BAFE SP203‑1 Competency Requirements for Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems
Technical & CPD‑Aligned Training from BH Courses
BAFE SP203‑1 is the UK’s leading competency framework for organisations that design, install, commission, and maintain fire‑detection and fire‑alarm systems.
Although BAFE certifies companies, not individuals, every organisation operating under SP203‑1 must demonstrate that its engineers are competent, trained, and up‑to‑date with BS 5839‑1:2025.
BH Courses provides a complete suite of technical and CPD‑aligned training that supports engineers and organisations in meeting the knowledge and practical expectations of SP203‑1.
What Is BAFE SP203‑1?
SP203‑1 is a third‑party certification scheme for fire‑alarm companies.
It covers four core areas:
- System Design
- Installation
- Commissioning & Handover
- Maintenance
To achieve and maintain certification, companies must show that their engineers:
- Understand BS 5839‑1:2025
- Maintain ongoing technical competence
- Follow correct documentation and certification processes
BH Courses provides training that supports these competency expectations.
Regulated Qualifications and SP203‑1
Certification bodies typically expect engineers working under SP203‑1 to hold a regulated Level 3 qualification, such as the:
- EAL Level 3 Award in BS 5839‑1:2025
- FireQual Level 3 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems Qualification
These qualifications are widely recognised across the UK fire‑alarm industry.
Important note:
BH Courses does not currently deliver the EAL Level 3 Award or any regulated qualification.
Our focus is on technical training and CPD‑aligned courses that support engineers in building the knowledge and practical understanding required for SP203‑1 competence.
How BH Courses Supports SP203‑1 Competency
Our training portfolio is structured to align directly with the four SP203‑1 modules.
Each course provides the technical knowledge and practical understanding required for engineers working in organisations certified to SP203‑1 or preparing for certification.
1. Technical Courses Aligned with SP203‑1 Modules
Fire Alarm System Design (SP203‑1 Design Module)
Covers category selection, detector spacing, sound levels, cause & effect, and design documentation.
Fire Alarm Installation (SP203‑1 Installation Module)
Covers cable types, device installation, routing, labelling, and as‑installed documentation.
Commissioning & Handover (SP203‑1 Commissioning Module)
Covers functional testing, programming, verification, cause & effect testing, and handover certification.
Inspection & Maintenance (SP203‑1 Maintenance Module)
Covers periodic inspection, servicing, fault finding, reporting, and maintenance certification.
These courses are ideal for engineers seeking to strengthen their technical competence and support their organisation’s SP203‑1 compliance.
2. CPD for Ongoing Competence
SP203‑1 requires organisations to demonstrate continuous competence, not just initial training.
BH Courses develops CPD modules (awaiting certification) that help engineers stay current with BS 5839‑1:2025 updates and other vital technical information.
Who This Training Is For
Our SP203‑1 aligned training pathway is designed for:
- Fire‑alarm engineers
- Designers and commissioning engineers
- Maintenance technicians
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Compliance managers
- Organisations preparing for NSI or SSAIB audits
- Companies working toward BAFE SP203‑1 certification
Why Organisations Choose BH Courses
- Training aligned with BS 5839‑1:2025
- Technical and CPD (awaiting certification) focused delivery
- Courses mapped to SP203‑1 modules
- Clear, practical, industry‑focused content
- Suitable for engineers at all levels
To support practical competence, BH Courses delivers advanced fire‑alarm technical training on leading control panels and equipment
- Advanced Fire Alarm Training
- Morley Panel Training
- Kentec Panel Training
- C‑Tec Panel Training
- Practical Equipment Training MAX(all panels)
This helps engineers apply BS 5839‑1:2025 principles on real systems and strengthen their operational skills.
Start Your SP203‑1 Competency Pathway
Whether you’re an engineer building your skills or an organisation preparing for certification, BH Courses provides a complete technical and CPD‑aligned pathway that supports SP203‑1 competency requirements.
Explore our BS 5839 aligned and technical courses or contact us to plan your team’s training pathway.