ProQual Level 3 Award in the Inspection & Testing of Fire-Resisting Door Installations (Ofqual 603/4995/5)

Course Overview

The ProQual Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations is a nationally recognised qualification that confirms a learner’s competence in assessing and testing fire-resisting door installations in accordance with current fire safety legislation and industry standards.

This qualification is designed for professionals responsible for ensuring that fire doors comply with regulatory requirements and perform effectively in the event of a fire.

Candidate Entry Requirements

For Fire Door Installers

Learners who are currently installing fire doors are expected to hold the:

• ProQual Level 2 Diploma in Installing Fire Resisting Timber Door-sets

For Supervisors and Responsible Persons

Candidates in supervisory or responsible roles must demonstrate appropriate health and safety knowledge, typically evidenced by qualifications such as:

• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)

• SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme)

All training centres are required to carry out an initial assessment of each learner’s existing skills and knowledge to identify any gaps and plan appropriate assessment activities.

Course Structure

The qualification is delivered over three structured days, covering theory, practical application and formal assessment.

Day 1 – Core Knowledge and Fire-Rated Timber Doorsets

1. Core Module

This module introduces the key legislation, regulations and principles that underpin fire protection systems, along with the fundamentals of fire behaviour and fire testing.

Building Regulations

Learners gain an understanding of UK Building Regulations, with particular focus on fire protection requirements and construction industry standards, including:

• Approved Document B

• Passive and active fire protection measures

• Relevant guidance documents, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

• Installer and product certification

• UKCA marking requirements

Fire and Fire Testing

This section explores fire behaviour and how fire testing is conducted in laboratory environments, including:

• Large-scale fire resistance testing

• Small-scale material and component testing

• Differences between UK British Standards and European fire testing standards

• Case studies of significant fires over the past 50 years

2. Fire-Rated Timber Doorsets Module

This module focuses on the design, purpose, specification and installation of fire-rated timber doorsets.

Topics include:

• The purpose and function of fire-resisting doors

• Definitions and components of a complete doorset

• Fire testing methods for doorsets

• Types of timber fire-rated doorsets

• Supporting construction and wall-to-frame requirements

• Door leaf installation and configuration

• Essential ironmongery and hardware components

• Intumescent seals and smoke seals

• Vision panels, including side panels and overpanels

Learners also explore how correct installation and ongoing maintenance help prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building.

Day 2 – Fire Door Maintenance and Repair

This module concentrates on the inspection, maintenance, repair and compliance requirements for fire-resisting doors.

Key Topics

• Legal responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Considerations when changing components and maintaining system integrity

• Detailed maintenance procedures for timber fire doors

• Maintenance of door frames, leaves, seals, vision panels and ironmongery

• Acceptable substitutions and limitations for hardware components

• Preventative maintenance strategies for high-traffic environments

• Maintenance principles for steel, composite and fabric fire doors

• Refurbishment of heritage and older fire doors

• Troubleshooting common issues such as binding doors, excessive gaps or failure to self-close

Day 3 – Practical Training and Written Assessment

Practical Training

Learners take part in hands-on inspection activities, including:

• Practical group exercises

• Software-based inspection recording

• Real-world inspection scenarios

Written Assessment

A written assessment consisting of 52 questions must be completed.

• A minimum pass mark of 75% is required to progress to the final practical inspection assessment.

• Successful candidates will be allocated a date and time for their Level 3 Inspection Assessment.

Final Assessment – Level 3 Inspection Assessment

Once the written assessment has been successfully completed and all learning criteria have been met, learners undertake the final inspection assessment on an allocated date.

Successful completion confirms competence in the inspection and testing of fire-resisting door installations in accordance with current fire safety regulations.

Qualification Details

• Awarding Body: ProQual Awarding Body

• Regulator: Ofqual

• Framework: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

• CPD Hours: 40

• Professional Recognition: Recognised by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

This is a competence-based qualification, requiring learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical ability against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Conclusion

The ProQual Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations provides professionals with the knowledge, practical skills and recognised certification required to ensure fire door compliance, safety and performance — supporting safer buildings and improved fire protection standards.