This qualification has been designed to recognise the critical knowledge and understanding required by those in fire-related roles.  The qualification is assessed by a single three-hour examination.  The examination contains 120 multiple choice questions.

The syllabus can be downloaded by clicking here.

This qualification recognises the knowledge and understanding of those operating at, or preparing to operate at, the Crew Manager level.  It is also appropriate for other fire specialists such as fire safety specialists.  To achieve the qualification, candidates have to achieve each of the four mandatory units.  Each unit is assessed by an examination of one hour.

The syllabus can be downloaded by clicking here.   

Please note that the format of the examinations has changed.   Minor changes have been made to section 1 and 2 of the Fire Safety unit but all other content remains unchanged from the 2020 version.  Sample papers showing the new examination format are available on the Past Papers and Examination Reports page of the webite.

The following qualifications have been derived from the units that make up the content for the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety.  They are directly equivalent to these units.  These qualifications differ from the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management in that each of the qualifications below assesses only one subject area and covers a much greater range of content.  All qualifications are assessed by an examination of three hours.

For information on the qualifications below, please click on the qualification name.

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command

Level 3 Certificate in Aviation Fire Operations

Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Investigation

Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety 

In order to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety, candidates need to achieve four of the qualifications listed above ie the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science, the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety plus two of the other qualifications.   The qualifications above are equivalent to the former unit examinations.  Guidance on the structure of the Diploma and the relationship between the qualifications above and the previous units is available by clicking here .

The following qualifications have been derived from the units that make up the content for the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety.  They are directly equivalent to these units.  All qualifications are assessed by an examination of three hours.

For information on the qualifications below, please click on the qualification name.

Level 4 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science

Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety

Level 4 Certificate in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command

Level 4 Certificate in Aviation Fire Operations

Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management

Level 4 Certificate in Fire Investigation

Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety (formerly known as the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety)

In order to achieve the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety, candidates need to achieve four of the qualifications listed above ie the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science, the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and two of the other qualifications.  The qualifications above are equivalent to the former unit examinations.  Guidance on the structure of the Diploma and the relationship between the qualifications above and the previous units is available by clicking here .

The IFE Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation: Theory and Practice has been designed to recognise the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required by those who carry out investigations at fire scenes.  The qualification comprises a single unit which covers scientific understanding, use of the scientific method and practical skills.  All assessment is carried out by approved local assessment centers and is externally quality assured by the IFE.

Please note: candidates who wish to achieve this qualification must register with an approved assessment center.

The IFE Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering Design recognises the practical skills and technical understanding relevant to fire engineering.  The content of the qualification was developed and approved by the CFOA (Chief Fire Officers’ Association) Fire engineering and Technical Standards Working Group.  It will support individuals in roles such as fire risk assessor, fire safety auditor, approved inspector and fire engineer.

Please note: candidates who wish to achieve this qualification must register with an approved assessment center.  All assessment is carried out by approved local assessment centers and is externally quality assured by the IFE.

This qualification has been developed in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).  The content and structure of the qualification have been established to cover the basic knowledge and understanding required by those working in the passive fire protection industry.

For further information and to view the syllabus for this qualification, please see the Passive Fire Protection page on this website.

This qualification has been developed in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).  It will be suitable for those who install or inspect passive fire protection measures.

For further information and to view the syllabus for this qualification, please see the Passive Fire Protection page on this website.