Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a cornerstone of competence for fire risk assessors. As the regulatory landscape evolves and building safety expectations increase, staying current through structured learning is not just good practice, it is increasingly a requirement for maintaining professional registration and demonstrating competence under the Building Safety Act 2022.
What Has Changed in 2026?
Several professional bodies and third-party certification schemes have updated their CPD requirements for 2026. The key changes include:
Minimum CPD hours increased from 20 to 25 hours per year for assessors registered with most schemes.
At least 10 hours must be structured learning (courses, seminars, conferences) rather than informal self-study.
Fire door inspection competence now requires dedicated CPD evidence, reflecting the emphasis in the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Evidence of CPD must be submitted digitally through the relevant scheme portal, with random audits increasing in frequency.
Why CPD Matters More Than Ever
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry highlighted competence as a critical issue in the fire safety sector. The government has made clear that fire risk assessors must be able to demonstrate their knowledge is current. Responsible persons commissioning assessments are increasingly asking for CPD records as part of their due diligence. Without up-to-date CPD, assessors risk losing their professional registration and their market credibility.
Expert insights and guidance from the INFIRISK editorial team, covering fire safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
Recommended CPD Topics for 2026
External wall system assessment and the new PAS 9980 methodology.
Means of escape in buildings with a stay-put strategy, including evacuation alert systems.
Fire door inspection under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Digital tools for fire risk assessment documentation and compliance tracking.
Changes to Approved Document B and their practical implications.
Resources and Next Steps
Fire risk assessors should check with their certification body for the exact CPD requirements applicable to their registration. Many accredited training providers now offer online CPD modules, making it easier to fit learning into a busy schedule. INFIRISK's training and CPD section will continue to highlight relevant courses and events throughout the year.
INFIRISK Editorial
INFIRISK Team
Expert insights and guidance from the INFIRISK editorial team, covering fire safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
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