Passive Fire Protection NVQ Requirements
You should take this qualification if your work involves fire stopping, fireproofing, or installing fire-rated materials. Typical roles include:
- Passive Fire Protection Installer
- Fire Stopping Technician
- Fireproofing Operative
- Construction or maintenance workers involved in installing fire-rated materials
To achieve the firestopping NVQ, you should be able to carry out any two of the following:
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Firestop walls/floors using compound or fire batt and mastic
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Apply intumescent coatings to surfaces using brush or roller
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Install encasements around service pipes, columns or steel beams
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Apply non-reactive spray coatings
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Install cavity barriers
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Erect fire-resisting walls and linings (partitions)
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Erect fire-resisting ceilings
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Install fire-resisting timber doorsets
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Install fire-resisting ductwork systems
Depending on your responsibilities as a fire stopper, you should be able to demonstrate how to:
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Identify and select appropriate passive fire protection materials for different construction elements
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Correctly prepare surfaces and openings for installation of fire protection systems
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Install fire stopping systems in walls, floors, ceilings, and service penetrations
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Fit fire-resistant doors, frames, and glazing as required
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Apply fireproofing coatings or sprays to structural elements
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Maintain quality standards and ensure compliance with building regulations
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Inspect and test installed passive fire protection systems
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Record work completed accurately and report any defects or non-compliance
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Work safely and follow health and safety regulations at all times
You can provide practical evidence (from current or previous projects) that may include:
- Photographs or videos of completed installations
- Short video diaries of your daily work activities in fire stopping
- Witness statements from supervisors or colleagues confirming your work
- Work schedules or job sheets showing tasks you completed
- Material delivery notes or installation records
- Inspection or test reports
- Completed risk assessments or method statements
- Any relevant certificates or training logs
To learn more about the modules that make up this qualification, refer to the 'Qual Structure' section.
Construction supervisors, chargehand or foreman, supervising their own trade activities while also working hands-on with tools may want to consider the
NVQ Level 3 Construction Supervisor qualification.
NVQ Level 2 Passive Fire Protection (FireStopping) Qualification Structure
To achieve NVQ in Fire Stopping (official title: Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations – Passive Fire Protection), the candidate must complete 4 mandatory units, plus 2 additional units from a list of optional units listed below.
You must choose 2 optional units based on your work activities, ensuring you can provide evidence and successfully achieve the criteria.
NVQ Level 2 Passive Fire Protection (FireStopping) Mandatory Units
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace |
1 |
| Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace |
2 |
| Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace |
2 |
| Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms in the workplace |
2 |
Passive Fire Protection NVQ Optional Units (2 units required)
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Installing dry cladding in the workplace |
2 |
| Applying intumescent coatings in the workplace |
2 |
| Installing fire resisting ductwork systems in the workplace |
2 |
| Installing fire stopping in the workplace |
2 |
| Installing cavity barriers in the workplace |
2 |
| Erecting fire resisting walls and linings in the workplace |
2 |
| Erecting fire resisting ceiling systems in the workplace |
2 |
| Applying non-reactive spray coatings in the workplace |
2 |
| Installing fire resisting timber doorsets in the workplace |
2 |
Passive Fire Protection NVQ Assessment Process
Although the assessment process can vary depending on the package you selected at the time of your booking (for options, see the booking form), we can outline the typical steps you can expect during your assessment. However, given the dynamic nature of the industry, we always aim to adapt the process to suit your individual situation.
For clarity, let’s break down the typical assessment process for a passive fire stopper into 5 steps.
Step 1 Initial Sign-Up
You complete a short enrolment form and speak with your assessor about your experience, job role, and upcoming work plans. Together, you agree on the next steps and discuss potential dates for a site visit (if possible).
Step 2 Evidence Collection
You provide examples of your day-to-day work. This may include photos, videos, job sheets, method statements, or short video diaries of how you carry out certain tasks. Your assessor guides you on exactly what is needed, so you only submit relevant evidence (typically via WhatsApp, emails, etc.).
Step 3 On-Site Observation
If applicable, your assessor visits your site to observe you carrying out your normal work. There are no tests or exams — just your usual tasks. In some cases, a remote observation can be arranged via Zoom. The observation method is always agreed with you in advance.
Step 4 Knowledge Questions / Professional Discussion
Depending on your chosen package (for details see booking form):
- Standard assessment: We email you the Q&A sheets covering all knowledge criteria. You complete them in your own time and return them to your assessor.
- No Homework package: We conduct an on-site professional discussion. You simply explain how you do your job while your assessor asks relevant questions. No written work is required.
Step 5 Final Evidence Check & Certification
If any evidence is missing, we contact you and help gather what is needed to ensure all criteria are covered. Once everything is complete, we finalise your portfolio and claim your certificate from the awarding organisation.
NVQ Level 2 Passive Fire Protection Fast Track
A standard NVQ Level 2 Passive Fire Protection assessment usually takes 4–6 weeks, but the actual turnaround depends on how quickly we can gather and confirm all required evidence. The sooner you provide the evidence, the sooner we can complete the assessment. Once everything is received, there is nothing stopping us from finishing immediately. In practice, the overall duration depends on your motivation and how quickly you can supply the evidence.
Before starting, you will review your work situation with your assessor and agree on a realistic completion date.
Fast Track Option
With the Fast Track service, you can complete the NVQ in 2–4 weeks. To achieve this timeframe, you must be motivated and ready to work closely with your assessor. Your assessor will prioritise your assessment, plan the quickest route to completion, and focus on meeting the agreed targets, provided the required evidence is supplied promptly.
To choose Fast Track, select the option on the booking form.
Funded Qualification
