Who can inspect fire doors? Inspector qualifications
Routine Regulation 10 checks can be done in-house with simple instruction, according to Home Office guidance. A full fire door inspection needs a competent inspector, such as someone holding a FireQual qualification, the ABBE Level 3 Award or FDIS certification.
Last reviewed November 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Routine checks vs full inspections
| Routine check | Full inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Trained in-house staff | Competent, qualified inspector |
| What | Visual: gaps, seals, hinges, closer, damage | Every component against the door’s test evidence and BS 8214:2026 |
| Output | Logbook entry | Per-door results, photos and a repair list |
| How often | As your schedule requires (e.g. quarterly for Reg 10 communal doors) | As your fire risk assessment requires, commonly six-monthly or annually |
Qualifications for inspectors
People hold qualifications that show competence:
- FireQual qualifications. FireQual is an Ofqual-approved awarding body for fire safety.
- ABBE Level 3 Award in Fire Door Inspection
- Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) diploma and certificated inspector status. FDIS gained UKAS accreditation for certifying inspectors in March 2026.
Companies can also hold third-party certification that audits their work, such as BM TRADA Q-Mark or FIRAS. Larger buyers and public contracts increasingly ask for it.
Does the inspector need a particular qualification?
No law names a specific qualification. The duty is to use someone competent: with the training, experience and knowledge to inspect fire doors properly. A recognised qualification is the simplest way to show that, and the easiest thing for you to check.
How to check a fire door inspector before you hire one
- Ask which qualification they hold, and ask to see the certificate.
- Ask for a sample report. It should give a result for every door, with photos and a prioritised repair list. Here’s what a fire door inspection report should include.
- Check they work to BS 8214:2026, the current code of practice, not the 2016 edition.
- Check their insurance, including professional indemnity and public liability.
- Ask about third-party certification if your contract, insurer or client requires it.
- Ask who fixes the failures. Some firms only inspect; others can repair and replace, so one visit can lead straight to the fix.
How to become a fire door inspector
The routes are the ones above: a FireQual qualification through an approved centre, the ABBE Level 3 Award in Fire Door Inspection, or the FDIS diploma and certification. Course content, entry requirements and costs change, so check the current details with each awarding body.
Burnham’s inspectors
Burnham’s inspections are carried out by FireQual-qualified inspectors, working to BS 8214:2026.