Booking options
£242
+ VAT
£242
+ VATOnline
CPD Course
Intermediate
Designing fire detection and fire alarm systems isn't just about following a standard – it's about making the right decisions.
Understanding BS 5839-1 is one thing. Applying it to real buildings, real risks and real design challenges is another.
This course provides a practical understanding of the design requirements for fire detection and fire alarm systems in accordance with BS 5839-1:2025, helping technicians confidently develop compliant system designs from initial enquiry through to final documentation.
Building on the Introduction module (or equivalent industry experience), you'll explore the complete design process, including surveys, risk assessment, system layouts, certification requirements and the responsibilities of designers and verifiers.
Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you'll develop the knowledge and confidence to produce compliant, effective fire alarm system designs that meet the requirements of BS 5839-1.
This is Module 2 of our five-part BS 5839-1 learning pathway, building on the Introduction module before progressing to Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance and the RQF Level 3 Award in the Requirements of Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems (BS 5839-1:2025).
Who this course is for?
Ideal if you’re moving into design responsibilities or want to formalise your approach to FD&FA system design
Fire & security engineers moving into system design
Designers, verifiers, and those involved in witness testing
Consultants, fire risk assessors, and contractors
Building and facilities professionals involved in FD&FA systems
Anyone responsible for producing or checking fire alarm designs
What you’ll get from this course
Clear understanding of the FD&FA design process
Practical experience applying BS 5839-1 to real scenarios
Confidence in producing compliant system designs
Knowledge of documentation and certification requirements
After this course, you’ll be able to
Apply BS 5839-1 requirements to FD&FA system design
Carry out surveys and develop appropriate system layouts
Produce compliant documentation and certification
Understand responsibilities of designers and verifiers
Course Content
Design process
Enquiry and survey
Design documentation and certification
BS 5839-1:2025 overview
Section 1 – General
Section 2 – Design
Section 3 – False alarms
Annexes A, B, D, E, G
Battery calculations
Responsibilities (designer, verifier)
Practical design assessment

At Ember Compliance, we're committed to helping fire and security professionals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work safely and competently.
Our courses are delivered by experienced industry professionals who combine technical expertise with practical, real-world experience. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your knowledge, our training is designed to be engaging, informative and directly applicable to your day-to-day role.
We offer a range of classroom and live online courses, with many leading to nationally recognised RQF qualifications. Our focus is on supporting ongoing competence and professional development, helping technicians and businesses meet industry standards and best practice.
This depends on the course you are booking.
Many of our courses are suitable for learners who are new to the subject, while others are designed for experienced fire and security technicians or have specific prerequisites.
Please check the course description and any entry requirements before booking. If you're unsure whether a course is right for you, we're always happy to help you choose the most appropriate option.
Yes. Many of our courses are available as both classroom and live online training, allowing you to choose the learning environment that suits you best.
If a classroom version of this course is available, you'll find it listed alongside the online option on our website.
Absolutely.
Our trainers encourage questions and discussion throughout every course, helping learners understand how the requirements apply in real-world situations. Whether you're looking for clarification on a technical topic or practical guidance based on your own experience, we're here to help.
To take part in one of our live online courses, you'll need:
We'll send full joining instructions before your course, including any software requirements.
Before your course, we'll email you everything you need to join, including your joining instructions, start time and the link to access the online training.
We recommend joining a few minutes before the course starts to ensure your equipment is working correctly and you're ready to begin on time.
Training is an important part of demonstrating competence, but attending a course alone does not make an individual or organisation compliant.
Compliance depends on a range of factors, including appropriate qualifications, experience, competence, company procedures and ongoing professional development.
Our courses are designed to help learners understand current requirements and apply industry best practice with confidence.
Each course is based on the current edition of the relevant British Standard, legislation or industry guidance, as detailed in the course description.
Where standards are updated, we regularly review and update our training materials to reflect the latest requirements and industry best practice.
There is no single answer, as it depends on your role and the subjects you work with.
Many technicians choose to refresh their knowledge whenever standards are updated, legislation changes or new technologies emerge. Regular CPD also helps maintain confidence and supports continued professional competence.
At Ember Compliance, we believe training should do more than simply help learners attend a course or pass an assessment.
Our aim is to support long-term professional competence by providing practical, relevant training that helps technicians apply their knowledge with confidence and continue developing throughout their careers.