The Institution of Fire Engineers IFE Qualifications and National Operation Guidance Roy Bishop IFE Vice Chair

Introduction to IFE Qualifications First introduced in 1924 – regularly updated Initially linked to membership but increasingly serving a broader range of learners and stakeholders Contributing to delivery of the IFE’s strategic priorities to: Foster professionalism Increase knowledge Exams are set and marked by fire professionals

Introduction to IFE Qualifications (cont’d) Externally regulated by Ofqual and CCEA International recognition Around 6,000 examination entries per year Initially qualifications were knowledge-focussed and assessed only by examinations but a new qualification with a practical element was introduced in 2014 Provide assessment of critical knowledge and understanding

Knowledge-based Qualifications 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

Knowledge-based Qualifications - Content All qualifications include coverage of: fire engineering science fire service operations and incident command fire safety. Additional optional units for some qualifications: Leadership and management Fire investigation Aviation fire operations Civil emergencies and disaster management

Knowledge-based Qualifications Candidates have to pass 1 examination to achieve the Level 2 Certificate Candidates have to pass 4 examinations to achieve the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications Each examination (unit) is certificated separately All examinations are available in March each year All Level 3 Certificate examinations and the Fire Service Operations and Incident Command unit from the L3 Diploma is also available in October each year

Practical Assessment IFE Level 3 Certificate for Operational Supervisory Managers introduced in 2014 Candidates have to pass two units – one examined and one practical unit The practical unit takes the form of an assignment. The assignment is set and assessed by the FRS. Assessments are externally moderated by the IFE

Relationship with National Occupational Standards All IFE units are mapped to National Occupational Standards where relevant NOS are available IFE qualifications provide detailed knowledge and understanding – amplify the statements of knowledge provided in NOS Qualification units and levels are informed by NOS and by other qualifications based on NOS

Relationship with National Operational Guidance The content of the IFE’s operational units is already being influenced by NOG Recommended reading lists are updated each year – where NOG becomes available this is listed in place of the documents that NOG replaces Examiners (who are mainly from FRSs) are already moving to NOG when setting examination papers and marking schemes

Future Plans The IFE is committed to updating and developing qualifications to align with NOG Review of Operational Units in 2017 Content – should this be sub-divided into more specialist units aligned to NOG groupings? Qualification – should there be a separate qualification focussed only on Operations rather than units within a bigger structure Frequency of examinations Consultation with FRSs

Further information All qualification information including specifications, past papers and administrative information is provided on the Qualifications pages of the IFE’s website Contact: Head of Education - Vicki.ball@ife.org.uk