IFE Level 3 Diploma Examination

Candidates can apply to sit a single IFE Level 3 Diploma paper or a combination of papers from this level. Each paper requires candidates to provide extended written responses (i.e. essays) to 6 out of 10 questions.

The time allowed for each paper is 3 hours.

Candidates achieving 40% or above will pass the paper.

A prize may be awarded by the Institution for candidates who demonstrate outstanding achievement in all four papers (mandatory plus 3 optional) in any one examination year.

As candidates pass each examination paper they complete an Ofqual accredited unit within the IFE Level 3 Diploma, viz:-

  • Fire Engineering Science: mandatory paper common to all three qualifications (D/502/3112)
  • Aero Fire Studies: (T/502/3116)
  • Fire Safety: (H/502/3113)
  • Human Resource Management in Fire and Rescue Services - International: (A/502/3117)
  • Leadership and Management in Fire and Rescue Services - UK Specific: (M/502/3115)
  • Fire Service Operations - International: (F/502/3118)
  • Fire Service Operations - UK Specific: (K/502/3114)

Candidates can achieve one of three possible qualifications by passing an appropriate combination of four examinations. In each case these must include the mandatory paper and three optional papers. Ofqual regards this as completing an appropriate combination of four units. The qualifications appear below:-

  • IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science, Operations and Safety (500/5923/3).
  • IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Service Operations (500/6215/3).
  • IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety (500/6216/5)

Candidates do not have to pass four examinations within a specified timescale in order to achieve the qualification. However, in order to meet the academic requirements for the GIFireE grade of membership, candidates must pass the mandatory paper and three optional papers within 5 examination years; e.g. 2009, '10, '11, '12 and '13.

N.B. The IFE is actively considering offering only one qualification at this level in 2013, namely the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science, Operations and Safety (500/5923/3). This is because the take up for the other two qualifications is comparatively low and Ofqual expects awarding bodies to review qualifications where there is an issue. There will be a period of widespread consultation before a decision is reached and as stated above, any resultant changes will be effected no earlier than 2013.