IFE Examinations
The Institution of Fire Engineers' examinations are conducted every year in March globally with some examinations also offered in October. Examinations provide candidates the opportunity to gain academic qualifications that are required for membership at different grades. Examinations are recognized internationally as evidence of academic attainment in fire engineering and are mapped to the UK's National Occupational Standards. Information on the UK National Occupational Standards can be found here.
The IFE offers five qualifications as either Certificates or a Diploma. Each qualification is briefly described on this page.
The five qualifications are:
The five qualifications are:
- The IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety (VRQ)
- The IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management (VRQ)
- IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers in Fire and Rescue Services (VRQ)
- IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety (VRQ)
- IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety (HL)
IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety
The IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety (VRQ) has been designed to recognize the critical understanding required by those in firefighter roles. The qualification is assessed by a single three-hour examination. The examination contains 120 multiple choice questions.
The IFE Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety (VRQ) has been designed to recognize the critical understanding required by those in firefighter roles. The qualification is assessed by a single three-hour examination. The examination contains 120 multiple choice questions.
- Consists of one examination paper containing 120 multiple choice questions
- Fire- Engineering Science and Service Operations section contains 45 questions
- Fire Safety section contains 30 questions
IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management
The IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management (VRQ) recognizes the knowledge and understanding of those operating at, or preparing to operate at, 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 IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety and Management (VRQ) recognizes the knowledge and understanding of those operating at, or preparing to operate at, 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.
- Consists of four examination papers, each paper lasting an hour, and containing 20 marks of multiple questions and 30 marks of short answer questions
- Paper 1 consist of topics relating to Fire Engineering Science
- Paper 2 consist of topics relating to Fire Operations
- Paper 3 consist of topics relating to Fire Safety
- Paper 4 consist of topics relating to Management and Administration
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 (VRQ) has been introduced to recognize 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 centres and is externally moderated by the IFE.
The IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers in Fire and Rescue Services (VRQ) has been introduced to recognize 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 centres and is externally moderated by the IFE.
IFE Level 3 Diploma Fire Science and Fire Safety
This qualification recognizes 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. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.
Level 3 Diploma - Introduction
Unit 1: Fire Engineering Science (mandatory)
Unit 2: Fire Safety [mandatory]
Unit 3: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command – International [optional]
Unit 4: Aviation Fire Operations [optional]
Unit 5: Leadership and Management in Fire and Rescue [optional]
Unit 6: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command – UK [optional]
This qualification recognizes 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. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.
Level 3 Diploma - Introduction
Unit 1: Fire Engineering Science (mandatory)
Unit 2: Fire Safety [mandatory]
Unit 3: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command – International [optional]
Unit 4: Aviation Fire Operations [optional]
Unit 5: Leadership and Management in Fire and Rescue [optional]
Unit 6: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command – UK [optional]
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. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.
Level 4 Certificate - Introduction
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]
Unit 7: Civil Emergency and Disaster Management [optional]
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. Candidates should read the introduction to the qualification prior to reading the individual units.
Level 4 Certificate - Introduction
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]
Unit 7: Civil Emergency and Disaster Management [optional]
Where Can I Sit Examinations?
Candidates applying to sit examinations are asked to state their prefered examination centre. We currently have a centre in Toronto, Ontario. IFE cannot guarantee that candidates will be able to sit the examination at their preferred centre, however, IFE will do our best to respond to requests.
IFE Examinations Syllabus, Reading List, and Study Guidance List
Candidates applying to sit examinations are asked to state their prefered examination centre. We currently have a centre in Toronto, Ontario. IFE cannot guarantee that candidates will be able to sit the examination at their preferred centre, however, IFE will do our best to respond to requests.
IFE Examinations Syllabus, Reading List, and Study Guidance List
How Do I Apply?
- Download the applicable Examination Registration Form when it is available.
- Pay for the Examination using one of the provided options with the Registration Form.
- Submit the completed Registration to secretary@ife.ca.
