ProQual Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment
Develop and demonstrate fire risk assessment knowledge and practical skills for low- and moderate-risk buildings. Build on your Level 3 Award or relevant experience with structured assessor guidance, practical reports and recorded observation.
For ProQual Level 3 Award holders or applicants with at least three years of proven occupational experience in fire risk assessment. We check your suitability and assessment opportunities before enrolment. Aligned to the intermediate fire risk assessment competencies in BS 8674:2025.
Knowledge workbooks, practical assessment reports and recorded live assessor observation.
Awarding body
ProQual
Qualification
Level 4 Certificate
Assessment
Knowledge & competence
Study commitment
245 hours TQT
BUILD ON YOUR FOUNDATION
About the course
The ProQual Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment combines underpinning knowledge with assessed practical competence. It is designed to develop your ability to plan assessments, evaluate fire safety information, prepare clear reports and communicate recommendations for low- and moderate-risk buildings.
You will explore fire risk assessment principles and legislation, evaluate existing assessment material, and demonstrate your own assessment and reporting skills through planned practical activities. The qualification also develops your ability to reflect on your performance and plan continuing professional development.
SHEC Learning® provides knowledge guidance, answer workbooks and a structured competence assessment plan. Your evidence and assessor feedback are managed through Quals Direct.
ProQual Level 4 Certificate. Qualification number 610/7056/7.
Applied assessment
Demonstrate your work through reports, presentations and live observation.
Supported progression
A development route for Level 3 Award holders and experienced assessors.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN & DEMONSTRATE
Course content
Complete all five mandatory units, covering both knowledge and practical assessment outcomes.
UNIT 1 · T/651/9366 · KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCE
Introduction to Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment
Explore assessment principles, methodologies, human behaviour, evacuation needs and legislation. Review two fire risk assessment examples, evaluate their findings and recommendations, and present the findings of one assessment to a group.
UNIT 2 · Y/651/9367 · KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCE
Undertaking a Fire Risk Assessment for a Low-Risk Building
Plan and carry out a simulated low-risk fire risk assessment using recognised methodologies and resources. Prepare reports and action plans, communicate recommendations, identify situations requiring immediate action, and critically reflect on your performance.
UNIT 3 · A/651/9368 · KNOWLEDGE
Managing the Risk of Fire in Moderate-Risk Buildings
Develop your understanding of fire risk management in moderate-risk buildings, including building design, fire protection measures and the application of fire safety guidance and engineering solutions.
UNIT 4 · D/651/9369 · COMPETENCE
Fire Risk Assessment for a Moderate-Risk Building
Plan a moderate-risk assessment project, considering information, resources, timescales and costs. Produce and present evidence-based simulated fire risk assessment reports, with clear recommendations and achievable action plans for dutyholders.
UNIT 5 · J/651/9370 · KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Understanding Personal Development as a Fire Risk Assessor
Reflect on your developing expertise, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and produce a personal development plan. Present an area of strength to other fire risk assessors, sharing how CPD and relevant resources support good practice.
PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Practical evidence that demonstrates your ability
This certificate requires you to demonstrate assessment and reporting skills as well as explain the underpinning knowledge. A set of written knowledge answers alone will not meet the full qualification requirements.
SHEC's planned evidence includes a low-risk assessment report and at least two separate moderate-risk assessment reports, supported by the relevant source material, action plans and observed activities. Your assessor will agree the scope and suitability of each assessment before you begin.
A CONNECTED ASSESSMENT PLAN
Study & assessment
01
Agree your plan
Review your prior knowledge and experience, confirm suitable assessment opportunities and agree the evidence you will produce.
02
Develop your evidence
Complete knowledge workbooks, assessment reviews, practical reports, action plans and personal development activities.
03
Demonstrate your work
Take part in planned live assessment sessions and presentations, with assessor feedback and a clear record of achievement.
Recorded live assessor observation
SHEC plans two recorded Microsoft Teams activities: a live risk assessment observation of up to 30 minutes, followed by a separate discussion and evidence review of up to 30 minutes. These are SHEC assessment arrangements, not durations prescribed by ProQual. Submit reports and supporting evidence in advance; your assessor agrees the premises, participants and activities with you.
Your assessor can assess several relevant criteria within one planned activity where the evidence supports them. Group and peer presentation requirements are built into the plan, with appropriate participants. Each assessment decision is mapped to the relevant qualification criteria.
