Training to be a fire risk assessor

[William 29]

Looking for some ideas, thoughts please around training suitable persons up to be fire risk assessors from scratch.
I am finding the employing of ex fire inspecting officers on a sub-contract basis is not a sustainable business model. Many are in their 50s plus and obviously want to work part-time, and then retire properly after a few years from assessing all together. Also despite advertising many times we simply are not getting the right people, as I think the fire service themselves are struggling with the competency of inspectors. 

So, I am aware of the individual schemes out there, IFE, FRACS, BAFE SP205, NAFRAR (IFSM) and a move towards a single 3 tiered fire risk assessors register that will cover all the current schemes.
So my question is, is there a clearly defined qualification and course route to becoming a 3rd party accredited fire risk assessor? Or is it a case of gathering a qualification portfolio and then applying for one of the schemes?

I have looked at the Level 5 FRA UNCLAN course, NEBOSH fire risk management cert, CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire Prevention, Xact Courses. I would also include a BB100 course(schools), Flats Guide and specsilized Housing Course and one to cover building regs ADB. I would start with the Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment (FPA) 5-day course or similar. Anything else you would add?

Any thoughts please?

[AnthonyB]

IFSM are launching a genuine regulated qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (a bit like the FIA have done with fire alarms) as a starting point for the unqualified. It's entry level with 6 Units with over 10 days of training (which far beats most courses out there) and an end exam that gives you a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) for carrying out basic and simple FRAs.

They are planning to develop a Level 3 qualification (A level equivalent) as the next step for L2 assessors to move onto more complex areas and no doubt ultimately a Level 4 for the most complex stuff.

Their register of risk assessors is changing to the recommended 3 tiers next year.

[William 29]

Thanks, I have emailed the IFSM re my post but nothing back as yet.