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Learning Centre

Establishing clear career pathways and continuous improvement for the fire sprinkler industry

About our Learning Centre

BAFSA now offers a range of online and face to face learning programs and qualifications for complete beginners to skilled workers - allowing you to continue your professional development in the fire sprinkler industry.

All learning programs and qualifications are delivered on behalf of BAFSA by appropriately qualified and experienced tutors working within ABBE accredited training providers. BAFSA works closely with its preferred training providers to ensure that all content is fit for purpose and supported by industry. 

NOTE: Enrolment closes three weeks before the course start date. You will see the course dates listed when you go to book your place. Places are only confirmed upon receipt of full payment. We cannot offer payment in instalments. Tutor-supported courses: You will be provided with specific course tutor contact details in your course joining instructions.

Further learning resources: You can access and download further BAFSA resources and information on sprinkler systems on our resources page 

Qualification and skills support: If you have any questions about careers in the fire sprinkler industry contact BAFSA's skills & development advisor, Ruth Oliver via qualifications@bafsa.org.uk

Learning centre support: If you have technical problem regarding using BAFSA e-learning portal please contact us below. 

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Sprinkler Qualifications

ABBE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Commercial, Residential or Commercial & Residential (Online delivery)

BAFSA now offers three routes to the Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation ( Level 2). This are available to take as a residential option, a commercial option or a commercial and residential option combined. 

The Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Level 2) is a competency-based qualification aimed at individuals employed in the fire sprinkler industry. The qualification is approved for learners aged 18+ and who have a minimum of 3 years installer experience.There are no formal entry requirements although learners must be able to work at heights.

This qualification is intended for those installing fire sprinklers to evidence the knowledge and competences necessary to meet the industry standards for an installation role. The qualification provides an opportunity to follow several pathways (residential, commercial or both). The framework of the qualification should provide sufficient flexibility for the variations in different jobs and locations. For further details click on the link to book which will take you to the BAFSA Training Centre portal where you can go to the course list and select the Level 2 option you wish to take.

ABBE L2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation Qualification Specification

ABBE L2 Certificate in Fire Sprinklers download

 

Level 2  - Commercial & Residential
  • Member cost:  £825 + VAT
  • Non-member fee:  £1,025 + VAT

Level 2 - Commercial
  • Member cost:  £765 + VAT
  • Non Member fee:  £920 + VAT 

Level 2 - Residential 
  • Member cost:  £765 +VAT
  • Non-member fee:  £920 + VAT


Next course date: Online in your own time
 

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ABBE Level 3 Award in Inspection & Commissioning of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

This face to face course relates to the inspection and commissioning of commercial fire sprinkler system's design in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. The course aim is to address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to; the storage configurations, inspection of the system during and at the end of the installation, the commissioning of the system and an understanding of the required ongoing maintenance of the system.

To apply for this course:

  • An application from will need to be completed
  • A full CV should be issued with the application form
  • A reference will need to be provided

Please note the inspection and commissioning course requires a minimum of 3 years industry experience before a full certificate can be issued (depending on the outcome of the exam and assessments), Attendance certificates shall be issued to people with less than three years.

This qualification is part of the requirement for the Industry Skillcard – Blue Skilled Worker card.

Unit 6 I&C Course Information download

MEMBER COST:  £1,350 + VAT
NON-MEMBER FEE:  £1,500 + VAT

 

 

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ABBE Level 5 Diploma in System Classification and Design of Pre-Calculated Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems (Experienced Worker Route)

The course relates to the classification of sprinkler systems and the design of pre-calculated commercial fire sprinkler systems in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. It will address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to the classifications, storage configurations, storage heights, system requirements, head spacing, pipework sizing and water supply configurations. An exam will be held at BRE either in March or August (details will be provided by the course tutor)

This course is delivered over five days via an online classroom. (An online classroom is ‘remote interactive learning’ and there must be full live interaction for the duration of the classroom sessions. The tutor must be able to see candidates and be able to communicate with them,so audio and video set up (webcam) is required). Post course work is required and the permitted total programme time is 18 months. It is expected that this qualification will allow the holder to apply for a Industry Skillcard (black card under development).

