Training & Seminars
Engineer Training & CPD Seminars
C-TEC offers three different types of training as detailed below
BS 5839-1 Foundation, Design, Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance Courses (FireQual)
Low-cost BS 5839-1 foundation, design, installation & commissioning and maintenance courses delivered by industry experts that allow delegates to work towards a regulated qualification in BS 5839-1 through FireQual, the specialist awarding body for the fire protection sector in the UK. Held at our headquarters in Wigan, modules can be sat over multiple weeks or as a week-long cluster – for details visit c-tec.store
Free Product Training
Our product-based training courses are ideal for new and experienced engineers and are designed to equip people with the knowledge they need to install and commission our systems. Held at our headquarters in Wigan, they typically run from 9am-1pm. Click on the tabs belows for more details.
XFP Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Duration
09:00 – 13:00 approxLocation
C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters, Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LD
(Off-site and online courses also available by special arrangement)Course overview
Our ‘hands-on’ XFP training course is designed to provide fire engineers with the knowledge they need to install and commission C-TEC’s XFP range of fire panels and covers all of its supported protocols. The course comprises two modules (online options also available):XFP Module 1
- Introduction to the XFP fire panel
- Supported protocols – C-TEC CAST, Apollo XP95/Discovery, Hochiki ESP
- Features & benefits
- Explanation of the inner workings of the XFP panel (PCBs, power supplies, etc.)
- System device familiarisation
- C-TEC’s Envision remote access software
XFP Module 2
A hands-on laptop PC based session giving an overview of the basic functions of the XFP’s programming tools. You will be expected to bring our own laptop PC running Windows XP, Vista or 7 or 8 to this course, which covers:
- Planning and designing a system
- Installation and wiring
- Commissioning and programming
- Test exercise
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times, availability and to discuss online options, please complete our training enquiry form.
ZFP Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
Duration
09:00 – 13:00 approxLocation
C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters, Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LD
(Off-site and online courses also available by special arrangement)Entry requirements
Courses are free-of-charge to BAFE SP203 approved specialist fire alarm installation companies. Non-BAFE approved companies should contact their account manager for further information on our ZFP training course qualification criteria.Course Overview
Our ‘hands-on’ ZFP training courses are designed to provide specialist fire alarm installation engineers with the knowledge they need to install and commission our ZFP range of multi-loop fire panels. Three modules are available. Modules 1 and 2 take place on the same day and are detailed below. Module 3 is a more advanced programming course which can be tailored to suit a customer’s specific requirements.
ZFP Module 1
A detailed overview and familiarisation course that includes:-
- An introduction to the ZFP fire panel
- Key ZFP features & benefits
- Hardware familiarisation (modules, cabinets and peripheral PCBs)
- Installation, system wiring, networking options
- Touchscreen controls & a detailed look at the ZFP’s Access Level 1, 2 & 3 menu options
- Commissioning and diagnostics
- An overview of C-TEC’s ZFP-compatible addressable VADs, sounders & ‘Hush’ buttons
ZFP Module 2
A hands-on laptop PC based session giving an overview of the basic functions of the ZFP’s programming tools. You will be expected to bring your own laptop PC running Windows XP, Vista or 7 or 8 to this course, which covers:-
- General menu structure
- Configuration concept
- ‘One out, all out’ systems
- Device naming
- Input groups, output groups & supergroups
- Cause and effects
- Delays/sequences
- Setting up a network
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times, availability and to discuss online options, please complete our training enquiry form.
Quantec Addressable Call Systems
Duration
09:00 – 13:00 approxLocation
C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters, Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LD
(Off-site and online courses also available by special arrangement)Course overview
An intensive training session aimed principally at engineering and sales staff, and designed to offer an in-depth understanding of the installation, maintenance and commissioning of C-TEC’s Quantec addressable call system. It covers:
- Why, where and how Quantec can be used
- A basic overview of the Quantec Controller
- Overview of devices, i.e., call points, displays, etc.
- System wiring
- Different access levels for engineer, end user, etc.
- Programming & how to add/remove devices from the system
- Upload/download software
- An overview of the Quantec Surveyor data analysis software package
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
CFP Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Duration
1 to 2 hoursLocation
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course Overview
A one to two hour training course designed to give engineers a technical overview of C-TEC’s popular CFP range of conventional fire panels and its new ActiV range of conventional fire detectors. It covers:-
- Key features of the CFP 2-8 Zone fire panel
- CFP panel layout
- CFP wiring overview
- Authorised User and Engineer (programming & fault finding) controls
- Key features of C-TEC’s ActiV fire detectors
- EN54-13 system compliance
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
PDA Range Hearing Loop Systems

