Course Category

EAL-Endorsed Fire Detection System Design Course

Develop the knowledge and professional judgement needed to design electronic fire detection and fire alarm systems to BS 5839-1:2025 through an EAL-endorsed programme.

fire detection

This course is ideal for

  • Fire detection and alarm system designers
  • Fire alarm engineers progressing into design
  • Qualified electricians moving into the fire detection sector
  • Commissioning and maintenance engineers who need greater design understanding
  • Electrical contractors responsible for fire alarm proposals
  • Building services engineers
  • Fire and security system technicians
  • Supervisors, project managers and technical managers
  • Experienced practitioners seeking an EAL-endorsed design course

Course Description

This is a design-focused award for professionals who want to understand how fire detection and alarm system requirements are developed from building information, risk, occupancy and relevant standards.

The course provides a practical, structured introduction to the design process without requiring learners to have previous specialist design experience. Technical decisions are explained through tutor-led examples, guided activities and realistic building scenarios.

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Course Content

On day five, learners complete a controlled design task based on a realistic non-domestic building scenario. The assessment requires learners to interpret the supplied information and produce an appropriate fire detection and alarm system proposal with supporting records and justification.

The written test is completed on day five and assesses the learner’s understanding of the principles, standards and professional responsibilities covered during the programme.

Schedule & Duration:

  • Days 1–4: tutor-led training, guided activities, case studies and assessment preparation
  • Day 5: controlled fire detection design assessment and written knowledge test

The course is delivered over five consecutive or scheduled training days. Contact CBWA for confirmed course dates, daily timings and delivery options.

Equipment & Facilities

Here at CBWA, you will have access to the following listed below:

You will have access to:

  • Fire alarm design workstations and drawing resources
  • Building plans and fire risk assessment scenarios
  • Fire alarm components and manufacturer information
  • Standards and technical guidance resources
  • Classroom and computer-based facilities
  • Industry-experienced tutors
  • Free on-site parking
  • Kitchen facilities and refreshments

We are loacted at: Unit 1, Crondal Road, Bayton Road Industrial Estate, Exhall, Coventry, CV7 9NH. We are just off Junction 3 of the M6.

Course Overview

The Fire Detection System Design Course is a specialist programme for electricians, fire alarm engineers, designers, commissioning engineers and other suitably experienced professionals who need to develop or formally demonstrate fire alarm design knowledge.

The course will be endorsed by EAL and is based on the current recommendations of BS 5839-1:2025. It develops design judgement progressively through principles, equipment siting, interpretation of fire risk information, compliant system design, documentation, verification, critical review and major fire case studies.

The programme is delivered over five days. Days one to four provide structured tuition, guided exercises and assessment preparation. The design assessment and written knowledge test are completed on day five.

Training is delivered at CBWA’s Coventry centre using structured presentations, learner workbooks, design exercises, drawings, fire risk information, case studies and tutor-led technical discussion.

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Five-Day Delivery Programme

Days 1–4: Training and Preparation
The first four days combine classroom tuition, technical discussion, guided design activities, case studies, workbook tasks and preparation for the final assessments.

Day 5: Assessments
The fifth day is reserved for the controlled design assessment and written knowledge test. Learners must successfully complete both assessment components to achieve the course.

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Assessment and Certification

Learners must successfully complete both assessment components:
  • Controlled fire detection system design assessment
  • Written knowledge test covering the taught programme

Guided activities and practice questions are used during days one to four to prepare learners and identify knowledge gaps before the final assessment day.

Successful learners will receive an EAL-endorsed course certificate once the course endorsement and certification arrangements have been formally approved and implemented.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants should have relevant electrical, fire detection, building services or life-safety experience. The programme requires learners to interpret technical information, use standards, make reasoned design decisions and produce written and graphical evidence.

  • Sufficient electrical or fire alarm technical knowledge
  • Ability to interpret plans and basic building information
  • Literacy and numeracy suitable for the written and design assessments
  • Ability to navigate technical standards and guidance
  • Relevant installation, commissioning, maintenance or design experience strongly recommended

CBWA may complete an initial discussion, qualification check or skills review before confirming a place.

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Books and Equipment Required

  • Current edition of BS 5839-1
  • IET Electrician’s Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
  • Calculator and scale rule
  • Pens, pencils and suitable drawing equipment
  • Centre-approved digital drawing tools where permitted
  • Suitable stationery and note-taking materials

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Entry Requirements

Applicants should have relevant electrical, fire detection, building services or life-safety experience. The programme requires learners to interpret technical information, use standards, make reasoned design decisions and produce written and graphical evidence.

  • Sufficient electrical or fire alarm technical knowledge
  • Ability to interpret plans and basic building information
  • Literacy and numeracy suitable for the written and design assessments
  • ility to navigate technical standards and guidance
  • Relevant installation, commissioning, maintenance or design experience strongly recommended

CBWA may complete an initial discussion, qualification check or skills review before confirming a place.

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What Do We Offer?

EAL-endorsed programme
The course will be endorsed by EAL and assessed through a controlled design task and written knowledge test.

Complete standardised course pack
Delivery is supported by presentations, trainer guides, learner workbooks and assessment packs for every module.

Realistic final design assessment

Learners apply their learning to a controlled building-based fire detection design task.

Industry-experienced tutors
Training is delivered by tutors with relevant electrical, fire detection and design experience.

Case-study-led judgement
Rosepark, Grenfell, Lakanal House and Shirley Towers are used to connect technical choices with real-world consequences.

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Progression Opportunities

After completing the course, learners may progress towards:
  • Fire detection and alarm system design roles
  • Advanced design and verification training
  • Fire alarm commissioning and handover
  • Servicing, maintenance and fault diagnosis
  • BAFE-aligned professional development
  • Fire risk and life-safety system coordination
  • Emergency lighting system design
  • Supervisory, project-management or technical-authority roles

The EAL-endorsed award supports professional development but does not, by itself, prove occupational competence for every fire alarm role or replace experience, supervision or third-party certification requirements.

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£700.00

EAL-Endorsed Fire Detection System Design Course

  • Duration5 Days
  • Skill LevelExperienced

EAL-Endorsed Fire Detection System Design Course
£700.00