Course Specification

Course requirements:

  • Three years fire sprinkler design experience in pre calculated systems

  • The candidate shall have designed at least two pump houses


Unit 3 Course Details For Experienced Worker DOWNLOAD

MEMBER COST:  £3,240 + VAT
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £3,600 + VAT

 

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ABBE Level 5 Diploma in System Classification and Design of Pre-Calculated Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems (New Entrants)

The course is aimed at new or recent entrants to the sector and relates to the classification of sprinkler systems and the design of pre-calculated commercial fire sprinkler systems in accordance with the LPC Rules inc BS EN 12845. It will address the knowledge and skills required to determine the sprinkler design in relation to the classifications, storage configurations, storage heights, system requirements, head spacing, pipework sizing and water supply configurations. An exam will be held at BRE either in March or August (details will be provided by the course tutor)

This course is delivered one day a week via an online classroom for 15 consecutive weeks commencing September. (An online classroom is ‘remote interactive learning’ and there must be full live interaction for the duration of the classroom sessions. The tutor must be able to see candidates and be able to communicate with them so audio and video set up (webcam) is required). Post course work is required and the permitted total programme time is 18 months. It is expected that this qualification will allow the holder to apply for a Industry Skillcard (black card under development)

Course Specification

Course requirements

  • Engineering HNC or 6 standard grade GCSE's of which they must have Maths, English, Science (any) or
  • One years experience in fire sprinkler design (backed up by a reference and CV)


Unit 3 Course Details For New Designers download



MEMBER COST:  £3,600 + VAT
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £4,000 + VAT
NEXT COURSE: September 2025  

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Agored L3 Award in the Installation & Maintenance of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems in Domestic Dwellings

The Agored L3 Award in the Installation & Maintenance of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems in Domestic Dwellings is delivered by Llandrillo College BAFSA's preferred training provider.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in, or requiring knowledge of the installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems.

Course fee: £690

Course duration: 4 days

 

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Accredited CPD Programmes

Continuing Professional Development is a commitment to ongoing lifelong learning.

Whether it's learning something new, refreshing existing knowledge, improving skills, or simply keeping up-to-date with the latest developments within the fire suppression sector.

BAFSA is now an accredited CPD provider and will be providing events and seminars that offer CPD credits. Keep a look out on our news pages for details of events with CPD credits attached. 

Remember you can track and log your CPD progress and credits using the free online CPD portal 'My CPD' 

BAFSA current CPD programmes are listed below with more programmes due to be added over the coming months.

For more general and technical information about sprinklers and where they can be used please visit our Resources section where you'll find videos and suite of BAFSA Information Files (BIFS) containing a whole range of information and support for your sprinkler journey. 

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Owners & Occupiers Guide to Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

This course offers accessible training aimed at the owner or occupier of a building where a sprinkler system is fitted with an interest in improving their understanding of compliance with critical fire safety systems.

The self-paced program covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

  • The purpose and function of automatic fire sprinkler systems

  • Testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements

  • Pumps and system components

  • Recognising and mitigating hazards

  • Applicable standards and regulations

  • Procedures for shut downs and emergency scenarios

  • System activations and post-activation actions

  • Roles and responsibilities of owners and occupiers

Structured across six modules, the course provides approximately 90 minutes of engaging content that learners can complete at their convenience. To earn a CPD Service-endorsed certificate, participants must complete all modules and pass a short multiple-choice assessment.

Free Course 

 

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Awareness Of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

This free online course has been developed by BAFSA to highlight the vital role Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems play in protecting people and property. It includes details of the benefits, types of systems and components used and how these are matched to meet the individual requirements of of the buildings, contents and people they will protect. We are also keen to make people aware of the fantastic career opportunities available in the industry so have included details of pathways to entering and becoming accredited.

This is a free course but you are time-limited to 6 months from registration to completion of it otherwise access will be removed. To access the course, you must first register with the BAFSA Training Centre portal via the link below. 