Duration
1 to 2 hours (online), 3 to 4 hours for courses held at our headquartersLocation
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
The installation of an hearing loop system is recognised as an adjustment an organisation can make to help comply with the Equality Act. Following on from our CPD certified Hearing Assistance Solutions seminar (described below), it provides installers, sales engineers and architects with a detailed overview of our PDA RANGE of audio-frequency hearing loop systems. Sections include:
- What are hearing loop systems?
- Why and where hearing loop systems are used.
- Hearing loss and how hearing aids and loop systems work
- The PDA range of hearing loop amplifiers
- Testing hearing loops for compliance with British standards
- Installation and low overspill loop designs
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Seminars
Our free educational CPD certified seminars are ideal for people working in all areas of the life safety sector. Each course typically runs for an hour and they can be delivered either on your premises (subject to numbers) or online. Click on the tabs below for more details.
A Guide to BS 5839-6 2019 Domestic Fire Alarm Systems (CPD)

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
This CPD Seminar summarises the key points of and changes to BS 5839-6 2019 : The code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises with particular emphasis given to the revised system of grading for such systems.Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
Fire Alarm Systems for Purpose Built Flats & Apartments – a new approach (CPD)

Duration
1 hourLocation
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
A new hour-long CPD certified seminar that explores if ‘Stay Put’ is still a safe policy to deploy for evacuating a building during a major fire and outlines a possible new approach to fire alarm systems for purpose built flats and apartment. Topics covered include:-
- The origins of the Stay Put Policy
- An overview of BS5839-6 ‘domestic’ fire detection & alarm system
- An overview of BS5839-1 ‘commercial ‘ fire detection & alarm
- Does ‘Stay Put’ still work?
- Current NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council)
- Can modern technology be used to complement or offer an alternative to ‘Stay Put’?
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
Fire Alarm Systems: A Brief History and the Current State of the Industry (CPD)

Duration
1 hourLocation
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course Overview
A new hour-long seminar that aims to give anyone with an interest in fire detection and alarm systems an understanding of how they have developed over the years. As well as giving a brief overview of how fire alarm systems work and the technology involved, it also discusses how fire safety legislation and standards have developed and the impact they are having today.Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
EN54-23 Visual Alarm Devices Simplified (CPD)

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course Overview
Despite BS5839-1, the UK’s code of practice for fire alarm system design and installation, calling for EN54 part 23 compliant Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) since 2013, many in the industry are still confused about their application. This hour-long CPD certified seminar aims to throw light on the subject, detailing where VADs are required, explaining what a VAD’s classification means and providing a host of hints and tips on best practice installation.
It covers:-
- What is EN54-23?
- What is a VAD and where are VADs required?
- VAD classifications and types – C Class, W Class and O Class
- How to calculate a VAD’s coverage in 6 easy steps
- Hint, tips and practical advice
If you’ve ever asked questions like “what is an EN54-23 VAD?”, “who says I’ve got to use them?”, “why do we have to use them?” and “where exactly are VADs required?” this is the course for you!
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
A Guide to BS 5839-9 Disabled Refuge Systems (CPD)

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
UK building regulations insist all new non-domestic buildings with more than one storey provide refuge areas – relatively safe places where people who cannot easily use fire escapes or evacuation lifts can call for assistance and wait until help arrives. Effective, two-way voice communication between these areas and a manned control room is essential.This hour-long seminar explains where and why such systems are required and how to design and install a system that complies with BS 5839-9. It covers the categories of Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) Systems, the regulations that call for them and highlights everything you need to know before specifying/installing a system.
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
Hearing Assistance Solutions -The Route to DDA/Equality Act Compliance (CPD)

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
Over 10% of the population suffer from hearing impairment. Under the Equality Act, anyone offering goods, facilities or services to the general public must make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to ensure they do not discriminate against such people.The seminar summarises what the Act recommends for the hearing impaired and provides an overview of the various hearing assistance solutions available. It describes how auxiliary aids such as sound reinforcement, infrared, radio and audio-frequency hearing loop systems work, their pros and cons and typical applications.
Want to know more? For further information including dates, times and availability, please complete our training enquiry form.
Integrated Fire Alarm Solutions for High Rise Residential Buildings (CPD)

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
Guidance for high rise residential buildings says the likelihood of false alarms means communal fire systems are a bad idea. However, the dangers of a delayed FRS response are all too evident post-Grenfell. Aimed at fire engineers, installers, consultants and housing professionals, this seminar explores an exciting new approach using false alarm resistant fire detectors in flats connected to a communal system via ‘Hush Buttons’ that can be operated whilst standing at floor level. This can minimise the chance of false alarms and, crucially, ensure the emergency services are alerted if there is a real fire, especially vital for elderly and disabled residents.
What's new in BS 8629 - an overview of the 2023 amendment to the code of practice for Evacuation Alert Systems

Duration
1 hour (CPD)Location
Online or at C-TEC’s Challenge Way Headquarters
(courses at your premises by special arrangement, subject to numbers attending)Course overview
BS 8629:2019 is the Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats. This hour-long seminar gives a detailed overview of the standard and outlines some of the solutions available. This seminar is in the process of being CPD certified, to register your interest please complete our training enquiry form.
COURSES ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS:-
EP203 Three Zone Automatic Extinguisher Panel & Ancillaries
CFP 2-8 Zone Conventional Fire Alarm Panel
SigTEL Disabled Refuge / Emergency Voice Communication System
800 Series Conventional Call System
Contact your account manager to discuss how we can tailor the above courses to your requirements.