BS 5839-1 Fundamentals in FD&A - Units 1 & 2 combined

4 days

The Unit 1 element of the course covers sections 1-3 of BS 5839-1. Sections 1-3 relate to the general requirements of FD&A systems, the design requirements to be taken into consideration, and important recommendations relating to the limitation of false alarms and unwanted fire alarm signals in relation to FD&A systems.

The Unit 2 element covers sections 4-7 of BS 5839-1 plus the annexes. These sections relate to the installation requirements of FD&A systems, the commissioning and handover process, the maintenance requirements and the user recommendations in relation to FD&A systems.

At the end of the course, delegates will take an examination to test their knowledge. During the exam, delegates are allowed access to a copy of BS 5839-1:2025.

No prior experience is required to take the fundamentals course, however any pre-existing knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems, or of BS 5839-1 would be beneficial.

Less than 1 year experience?

We recommend starting with the FIA Access course. It’s a course for beginners and gives them background knowledge - it is neither required nor linked to the Qualifications. After they should then proceed on to the Fundamental Qualifications.

For those wishing to undertake some prior reading before the course, we would recommend a book written by C S Todd, MBE: The Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Non‑Domestic Premises. A Guide to BS 5839‑1:2017. 5th Edition.

Upon completion of the exam, delegates will get an instant result, and a Firequal certificate will follow in the post.

Once the qualification in the Fundamentals of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems has been achieved, delegates will be eligible to take the Level 3 BS 5839 Fundamentals Qualification.

In addition to being eligible for the BS 5839-6 course, delegates that have passed the fundamentals course will have the option to move onto the advanced qualifications for Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance and Advanced design.

Normally, in order to access the advanced courses, delegates first have to sit & pass the two-day Foundation course. However, in recognition of the knowledge learnt during the fundamentals course, delegates only need to complete a one-day Fundamentals to Advanced conversion course to study certain sections of the syllabus that are required ready in the advanced courses.

Delegates will receive a course book at the start of the course. The course book contains a copy of the slides used during the course, along with an explanation to accompany each slide and space to make their own learner notes. These books can be kept by the delegates and are a useful reference tool for the workplace.

For face-to-face courses, a hard copy of the course notes is provided at the start of the course. For online courses, delegates will have digital access to the course notes. Upon completion, delegates will be given the option to receive a hard copy of the course book in the post.

The Standard

For face-to-face courses, a copy of BS 5839-1:2025 will be provided, which must be returned upon completion of the exam and must not leave the room.

For courses taking place online, delegates will need to have access to either a digital or hard copy of BS 5839-1:2025.

This course has 26 CPD hours

• Members - £600+VAT
• Non-members - £1,100+VAT

Payable by debit/credit card. Members can also pay by invoice.