The live observation is part of your assessment evidence, not a time limit for a complete premises inspection. Independent inspection, research and report writing take place outside the appointments. You must physically examine the agreed low-risk premises; a remote presentation or discussion alone does not replace evidence of that practical work.
Your portfolio is internally quality assured by SHEC and externally quality assured by ProQual. The qualification has 245 hours of Total Qualification Time, including 160 Guided Learning Hours. Your individual completion schedule will be agreed through your assessment plan.
IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Entry requirements
You should hold the ProQual Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment, or have at least three years of proven occupational experience in fire risk assessment. You must be aged 18 or over when registered with ProQual.
You must be employed in a role, or enrolled on a training course, that provides the opportunity to carry out fire risk assessment simulations. We will review your knowledge, experience and access to suitable assessment opportunities before agreeing your plan.
If you are new to fire risk assessment and do not yet meet these entry requirements, the Level 3 Award provides a foundation knowledge route.
You can enter through the ProQual Level 3 Award or at least three years of proven occupational fire risk assessment experience. Either route still requires an initial assessment and suitable practical or simulated assessment opportunities. Three years in a general health and safety role is not automatically three years of fire risk assessment experience.
Is Level 4 higher than Level 3?
Yes, it is a higher RQF level, but it is not the right starting point for every learner. SHEC’s Level 3 Award assesses foundation knowledge; this Level 4 Certificate adds practical assessment for low- and moderate-risk buildings. ProQual aligns Level 4 with intermediate competencies, not unrestricted advanced practice.
Which route fits my role?
A health and safety professional new to fire-risk assessment may need foundation knowledge first. A practising assessor or consultant may be ready for Level 4 if their qualifications or proven experience and assessment opportunities meet the entry criteria. Someone taking on complex premises needs a separate review of scope, experience and specialist support; a job title or certificate alone does not settle competence.
BS 8674:2025 sets out a framework for the competence of individual fire risk assessors. ProQual has developed this certificate in alignment with its intermediate fire risk assessment competencies.
The qualification provides assessed evidence of the knowledge and practical outcomes within its scope. It does not automatically grant professional registration, third-party certification or a competence tier under the British Standard. Assessors must continue to work within their experience and capabilities and recognise when specialist advice is needed.
Successful learners can continue developing their professional practice and may progress to the ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, subject to the relevant entry and assessment requirements.
The Level 3 Award assesses foundation knowledge. The Level 4 Certificate combines knowledge with practical competence outcomes and includes assessment and reporting activities for low- and moderate-risk buildings.
Can I enrol without the Level 3 Award?
Yes, if you have at least three years of proven occupational experience in fire risk assessment and meet the other entry requirements. SHEC will review your suitability through initial assessment.
How are the practical outcomes assessed?
Through a planned combination of your assessment work, reports, action plans, presentations and assessor observation. Suitable live Teams sessions are recorded and mapped to the criteria, alongside supporting evidence in Quals Direct.
Are simulations allowed?
Yes. The specification explicitly includes simulated fire risk assessment activities. Your assessor must agree a suitable context and evidence plan that allows you to demonstrate the required outcomes.
How many reports will I produce?
SHEC's assessment plan includes a low-risk assessment report and at least two separate moderate-risk assessment reports. You also review two existing assessment examples in Unit 1. These are distinct activities, with the final evidence requirements agreed by your assessor.
How long does the course take?
The qualification specifies 245 hours of total qualification time, including 160 guided learning hours. Your timetable depends on your starting point, availability and assessment opportunities.
Does the certificate make me competent for every building?
No. The assessed scope concerns low- and moderate-risk buildings. You must recognise the limits of your knowledge, experience and practical competence and seek specialist support where appropriate.
Can I study the Level 4 fire risk assessment course online?
You submit knowledge workbooks and supporting assessment evidence through Quals Direct, with assessor guidance and feedback. The Certificate also requires practical assessment activities, reports and presentations. SHEC plans recorded live assessor observation through Microsoft Teams, with each session lasting up to 60 minutes. Your assessor agrees suitable practical or simulated assessment opportunities and evidence requirements with you before you begin.
Check your next step before enrolling: tell us about your Level 3 Award or fire risk assessment experience and the practical assessment opportunities available to you. Our team will help confirm whether Level 4 fits your development needs.
