NVQ Level 5

Diploma in Passive Fire Protection Inspection

Course Information

The Level 5 Diploma in Passive Fire Protection Inspection provides a nationally recognised industry-specific qualification for those working in the passive fire protection industry. It gives an opportunity to develop role-specific skills and competencies relating to fire-resistant doors, fire-stopping, including penetration sealing systems, linear gap seals and cavity barriers, fire-rated ductwork and dampers, fire-rated steel intumescent coatings, building control site inspection and assessment planning, and monitoring construction (passive fire protection) project quality.

Candidates may already be working in the construction sector or already in passive fire protection as a trainee or as an assistant for local authorities and approved inspectors, or private sector consultancies.

NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Passive Fire Protection Inspection

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge described in the unit.

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification. Assessment guidance is included to ensure consistency. Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. Evidence can include:

  • Supporting documents such as RAMS and inductions
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Video-based evidence
  • Professional discussion
  • Witness testimony

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification required, although must be competent in existing role.
Candidates who achieve the requirements for qualifications will be awarded:

  • A certificate listing the unit achieved, and
  • A certificate giving the full qualification title

Nationwide.

Qualification AIM Reference: 610/2749/2

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge described in the unit.

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification. Assessment guidance is included to ensure consistency. Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. Evidence can include:

  • Supporting documents such as RAMS and inductions
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Video-based evidence
  • Professional discussion
  • Witness testimony

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification required, although must be competent in existing role.
Candidates who achieve the requirements for qualifications will be awarded:

  • A certificate listing the unit achieved, and
  • A certificate giving the full qualification title

Nationwide.

Qualification AIM Reference: 610/2749/2
Mandatory Units
To achieve the qualification candidates must achieve each of the mandatory units, plus a minimum of two of the optional units which can be found on this information sheet.
Building Control Site Inspection and Plan Assessment
Monitor Project Quality in Construction – Passive Fire Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based qualification that assesses your skills and knowledge in a real job environment. You learn on the job and are assessed through practical tasks and evidence of your performance. NVQs are available in a wide range of industries and at different levels, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to progress in their careers.

Completing an NVQ offers practical, work-based recognition of your skills, helping you advance your career without needing formal exams. It boosts employability and the opportunity for better pay by proving you meet industry standards, allows flexible learning alongside a job, and supports progression to higher qualifications or senior roles in your field. It also provides CSCS card access.

Yes – NVQs are site-based with flexible assessor support.

Yes – NVQs are for those already doing the job.

Candidates receive one-on-one support from a dedicated assessor, flexible assessment methods tailored to their job role, access to an online portfolio system, regular progress reviews, and technical or pastoral support as needed throughout the qualification.

Yes – You may be eligible for funding, depending on current government initiatives at the time of enrolment. The CITB also offers grants for eligible employers, which can be claimed once a candidate completes their NVQ. Grant amounts typically range from £600 to £1,500, depending on the NVQ level. Please see our dedicated Funding page for more information.

Yes – CITB grants apply per eligible learner (for CITB registered employers).

NVQ Levels reflect increasing responsibility and expertise. Level 2 suits skilled workers under supervision, while Level 3 is for more independent or supervisory roles. Levels 4 and 5 cover management and technical skills, and Levels 6 and 7 are for senior professionals in high-level or strategic roles.

NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 typically require 1–2 site visits and are led by the training provider. For higher levels (4, 6, and 7), the qualifications are learner-led, with completion time depending on the candidate’s availability and commitment. On average, these higher-level NVQs take around 4–8 weeks to complete, focusing more on the candidate’s input than the number of site visits.

No written exams are required for NVQs. Instead, you’re assessed through practical tasks, on-the-job performance, and a portfolio of evidence that shows you meet the required standards.

Mandatory Units
Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
Erecting masonry structures in the workplace
Setting out masonry structures in the workplace

Course Information

The Level 5 Diploma in Passive Fire Protection Inspection provides a nationally recognised industry-specific qualification for those working in the passive fire protection industry. It gives an opportunity to develop role-specific skills and competencies relating to fire-resistant doors, fire-stopping, including penetration sealing systems, linear gap seals and cavity barriers, fire-rated ductwork and dampers, fire-rated steel intumescent coatings, building control site inspection and assessment planning, and monitoring construction (passive fire protection) project quality.

Candidates may already be working in the construction sector or already in passive fire protection as a trainee or as an assistant for local authorities and approved inspectors, or private sector consultancies.

Construction worker assessing fire hydrants on site

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge described in the unit.

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification. Assessment guidance is included to ensure consistency. Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. Evidence can include:

  • Supporting documents such as RAMS and inductions
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Video-based evidence
  • Professional discussion
  • Witness testimony

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification required, although must be competent in existing role.
Candidates who achieve the requirements for qualifications will be awarded:

  • A certificate listing the unit achieved, and
  • A certificate giving the full qualification title

Nationwide.

Qualification AIM Reference: 610/2749/2
  • To achieve the qualification candidates must achieve each of the mandatory units, plus a minimum of two of the optional units which can be found on this information sheet.
  • Building Control Site Inspection and Plan Assessment
  • Monitor Project Quality in Construction – Passive Fire Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based qualification that assesses your skills and knowledge in a real job environment. You learn on the job and are assessed through practical tasks and evidence of your performance. NVQs are available in a wide range of industries and at different levels, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to progress in their careers.

Completing an NVQ offers practical, work-based recognition of your skills, helping you advance your career without needing formal exams. It boosts employability and the opportunity for better pay by proving you meet industry standards, allows flexible learning alongside a job, and supports progression to higher qualifications or senior roles in your field. It also provides CSCS card access.

Yes – NVQs are site-based with flexible assessor support.

Yes – NVQs are for those already doing the job.

Candidates receive one-on-one support from a dedicated assessor, flexible assessment methods tailored to their job role, access to an online portfolio system, regular progress reviews, and technical or pastoral support as needed throughout the qualification.

Yes – You may be eligible for funding, depending on current government initiatives at the time of enrolment. The CITB also offers grants for eligible employers, which can be claimed once a candidate completes their NVQ. Grant amounts typically range from £600 to £1,500, depending on the NVQ level. Please see our dedicated Funding page for more information.

Yes – CITB grants apply per eligible learner (for CITB registered employers).

NVQ Levels reflect increasing responsibility and expertise. Level 2 suits skilled workers under supervision, while Level 3 is for more independent or supervisory roles. Levels 4 and 5 cover management and technical skills, and Levels 6 and 7 are for senior professionals in high-level or strategic roles.

NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 typically require 1–2 site visits and are led by the training provider. For higher levels (4, 6, and 7), the qualifications are learner-led, with completion time depending on the candidate’s availability and commitment. On average, these higher-level NVQs take around 4–8 weeks to complete, focusing more on the candidate’s input than the number of site visits.

No written exams are required for NVQs. Instead, you’re assessed through practical tasks, on-the-job performance, and a portfolio of evidence that shows you meet the required standards.

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