NVQ LEVEL 2 – PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION (FIRE-STOPPING)
DMR Training is an approved assessment centre for NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations – Passive Fire Protection. We aim to help you gain your Passive Fire Protection NVQ as quickly and conveniently as possible. Please note that the content of this page is designed for NVQ informational purposes only and does not constitute advice or guidance about fire safety regulations.
ABOUT THIS NVQ
WHO SHOULD TAKE NVQ LEVEL 2 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION?
The NVQ Level 2 in Passive Fire Protection course is for experienced fire-stopping workers who meet the recognised occupational standards. The qualification validates the skills and experience you have gained throughout your career.
You are suitable for this qualification if you work as a fire stopper on new build sites and/or existing buildings such as retirement homes, hospitals, offices or apartment blocks. Most workers who take this NVQ are employees or sub-contractors of firms that specialise in fire-stopping. Some workers have moved into fire-stopping from painting & decorating, plastering or joinery and already have an NVQ in their original trade; others started out in fire-stopping and are undertaking their first vocational qualification.
We deliver NVQ Level 2 in Passive Fire Protection through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route, which allows you to work towards the NVQ at your own speed. This NVQ is an evidence-based qualification; classroom learning is rarely needed.
Please refer to the ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Assessment Process’ sections for examples of job tasks assessed during the NVQ.
Once you achieve your Passive Fire Protection NVQ, you will become eligible to apply for your blue CSCS card (Skilled Worker card).
To undertake an NVQ in Passive Fire Protection, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of three years’ experience working in passive fire protection (or two years with additional construction experience in a similar trade).
- Must currently be working as a fire stopper.
- Aged 19+.
To ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements, your NVQ assessor will carry out a pre-enrolment skills diagnostic in a number of the job tasks listed below. The list is a sample and not exhaustive.
- Applying intumescent paint by brush, roller or spray method to various surfaces.
- Installing fire-stopping and penetration seals to large linear gaps, cable trunking and trays, metal pipes, ducts and switch boxes.
- Recording and labelling completed work and logging on a database.
- Staying informed about current regulations in passive fire protection.
- Proper use of access equipment such as scaffold towers.
- Complying with risk assessments.
- Proper use of power tools such as cordless drills.
- Proper use of PPE such as helmets and hi-vis clothing.
When you start your NVQ Level 2 in Passive Fire Protection, we will assign you an NVQ assessor who will work with you throughout the course as you build a portfolio of work-based evidence.
Types of evidence may include:
- An onsite observation where your assessor watches you work. Your assessor may also ask you to visually demonstrate the app or database that you use to log your work.
- Photographs or videos of work you have completed. Your assessor will advise you on best practice for capturing evidence this way.
- References, employer endorsements or witness testimonies verifying your work as a fire stopper.
- Detailed job logs of work you have completed during your NVQ.
- A recorded professional discussion with your assessor either face-to-face or over the telephone. For example, your assessor may initiate a discussion on an aspect of the job he didn’t see you carrying out during the observation, such as installing peneration seals to cables.
- A Q&A pack covering the ‘theory’ of firestopping, and construction health and safety. Answers can be handwritten, typed on a word processor or dictated to a digital voice recorder.
Once your assessor is satisfied that you have submitted sufficient evidence, our internal verification team will check your portfolio. They will then claim your NVQ certificate with Proqual.
Although fire stoppers can take up to six months or more to achieve their NVQ, we find that most complete the qualification in 2 to 3 months.
Ultimately, the qualification will fit around your professional and personal commitments. Work towards it at a speed you feel comfortable.
Please visit our Funding & Grants page to check if funding is available for your NVQ.
If you are ineligible for government support, we offer affordable self-funded assessment payable in four instalments of 25%.
Please contact us to discuss funding and costs.
On completion of your Passive Fire Protection NVQ Level 2 course, you can apply for your Skilled Worker card (blue card).
If you require a CSCS card while you are working towards your NVQ, you can apply for your temporary Experienced Worker card (red card).
All CSCS card applicants must first pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (HS&E test).
After achieving Level 2 and depending on your experience, you may have the option to advance to NVQ Level 3 in a similar occupational area, NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) or NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision.
When you decide to proceed with your NVQ, we will carry out a quick skills diagnostic to confirm your suitability for the qualification and the onsite assessment route.
We will then enrol you on the qualification with Proqual and issue your welcome email. Your assessor will contact you for your introductory telephone conversation and put together your assessment action plan.
For an initial commitment-free consultation, please call us on 01942 673047 or send us your details and we will get back to you.
REQUIREMENTS
MANDATORY UNITS
Candidates must complete the four mandatory units
- Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
- Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
- Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
- Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms in the workplace
OPTIONAL UNITS
Candidates must complete two units from the optional unit group
- Applying non-reactive spray coatings in the workplace
- Applying thin film reactive coatings in the workplace
- Erecting fire resisting ceiling systems in the workplace
- Erecting fire resisting walls and wall linings in the workplace
- Installing dry cladding to protect structural steel in the workplace
- Installing fire resisting ductwork systems in the workplace
- Installing Fire Resisting Timber Door Assemblies and Doorsets in the Workplace
- Installing fire stopping and penetration seals in the workplace
- Installing flexible (non-mechanical) cavity barriers in the workplace
APPLY NOW
For an initial commitment-free consultation about your NVQ please call us on 01942 673047 or register your interest via the APPLY NOW link.
Once we receive your enquiry, a member of our training and assessment team will contact you to discuss your NVQ and answer any questions you have.
FAQs
There are several reasons you might take an NVQ, ranging from increased earning potential and career prospects, to gaining your CSCS card. See our short guide – Why Should You Do an NVQ?
Before starting your qualification, an assessor will be assigned to work with you and provide ongoing support. DMR assessors are former construction workers with at least five years’ experience in NVQ assessment. They hold an A1 or TAQA assessor’s qualification, a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in their occupational area and a blue or gold CSCS card.
We provide full training to all our assessors in supporting people with dyslexia or learning disabilities. If you need extra support and guidance with the written elements of your NVQ, your assessor will draw up an assessment plan tailored to your needs.
An NVQ is a workplace competency qualification. As a competent fire stopper, you will be expected to document your skills and experience through various types of ‘evidence’.
Your assessor will carry out at least one observation in your place of work. You will also complete coursework in your own time.
To achieve your qualification, you will not need to travel, there are no exams to sit, and you will not need to take time off work. Your assessor will provide support and guidance face-to-face, by phone and by email.
CITB-registered employers can claim a grant of £600 for every employee or contractor who completes an NVQ Level 2 to 7. You can find more information on the CITB website.
Government NVQ funding is available for construction workers who meet specific criteria. Please get in touch with us to find out if you are eligible for funding or visit our Funding & Grants page.
When you have completed your NVQ portfolio, our internal verification team will check it for compliance. They will then claim your certificate with City and Guilds. Once we have received your certificate from the awarding body, we will forward it to you by recorded delivery. This process usually takes between two and four weeks.
To get your CSCS Skilled Worker card, you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at your local test centre.
You can apply for your card by visiting www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards. You will need to upload a copy of your NVQ certificate and have a debit or credit card ready to pay the £36 fee.
Yes, if you need a CSCS card while you are doing your qualification, you can apply for the Experienced Worker card. You can request this card as soon as we have enrolled you on the NVQ (you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test).
To apply for the temporary card, we will email you your proof of enrolment which you must submit to CSCS.
You will then upgrade to the Skilled Worker card once you have finished the qualification.
You can call us on 01942 673047 or get in touch through our contact form.
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