitable workplace manager or mentor. You assessor will plan and agree the most suitable activities with you.
What is a low/moderate risk building?
The Institute of Fire Safety Managers defines low & moderate risk buildings as follows:
Low-Risk Buildings: In the scope of fire risk assessments, a low-risk building refers to structures that meet specific criteria to mitigate potential hazards. These buildings typically accommodate fewer occupants, with a capacity of around 60 occupants
Moderate-Risk Buildings: In the scope of fire risk assessments, a medium-risk building comprises structures with slightly elevated criteria compared to low-risk ones, introducing moderate potential hazards. These buildings are expected to have occupancies of up to 500 people. Examples of medium-risk buildings encompass supermarkets and factory-commercial units, reflecting a moderately increased risk profile during fire assessments due to their design and layout characteristics.
SHE Knows delivery methods for this qualification – we are different, not just your average training provider.
At SHE Knows, our focus is on gathering real, work-based evidence for your Level 4 qualification, not relying solely on assignments or written Q&A.
All assessments are carried out by qualified, human assessors who will support you through Email, Teams, or even Whatsapp! We don’t work with automated systems or admin teams. We’re here to guide, support, encourage, and keep you on track right through to completion.
Time scales for completion can vary from candidate to candidate, based on your job role, experience, and how much time you have to dedicate to the course, however ProQual estimates that the average time spent on this qualification is 245 hours.
You can start at any time. Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive your work pack including your SHE Knows Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment workbook.
Your assessor will then book an induction with you during which they will explain evidence gathering and how to understand our workbook and filing systems.
They will also go through your competence analysis to help both you and your assessor understand your experience, strengths, and areas where you may need to develop further. This induction gives your assessor the opportunity to get to know you and plan how best to support you throughout the qualification, so it’s worth setting aside time for this session!
Want to ask a question? Feel free to Contact us to speak directly to an assessor before you register.