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Designed to provide a concise and focused introduction to the FD&A sector, the new Level 3 qualification from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) is said to be ideal for those who already work in the industry, or are just starting out in it and are looking for training leading to a qualification in this area.
Training is being offered by the FIA to the Level 3 qualification – Fundamentals of FD&A in Non-Domestic Premises.
The training comprises two lots of two-day training units, with an open-book exam at the end of the second unit. Those who pass will gain a Level 3 qualification based on BS 5839-1.
The FIA reviewed its current training and Level 4 qualifications available following the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent Independent Review of Building Regulations & Fire Safety, along with listening to industry feedback, and identified the need for a more succinct Level 3 qualification focusing on the fundamentals of fire detection and alarm management.
In addition to the two standard units, there is a ‘Conversion to Fundamentals’ unit, which is available to delegates who have previously taken the FIA’s Foundation to FD&A course. Delegates successfully completing the conversion unit & exam will gain the Level 3 Fundamentals of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Premises qualification.
FIA CEO, Ian Moore says: “We have been running our Level 3 qualifications for over a year now and it is clear from the feedback a different style of exam is needed. Modern exam techniques focus more on where to find the information that is readily available (i.e. through the internet, manuals or standards) and not a memory test as I was used to ‘back in the day’. The new Fundamentals qualification will have an open book (BS 5839-1 or the FIA training manual) exam and having completed, what we consider to be world-class, training the learners will be able to approach the exam with confidence.”
The FIA runs over 250 training courses a year, and believes that a key way to demonstrate competency in FD&A is to be qualified to Level 3. The FIA Awarding Organisation’s Fundamentals qualification has been developed to Level 3 and registered on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), equivalent to a Level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
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New Level 3 FD&A qualification introduced by FIAThe new Level 3 qualification from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) is said to be ideal for those who already work in the industry, or are just starting out in it.
James Moore
IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire News and Resources
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