The 65-credit diploma, which certifies individuals as having the necessary levels of skills and knowledge to carry out non-invasive inspections, has been developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and construction training provider National Skills Centre. It comprises 12 units and 313 guided learning hours— eight additional units and 305 more guided learning hours than its closest competitor.

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, which in turn makes buildings safer for everyone.”

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 on site, or via practical and video evidence, to demonstrate practical implementation of this training and ongoing competence in a workplace environment.

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.”

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.”

Register for the Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets and FDM’ s other accredited qualifications and courses at www. fdmltd. co. uk