MEMBER COST:  £0.00
NON-MEMBERS FEE:  £0.00

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Principles & Practices of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (CPD Accredited)
ie fire service personnel, architects, insurers, building control officers, and surveyors. The program totals approximately six hours of study across 16 modules. Learners upon completion will earn a CPD Service-endorsed certificate. To receive certification, participants must complete all modules and pass a brief multiple-choice assessment at the end. The CPD Certificate is downloadable directly within the platform.
Each learner will have six months of access to the program.
Course Fees:
BAFSA Members: £35 + VAT
BAFSA Non-Members: £50 + VAT

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Download the course schedule

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BAFSA preferred training providers are:

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AWARDING Bodies:

BAFSA’s Preferred Awarding Organisation is ABBE, the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) and offers a range of ABBE approved British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association Qualifications that can only be delivered by BAFSA.

ABBE is regulated by Ofqual for a range of qualifications. ABBE was established in 1997 offering qualifications in the building and construction industry. It approves colleges and training providers to deliver qualifications and sets assessments and issues certificates to successful learners. The qualifications that ABBE offer are suitable for preparing to work in a sector, for starting your career and/or for professional development. 

In addition to offering nationally recognised qualifications, ABBE works directly with training centres and employers to develop bespoke qualifications to meet the specific needs of their learners and employees. ABBE also offers a training accreditation service.

ABBE has a nationwide network of centres through which training and assessment(s) can be undertaken.

Once a learner has received their ABBE L2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler qualification they can request approval from ABBE to use the ‘ABBE Qualified’ logo. This can be used anywhere they mention they have obtained the qualification. A strict log is maintained of those using the logo.

Employers can validate a ABBE Qualification Certificate here:

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Skillcard

Many construction and site managers request that their workers hold a SKILLcard before coming on site.

Below we provide an overview of the different types of SKILLcards available and what they mean. 

Digital SKILLcard

SKILLcard has recently introduced a digital SKILLcard available to download for Android and Apple smart phone users. Existing customers will be able to se their cards, renewal dates and scan onto site straight from their phone. Find out more here

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Red - Trainee

A red trainee card is for new entrant trainees who have no prior experience and are enrolled on the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation qualification. This card is valid for one year and is non-renewable. It can be upgraded to the skilled worker blue card when the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation qualification is achieved.

Green - Mate

A green card available to those carrying out basic site work only. This card does not allow the holder to assist with the physical installation of fire sprinkler systems. These card holders must be working with qualified skilled workers and a ratio of 4:1 (Green mates: blue skilled worker) applies. .

Blue Skilled - Fire Sprinkler Installer

A blue skilled worker card – ‘fire sprinkler installer’ is available to those experienced workers who hold the competency based qualification  Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation. Applicants for this card are also required to hold a HSE certificate.

Blue Skilled – Inspection & Commissioning of Fire Sprinkler Systems (Commercial)

A Blue Skilled Worker Card – ‘Inspection & Commissioning of Fire Sprinkler Systems (Commercial)’ is available to those workers who have successfully completed and achieved the BAFSA Inspection & Commissioning course. Applicants for this card are also required to hold an SMSTS or SSSTS certificate.

Gold - Supervisor

A gold (supervisor) card is available for the following supervisory occupations:
  1. Team leader (formerly foreman)
  2. Building services engineer supervisor (previously first-line supervisor)
  3. Junior/assistant project engineer (who has completed a student apprenticeship)
  4. Building services technician (previously senior commissioning engineer)
To qualify for a gold (supervisory) SKILLcard, applicants will need to undertake a recognised short course in supervisory management. For details of courses that will satisfy this requirement please contact the SKILLcard Helpdesk on 01768 860406.  Examples include, site supervisors safety training scheme (SSSTS), site managers safety training scheme (SMSTS), IOSH managing safely. For the statements of competences to be used in industry accreditation of applicants for gold (supervisory) SKILLcards click here.

Black - Managers

A black manager's skill card ‘design of fire sprinkler systems (domestic & residential)’ is available to those workers who have successfully completed and achieved the SQA Residential & Domestic Fire Sprinkler Design Certificate. Applicants for this card are also required to hold an SMSTS certificate.
For information on how to apply for any of the above fire sprinkler installer skillcards please visit https://www.skillcard.org.uk/find-the-right-card-for-you/

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