FDM launches industry-first GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets

FDM – Training & Development (FDM), a leading fire door training provider, has launched its GQA Level 3 Diploma in Installation of Fire Resistant Doorsets. This vocational qualification certifies individuals as having the necessary skills and knowledge to install fire resistant doorsets safely and competently.  The 73-credit diploma has been developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and construction training provider National Skills Centre. It comprises 11 core units, four optional units, and 226 guided learning hours — 159 more guided learning hours and up to 12 additional units than its closest competitor. It is the second of FDM’s “super series” qualifications, after it launched its Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets earlier this year.

The Fire Door Installation Diploma focuses on the required practical skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEB) needed for competent fire door installation, as well as guidance on ensuring installation meets legislative standards. Assessment content includes the processes to plan and carry out fire door installation, guidance for completing fire door installation checks and records, and the importance of Continuing Professional Development for fire door installers.

Candidates gain experience by installing six different fire-resistant door types, made of multiple materials including timber, composite, and steel; this is unique to this qualification. Learners are then assessed onsite to demonstrate practical implementation of this training, their SKEB, and their ongoing competence in a workplace environment.

Since launching in February 2024, FDM has educated more than 1,200 industry professionals from across the supply chain about fire door safety best practices, bridging industry knowledge gaps. It has been recognised as a leader throughout the industry, winning Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Fire & Security Matters Awards and Training Company of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards.  Nicola John, Managing Director of FDM – Training & Development, said: “We’re driving change with our robust and holistic training and assessments. Our ‘super series’ of Level 3 qualifications has been created by and for the construction industry, meeting their unique fire door safety needs by helping them become more competent and compliant. By bridging knowledge gaps for fire door installers, we’re raising safety standards for everyone.”

Martin Sadler, Qualifications and Product Development Manager at GQA Qualifications, said: “We’re continuing to shape the industry with the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Door Installation, providing a modernised approach to qualification delivery and assessment. We’re working to ensure the next generation of fire door installers are qualified, developing their ongoing competence journey, and demonstrating how they are meeting the requirements of the 2022 Building Safety Act: this qualification is a major step in that mission.”

Debra Green, Business Owner of National Skills Centre, noted: “With this qualification, we’re changing industry standards for installer competence. By being comprehensive and exploring both practical and legislative requirements of fire door installation, we are creating a safer, more knowledgeable construction workforce.”