Latest Examination News: Updated 1st September 2009

Examinations 2010

Last year, following the restructuring of examination fees, it was anticipated that any further annual increase would be very small and in keeping with the usual rate of inflation increase applied to all subscriptions. We are pleased to announce hat for 2010 the fees will remain the same as in 2009 to reflect the IFE Board's desire to support members during the economic downturn.

Examination Information

IFE examinations have been accredited by Ofqual as nationally recognised qualifications. Details appear on the NDAQ database, to view the database please click here.

The Institution's examinations are offered at four levels:-

  • IFE Level 2 Certificate (former Preliminary) Examination.
    This exam is suitable for firefighter recruits at the end of their period of initial training. The syllabus has been cross-mapped with the relevant NOS.
  • IFE Level 3 Certificate (former Intermediate) Examination.
    This exam is suitable for prospective or acting Crew Managers. The syllabus has been cross-mapped with the relevant NOS.
  • IFE Level 3 Diploma (former Graduate) Examination.
    This exam is suitable for prospective or acting Watch Managers. The syllabus has been cross-mapped with the relevant NOS.
  • IFE Level 4 Certificate (former Member) Examination.
    This exam is suitable for prospective or acting Station Managers. The syllabus has been cross-mapped with the relevant NOS.

The Level 2 Certificate Examination offers an excellent foundation for progression to the Level 3 Certificate, which at present consists of two papers - one is a multiple choice paper and the other asks for short written responses to twenty questions. Success in both Level 3 Certificate papers within 2 years meets the academic requirement for Technician grade. More information is available here.

In a recent development, passes at both Level 3 Certificate papers, plus a pass in the Fire Engineering Science paper at Level 3 Diploma, now meet the academic standard required for registration with the Engineering Council UK as an Engineering Technician via the Workplace Assessment option, provided that the applicants have relevant and appropriate professional development over a period of at least 5 years (indicative). Further details can be found here.

The Level 3 Diploma Examination consists of 4 papers and is one way of meeting the academic requirement for Graduate grade. Candidates can apply for one or more papers, but must pass all 4 Members papers within 5 years if they wish to use this method to demonstrate meeting the academic requirements for GIFireE grade. Further details can be found here.

The Level 4 Certificate Examination also consists of 4 papers and is one way of meeting the academic requirement for either Associate grade or Member grade. Candidates can apply for one or more papers, but must pass all 4 Members papers within 5 years if they wish to use this method to demonstrate meeting the academic requirements for Associate or Member grade. Further details about the application process for Associate grade can be found here or for the Member grade please click here.

It is also worth noting that passes in either the 4 Graduate papers or passes in the 4 Member papers also meet the academic requirement for registration with the Engineering Council UK as an Engineering Technician (via the Standard Route), provided that applicants have 5 years (indicative) of relevant fire engineering experience and can meet the professional development standards. For further information about registering as an Engineering Technician please click here.