BAFE FAQs

The BAFE SP205 Scheme does not cover the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding (FRAEW or destructive inspections to assess the structure and building materials).

Performing these works may require specialist individuals with the appropriate qualification and insurance which is not under the scope of any BAFE Scheme.

The stakeholders, in collaboration with the certification bodies, agreed to implement a transition period due to the substantial changes introduced in this version compared to the previously published Version 5.1. As a result, the publication and effective dates have been intentionally decoupled, an uncommon but necessary step. This approach allows licensed certification bodies and certification software platform providers sufficient time to update their processes and checklists to align with the new scheme requirements.

If your certification audit takes place before 31 March 2026, there will be no changes, your audit will follow the current scheme requirements. From 1 April 2026 onwards, all certification audits will be conducted in line with the Version 6 scheme requirements. Although BAFE strongly encourages all Fire Risk Assessors to obtain the regulated qualifications at the earliest opportunity, the Scheme will not make them mandatory until 31 March 2028. Existing customers will be assessed against these requirements during their next surveillance audit, so no immediate action is required.

However, if you wish to bring your surveillance audit forward to demonstrate compliance with the new requirements, please contact your certification body to discuss this option.

Any organisation that believes it meets the requirements of the SP205 Version 6 Scheme may apply to its certification body, specifying that it wishes its initial certification audit to be conducted against the Version 6 edition. Certification bodies are currently updating their processes and may be ready to assess applicants against Version 6 prior to April 2026.

Given the increasing complexity of the training landscape, BAFE has introduced an SP205 - approved qualification list to provide clarity and consistency. This document enables organisations and individuals seeking Fire Risk Assessment training to verify whether a qualification aligns with the scheme’s requirements.

If a qualification is not listed but you believe it should be, please ask the awarding organisation (not the training provider) to contact BAFE for consideration

Regulated qualifications are issued by Awarding Organisations (AOs) through their approved training centres (ATCs).

Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) allows a fire risk assessor’s relevant experience to be formally recognised, providing credit toward achieving a regulated qualification without the need to complete all elements of the assessed study. To pursue RPEL, you will need to contact your chosen ATC and request an evaluation.

Please note that neither BAFE nor any of its licensed Certification Bodies can process the RPEL submissions required for a regulated qualification. Anyone seeking to access the RPEL process must do so through an ATC that is approved by the relevant AO to make the award.

As the BAFE SP205 Scheme recognises multiple AOs, you will need to visit the websites of these organisations to find their lists of approved training centres. (www.firequal.com or www.sfjawards.com)