What Is NFRAR? The IFSM Register Explained
NFRAR — the National Fire Risk Assessors Register — is the IFSM-administered register of individual UK fire risk assessors. Here is what it is, what it covers, and why it matters for your FRA.
What NFRAR is
The National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR) is administered by the IFSM (Institute of Fire Safety Managers). It is the formal register of individuals who have demonstrated competence to carry out fire risk assessments in the UK.
Membership is tiered, mirroring BS 8674:2025:
- Foundation — simple low-risk premises
- Intermediate — typical commercial and residential premises
- Advanced — higher-risk and high-rise residential, complex healthcare
What it replaces
NFRAR replaced and absorbed the IFSM Tiered Competency Scheme. The IFSM Tiered Competency badge you might still see on older proposals refers to the same underlying register, now branded NFRAR and aligned to BS 8674.
How an assessor gets registered
NFRAR registration requires:
- A relevant qualification (typically a recognised Level 4 / 5 fire safety qualification)
- Demonstrated experience (varies by tier)
- CPD evidence
- Application and assessment
- Annual renewal with CPD record
Membership can be lost for breach of the IFSM Code of Conduct or failure to maintain CPD.
Why it matters to you
When you appoint a fire risk assessor, the appropriate due diligence is:
1. Is the individual NFRAR-registered? (Not just the firm.) 2. Is the tier appropriate for your building? 3. Is the CPD record current?
If your insurer, lender or Fire Authority ever queries your due diligence, "appointed an NFRAR-registered assessor at appropriate tier" is the strongest single answer.
Verifying registration
You can verify NFRAR registration via the IFSM website. Ask any assessor for their membership number and check it.
NFRAR vs BAFE SP205
These are complementary, not alternatives:
- NFRAR certifies the individual assessor
- BAFE SP205 certifies the organisation delivering FRAs
Best-in-class providers hold both. MetroFire's FRA team is BAFE SP205 V6 procedure-aligned with full NFRAR-registered assessor coverage.
Want an FRA from an NFRAR-registered assessor at the right tier for your building? Book one.
