Sprinkler installers face mandatory refresher training to renew SKILLcard from June 2027

Fire sprinkler installers will have to complete a refresher qualification and an accredited CPD programme before renewing their SKILLcard from 1 June 2027, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) announced on 20 October.

The trade body said it had introduced the mandatory requirement in partnership with SKILLcard, part of the BESA Group, to support ongoing competence in the fire safety industry.

Under the new rules, BAFSA said, experienced workers will no longer be able to renew their SKILLcard on the basis of existing qualifications and standard health and safety testing alone. Applicants must pass a verified, industry-approved refresher qualification and a short accredited continuing professional development (CPD) programme before submitting a renewal application.

Ruth Oliver, BAFSA Head of Training, said: "Our primary aim is to ensure that every cardholder has access to up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and industry best practice."

The training

The two required programmes are already available on the BAFSA e-learning portal, the association said. They are the ABBE Level 2 Award in Application of Legislation & Regulations in Fire Sprinkler Installations and a CPD programme on the principles and practices of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Both elements are needed for renewal.

BAFSA's training centre describes the ABBE Level 2 Award as a competency-based refresher qualification for those installing fire sprinklers. It is self paced, with about three hours of online learning, and candidates have 12 weeks from enrolment to complete it. The certificate is valid for four years only.

To enrol on the refresher training, installers must hold an appropriate foundational qualification, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation, and a current health and safety certificate completed within the previous two years.

Transition period

BAFSA said it and SKILLcard had set up a transition framework to give employers and installers time to understand and meet the requirements before they become mandatory, with a six month notice period ahead of the changes taking effect. The announcement does not say from which date the six months runs.

Installers whose cards expire after 1 June 2027 are encouraged to review the new renewal criteria as soon as possible and plan their training accordingly, the association said.

Jill Nicholls, Director of Competence and Compliance at BESA, said: "Competence cannot simply be demonstrated once and then assumed. It needs to be maintained as standards, regulations and working practices evolve."

Background

In September 2023 SKILLcard said thousands of fire sprinkler, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and commissioning professionals could demonstrate competence through new qualification-linked cards developed with BAFSA and other bodies.

SKILLcard says it provides more than 50,000 building services engineers with evidence of competence for site access. The scheme is also closing its CRO application route, with existing CRO cards remaining valid until the expiry date shown on the card.

BAFSA describes itself as the UK's trade association for the fire sprinkler industry and requires all of its members to be third party certified.

The refresher requirement takes effect on 1 June 2027.