Fire Door Maintenance Training and Development (FDM by UAP Ltd) has launched its GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets, which certifies individuals as having the necessary levels of skills and knowledge to carry out non-invasive inspections.
The 65-credit diploma has been developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and construction training provider National Skills Centre. It comprises 12 units and 313 guided learning hours — 8 additional units and 305 more guided learning hours than its closest competitor.
The diploma focuses on the required practical skills and knowledge for fire-resistant door inspection, as well as legislative compliance. Assessment content includes identifying types of fire-resistant doors and components, the roles and responsibilities of a fire-resistant door inspector, and the importance of Continuing Professional Development for fire door inspectors.
Candidates acquire relevant skills and gain experience, inspecting six different fire-resistant door types in FDM’s practical training centre — the first of its kind in the UK. They are then assessed onsite, or via practical and video evidence, to demonstrate practical implementation of this training and ongoing competence in a workplace environment.
FDM celebrated the launch of the diploma at its Bury headquarters, where guests toured its practical training centre and learned about the courses and qualifications it offers. Through its training centre, FDM has taught more than 700 industry professionals in its first 13 months of operation, offering hands-on, GQA-accredited education that bridges industry gaps in fire safety knowledge.
Nicola John, Managing Director of Fire Door Maintenance, said: “By collaborating with the construction industry to create our new diploma, we’re providing holistic training and assessments that include all the topics fire door inspectors need to know — including legislation, which other courses and qualifications don’t cover. It’s very robust for two reasons: it needs to satisfy the 2022 Building Safety Act, and we need to raise industry safety standards. We’re extremely proud to be spearheading this widespread change.”
Martin Sadler, External Quality Advisor and Technical Officer at GQA Qualifications, commented: “The Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets is a new approach to how qualifications are delivered and assessed in the market, and it’s just what the industry needs. We’re filling in the skills gap and creating a new generation of fire door inspectors who are qualified and demonstrably competent, which in turn makes buildings safer for everyone.”
Debra Green, Business Owner of National Skills Centre, noted: “This is the comprehensive qualification the construction industry was missing. With this diploma, we’re changing the culture around how we demonstrate competence for inspectors, which will create a safer, more knowledgeable construction workforce.”
Register for the Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and FDM’s other accredited qualifications and courses here.
About the Author
FDM Training & Development
FDM by UAP is your go-to place for Fire Door training, inspections and maintenance. Our mission is to elevate Fire Door safety standards and support organisations to navigate the changing regulatory landscape. In January, FDM will open its doors to its state-of-the-art training facility to train Fire Door inspectors, installers and maintainers to meet and exceed UK Fire Door regulations. FDM’s courses are designed for practical-minded individuals, blending theory with hands-on experience, stepping away from the conventional written formats typically seen in other Fire Door training. And for organisations seeking highly trained professionals to inspect and/or maintain their Fire Doors, you can tap into our extensive network of FDM trained operatives to ensure safety and compliance. For more information or to register your interest, please contact us: info@fdmltd.co.uk
