FireQual Recognised Programmes are structured courses that have been independently reviewed by FireQual and judged to be appropriate training within the fire safety industry.

At UK Fire Door Training, we took the decision to have our courses recognised because we believe fire safety should be transparent, reviewed and aligned with sector expectations.

Recognition from FireQual offers a reliable and robust way route for developing specialist knowledge and skills in defined areas of fire safety.

FireQual is an independent awarding organisation dedicated to fire safety learning in the UK. They develop and quality assure regulated qualifications and review recognised training programmes across areas such as fire doors, passive fire protection and fire safety management. Their role is to set clear standards for learning, provide industry oversight and help ensure that people working in safety-critical roles receive training that reflects current expectations in the sector.

Why Recognised Programmes matter in fire safety

Fire safety roles have become more complex. New legislation, increased scrutiny on competence and a growing expectation from clients and building owners mean that professionals are under pressure to demonstrate a solid understanding of fire safety principles.

Sometimes a regulated qualification already exists and may be the correct route. In other areas, particularly rapidly developing parts of the industry, a Recognised Programme offers a structured approach to learning while the market evolves.

For employers, this gives a clear training pathway. For learners, it provides a recognised route to developing knowledge that can contribute to proving competence.

Benefits to learners

• Structured learning that has been reviewed by FireQual
• Confidence that the course content meets an appropriate standard
• Helps learners build the knowledge needed to undertake fire safety tasks responsibly
• Supports wider competence and career development
• Demonstrates commitment to recognised training in the industry

Benefits to employers

• A reliable option when a regulated qualification does not yet exist or is not needed
• Evidence that training has been carried out
• Helps meet due diligence expectations
• Supports safer practice across teams and supply chains
• Improves client confidence in staff development

Why UK Fire Door Training offers FireQual Recognised Programmes

At UK Fire Door Training, we believe the fire industry benefits from clarity and strong standards. It was essential to us that our courses were recognised and independently reviewed, so learners and employers can rely on robust, quality-assured programmes rather than informal or unverified training.

Fire doors, passive fire protection and installation are specialist areas and the consequences of incorrect work can be severe. Recognised Programmes give organisations a professional route to improving knowledge and practice without waiting years for a new regulated qualification to be created.

Our FireQual Recognised Programmes focus on industry needs. We design course content around what actually happens on site and what professionals need to understand in order to work safely, responsibly and in line with manufacturer requirements. We continually review our material to keep pace with legislation, standards and sector changes.

View our online and practical FireQual Recognised Programme Courses here.

Increasing expectations on competence

Since the Building Safety Act came into force, competence is no longer a loose concept. Organisations must be able to demonstrate that individuals performing safety critical tasks have been trained and can apply correct practice. Individuals must be competent and be able to prove it.

FireQual Recognised Programmes are one way to contribute to this. They help individuals build the knowledge and skills that support competent practice and enable employers to evidence that relevant, specialist training has taken place.

Want to learn more about the state of fire safety competency in 2025? – Read our blog.

When a recognised programme is the right choice

A regulated qualification may be necessary for some roles. In other situations a recognised programme offers exactly what is needed. For example:

• learning new skills where qualifications do not yet exist
• building foundation knowledge before moving into regulated study
• upskilling experienced staff without requiring a full qualification
• supporting CPD in niche or emerging areas of fire safety

A recognised programme can also be a stepping stone into future qualifications. It is common for learners to complete FireQual recognised learning and then progress to ABBE or other regulated routes as their roles develop.

How Recognised Programmes are reviewed

FireQual, the Ofqual-regulated specialist awarding body for the fire safety sector, independently reviews the programme content, learning outcomes and assessment approach. Their recognition confirms the course has been formally scrutinised and is appropriate for the discipline. This recognition supports a learner’s progression towards demonstrating competence in fire doors, subject to the appropriate experience, assessment and evidence required by employers, clients and competence frameworks.

Why language matters

The fire industry must be precise about the difference between recognised and regulated learning. At UK Fire Door Training we are clear and transparent about this. Our FireQual Recognised Programmes build knowledge (and skills if you do a practical course). They aren’t regulated qualifications.

If you are looking for regulated qualifications you can view our options on our website under Regulated Qualifications where we list the regulated routes we currently deliver, such as the ABBE Level 3 Award in Fire Door Inspection.

Choosing a trusted provider

A Recognised Programme is only as valuable as the provider that delivers it. UK Fire Door Training has trained thousands of people across the UK and is the most reviewed fire door training provider in the country. Our focus is on high quality learning, practical understanding and transparent information about what each course provides.

When you choose a FireQual Recognised Programme with us you choose structured knowledge, reviewed content and training designed to support building and working towards real world competence in a critical safety field.