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IFE Qualifications (with Syllabus Links)

The IFE offers nine qualifications.  Information about each qualification is provided on this page.  Please scroll down the page to find specific qualification and unit information together with relevant links.  The qualifications available are:

  • IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety
  • IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management
  • IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety
  • IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety
  • IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers in Fire and Rescue Services*
  • IFE Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation: Theory and Practice*
  • IFE Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering Design*
  • IFE Level 2 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection
  • IFE Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection

You do not need to be a member of the IFE to access the qualifications.

Information on Current IFE Qualifications

IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety

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 .

IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management

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 .

IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety 

This qualification recognises the knowledge and understanding of those operating in, or preparing for, a range of roles at level 3 including Watch Managers and fire professional specialists (eg Fire Safety).  In order to achieve the qualification, candidates must achieve the two mandatory units and also two optional units.  Each unit is assessed by an examination of three hours.  Examination papers will comprise eight questions; candidates will need to select six questions from a choice of eight. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.

Introduction to the Level 3 Diploma

Unit 1 – Fire Engineering Science

Unit 2 – Fire Safety

Unit 4 – Aviation Fire Operations

Unit 5 – Leadership and Management in Fire and Rescue

Unit 6 – Fire Service Operations and Incident Command

Unit 7 – Fire Investigation

 

IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety

This qualification recognises the knowledge and understanding of those operating in or preparing for, a range of roles at Level 4 including Station Managers and other fire professional specialists (eg Fire Safety).  In order to achieve the qualification, candidates must achieve the two mandatory units and also two optional units. Each unit is assessed by an examination of three hours. Examination papers comprise eight questions; candidates will need to select six questions from a choice of eight. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.

Introduction to the Level 4 Certificate

Unit 1: Fire Engineering Science [Mandatory]
Unit 2: Fire Safety [mandatory]
Unit 3: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command [optional]
Unit 4: Aviation Fire Operations [optional]
Unit 5: Leadership and Management in Fire and Rescue [optional]
Unit 6: Fire Investigation [optional]

IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers in Fire and Rescue Services 

The IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers in Fire and Rescue Services has been introduced to recognise practical skills and also underpinning technical understanding in the context of incident management.  In order to achieve the qualification, candidates must achieve two mandatory units: one unit is assessed by external examination; the other unit takes the form of a practical assessment which 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.

IFE Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation: Theory and Practice

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.

IFE Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering Design

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.

IFE Level 2 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection

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.

IFE Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection

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.