Certificate in Fire Safety

The NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety is a globally relevant fire safety qualification that you can complete in just one week.

Through its focused syllabus you can learn and develop fire safety skills that can be used in workplaces anywhere in the world.

This qualification can help you protect people, property and ultimately your business from the harm a fire can cause.

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Who is it for?

The NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety is ideal for:

• Those responsible for fire safety in low to medium risk workplaces
• Health and Safety managers
• Facilities Managers
• Health and safety representatives within businesses.

This relevant and respected fire safety qualification will help you to:

• Gain a solid technical foundation to build on through practical application and experience
• Positively influence fire safety behaviours and improve fire safety culture
• Learn fire safety techniques that are based on global best practice
• Provide valuable in-house fire safety expertise for you workplace
• Advance your career by gaining specialist fire safety knowledge
• Avoid the damaging and sometimes catastrophic losses that result from fire.

Employers

Employers looking for more information on how NEBOSH qualifications can benefit your organisation, can find out more on our NEBOSH Corporate Services page. 

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Course details

This focused qualification helps you learn and develop fire safety skills which can be applied in workplaces anywhere in the world.

On completion of the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety you will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Understand fire and explosion protection and prevention principles
• Carry out an effective fire risk assessment in a low to medium risk workplace.

Length of the course

For this qualification you should plan your study around a minimum of 28 taught hours and approximately 20 hours of private study and background reading.

Further information on taught hours can be found in the syllabus located in the 'Resources' section below.

Assessments

This qualification has a two-step assessment process which consists of:

An open book examination: you will be able to complete this at home or in another safe and suitable location where you can concentrate. You will be presented with a scenario that describes a realistic workplace and situation. You will then be asked to carry out a series of tasks using evidence presented in the scenario as well as the underpinning knowledge you have gained through your studies and revision.

You will have 24 hours to complete and submit your paper - though you should be able to complete it in 4-5 hours.

A practical fire risk assessment: the fire risk assessment has been developed around fire risk assessment standards such as the Home Office fire guidance and PAS79-1:2020.

The time needed to complete the fire risk assessment is not restricted. We do, however, recommend that you take around three hours to complete all four parts of the assessment. We feel that the three hours will allow you to show your understanding of the assessment requirements and complete a good quality fire risk assessment. 

Both assessments will be marked by an external examiner appointed by NEBOSH. These examiners are chosen for their experience and expertise to ensure that learners are assessed by the very best from our industry.

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Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

It is important that learners have a suitable standard of English language in order to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus. NEBOSH recommends that learners undertaking this qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS tests.

Read more about language requirements for NEBOSH qualifications.

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Start studying

Choose a Learning Partner

Every learner must register with a NEBOSH accredited Learning Partner and undertake the relevant learning before taking an assessment and gaining a qualification. It is not possible to self-study for a NEBOSH qualification. 

Our global network of Learning Partners provide excellent learning and support and will help you prepare for your assessments. You can search for Learning Partners in our Where to Study section, and can filter the results by multiple factors, such as location and mode of study.

You should ensure that the Learning Partner you choose offers the qualification in the way you want to study. We recommend that you explore your options before selecting a Learning Partner as it is an important personal choice.

The factors you may wish to consider include:

• Mode of Study – Options available include face to face, distance learning, in-company training and eLearning. Has one method of learning been more effective for you in the past?
• Course Structure – If you opt for classroom training, would you prefer day or evening classes, block release or a modular course?
• Location – Being able to study and sit your examinations locally may be an important consideration for you. NEBOSH examinations are taken in over 130 countries.
• On-going support – Will the support provided during your course and in the run up to your assessments match your expectations?

Find a Learning Partner

Cost

Each Learning Partner sets their own fees to reflect the service offered. We recommend you contact a number of Learning Partners to establish what their fees are and what is included in the fee. Costs can vary depending on the mode of study, the level of support given, and the inclusion of examination registration fees, for example. 

Read more about our Learning Partner Programme and how to choose the right Learning Partner for you: Choosing a NEBOSH Learning Partner.

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Professional recognition and SQA Accreditation

Professional body recognition

Holders of the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety are entitled to associate Membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

SQA Accreditation

The NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation. It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 6 with 5 SCQF credit points.

SCQF Level 6 is comparable to RQF/CQFW Level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries chart issued by the UK regulators.

Where appropriate, the SQA Accreditation logo will appear on certificates awarded for this qualification. The SCQF logo, credit and level information will appear on the unit result notification. Please visit the SCQF website for further information on credit and levels.

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Existing learners

Don't forget, your Learning Partner will be able to answer any questions about the qualification, register you for the relevant assessments, and will be a key point of contact throughout your studies. 

This qualification replaces the National and International Certificates in Fire Safety and Risk Management which have now been withdrawn. If you did not complete your assessments on the previous version of the qualification, please contact your Learning Partner for further support. 

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Examinations

Examination dates

FSC1 - This is a digital assessment which can be taken remotely. Learners will have 24 hours to access, complete and submit their paper, starting from 11am (UK time) on the examination date. 

The examination for this qualification will take place once a quarter and the following dates are confirmed: 

Unit	Examination date	Results notification date
FSC1	Wednesday 06 November 2024	Friday 24 January 2025
FSC1	Wednesday 05 February 2025	Wednesday 16 April 2025
FSC1	Wednesday 07 May 2025	Thursday 17 July 2025
FSC1	Wednesday 06 August 2025	Thursday 16 October 2025
FSC1	Wednesday 05 November 2025	Monday 26 January 2026

 

Find out more about digital assessments for certificate qualifications.

Registration for your examination

Once your Learning Partner has registered you to a NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety examination, NEBOSH will send you a Confirmation of Registration email that includes your learner number, and important information relating to your examination. Please ensure that you check your name is spelt correctly and let your Learning Partner and NEBOSH know if any changes are required. If you have not received this email please remember to check your spam folders.

Login details 

Following receipt of your Confirmation of Registration email, NEBOSH will send you a further email containing your Username and Password for the NEBOSH online examination platform. If you have not received this email please remember to check your spam folders.

If you have previously sat an online examination with NEBOSH, you will not receive new a new login. You will be able to access the online examination platform using your previous login details. 

Practical Fire Risk Assessment Unit

FSC2 - Your Learning Partner will provide you with information on submission dates for the Unit FSC2 fire risk assessment unit.  

Assessment results

All results for assessments should be received within 50 working days from the date of the examination or submission of the practical risk assessment. The specific date is written on your examination entry confirmation.

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Further study

For learners wishing to continue their professional development NEBOSH offers a wide range of internationally recognised qualifications.

Our range of Award and Certificate level qualifications offer the opportunity to learn specific industry applications – such as fire safety, process safety, environmental management and leadership – hone specific skills such as incident investigation or take a more general approach via the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

For those wishing to study at a higher level, the NEBOSH Diplomas or Masters qualification offer the opportunity to gain one of the sector’s most prestigious qualifications.

View all NEBOSH qualifications

 

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Resources