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Fire Engineering

Fire Protection Systems – Passive (Micro-credential) (Level 6)

Interested in learning how buildings are designed to contain fire and smoke?

 

This micro-credential is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of passive fire protection systems and their role in maintaining the safety and integrity of buildings in New Zealand. Passive fire protection refers to the built-in components and design features that help contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke. The micro-credential supports learners in developing the technical knowledge required to interpret and apply fire safety legislation, building design principles, and material behaviours in the context of fire safety. It is particularly suited to those working in regulatory, inspection, and compliance support roles, or those seeking to enter the building compliance sector.

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Course Summary
Level
Level 6
Credits

15 Credits

Fees

Domestic: $960

International: $2,500

Campus
TBC
Duration

10 weeks, part-time

Who Can Join

16 years or older

Highlights
  • Understand Building Design and Fire Compartmentation
  • Analyse the Effects of Fire on Structural Materials
  • Explore Fire Testing Procedures and Time-Temperature Curves
  • Apply Fire Stopping Systems, Sealants and Intumescents
  • Evaluate Structural Fire Protection Systems
  • Master Installation Documentation and Compliance
Programme Information

Graduates of the Micro-credential in Fire Protection Systems – Passive will be well-prepared for roles within the building compliance, fire safety, and construction sectors. The skills developed in this programme are highly valued across industries focused on the built-in fire safety performance of buildings.

Graduates of this micro-credential will be well-prepared for employment in roles that require an understanding of passive fire protection, including:

  • Compliance Technician or Assistant Building Surveyor, supporting Building Warrant of Fitness inspections and fire safety audits.
  • Fire Protection Compliance Officer, working within local or territorial authorities.
  • Fire Safety Advisor or Support Officer in engineering consultancies, property firms, or construction companies.
  • Technical support roles in passive fire system supply or installation companies, focusing on documentation and regulatory compliance.

For entry to this programme, applicants are required to have:

  • NCEA Level 2; and
  • A minimum total of 48 credits at Level 2 in four subjects, including mathematics; or
  • Equivalent qualifications (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); or
  • Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience.

 

Special Admission and Discretionary Admission are also available for applicants aged 20 and over who do not meet the general admission requirements. Contact our enrolments team to discuss your situation.

Indicative content:

  • Understanding of fixed fire systems and the principles of fire cells
  • Fire resistance ratings and their determination
  • Comparison of fire and smoke separations
  • Behaviour and use of timber, brick, stone, reinforced concrete, cast iron, steel, aluminium and glass; gypsum, concrete, timber and block / masonry wall and floor systems; smoke and fire doors
  • Smoke and fire windows; smoke and fire curtains; smoke barriers and baffles
  • Fire testing background, history and development; various fire testing procedures and time-temperature curves.
  • Collars, wraps and sealants
  • Intumescent properties of materials; intumescent paint for steel and timber
  • Cementitious sprayed-on coatings and board protection
  • Inherent fire-resisting properties of natural building materials
  • Documentation required on completion of installation of a fire safety system

This micro-credential is one of three NZQA-listed fire-related micro-credentials offered by FutureSkills. It can be taken on its own, or as part of a planned pathway toward the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Fire Engineering).