IFE Level 4 Fire Engineering Certificate
IFE Level 4 Fire Engineering Certificate
Qualification Specification
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The IFE is the professional institution for those working in the fire sector. The IFE is a registered
charity working for societal benefit. Founded in 1918, the IFE’s mission is to promote, encourage and
improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering with the overall aim of
protecting and saving lives.
Members of the IFE share a commitment to ensuring that the fire profession remains relevant and
valued, protecting people, property and the environment from fire.
The aim of the of the awarding organisation is to encourage those who work in the sector to engage
with, and develop, the critical understanding needed to operate effectively and safely and to best
professional standards so that they can protect and save lives. In doing this, the awarding
organisation contributes to three of the IFE’s (six) over-arching strategic priorities ie:
• Facilitate awareness of fire issues and developments through the communication of ideas,
knowledge, information
• Foster professionalism by establishing and maintaining pathways and recognised standards of fire
professionalism and competency.
• Increase knowledge in the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering.
All of the IFE’s qualifications are designed for those working in the fire sector and to meet the above
aims. Qualifications and their associated assessments (examinations and practical
activities/assignments) provided by the IFE are designed, assessed and quality assured by experts with
extensive experience of working within the fire sector.
Contact Details
Email: exams@[Link]
IFE House, 64-66 Cygnet Court, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9NW
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Introduction
This qualification focuses on the understanding of fire engineering science and fire behaviour and the
application of this understanding in a range of contexts. The content of the qualification has been
designed to reflect the critical technical knowledge that fire professionals need in order to understand
the behaviour of fire and the behaviour of materials and substances. This knowledge and
understanding will assist individuals in the sector in contributing to increased safety for members of
the public as well as for those on fire incident grounds.
This qualification is derived from unit 1: Fire Engineering Science within the Level 4 Certificate in Fire
Science and Fire Safety. It is directly equivalent to that unit in that the content and assessment remain
exactly the same. Individuals who achieve this qualification may use it towards the achievement of
the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety in the same way as unit 1 is/has been used. For
information, please see - [Link]
Target Audience
This qualification will be appropriate for individuals working in all fire-related roles including:
Learning Outcomes
Candidates who achieve this qualification should be able to:
• understand and apply the scientific principles that underpin fire behaviour and the
management of fires
• apply understanding of combustion, fire dynamics and the effects of heat to explain issues
and solve problems
• apply understanding of electricity to explain issues and solve problems
• apply scientific understanding of special hazards and hazardous materials to explain issues
and solve problems
• understand and apply calculations and formulae
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Qualification Content
The content of the qualification is set out in the section below. This provides information on the range
of topics that must be studied including the way that candidates need to show their understanding (ie
the assessment objectives) and the scope/range/contexts in which they can be tested (Knowledge,
Understanding and Skills).
The syllabus content is very broad and deep and therefore not all topics can be tested in all
examinations. Candidates are advised to prepare for the examination by covering all topics so that
they are able to provide comprehensive responses.
A copy of the formulae sheet will be provided for candidates taking the Level 4 Certificate in Fire
Engineering Science examination along with the examination paper so candidates will have access to
the list during the examination. Please note that candidates will not be able to take their own copy
of the formulae sheet into the examination but will be able to use the sheet provided by the IFE.
Assessment
Assessment takes the form of one three-hour examination. The examination is closed-book and
provides a summative assessment of the full range of learning specified in the content below.
Candidates will be required to complete six questions from a choice of eight questions. There will be
20 marks available for each of the questions.
In order to achieve a pass, candidates will be required to attain at least 40% of the 120 marks available
to them via the six questions (ie 48 marks).
Candidates who answer fewer than six questions will be able to achieve a pass as long as they achieve
the minimum pass mark of 48. Where candidates answer more than six questions, candidates will
not benefit as only the six best responses will be included in the final total mark.
Past papers for the last three years are available on the IFE website -
[Link] Please see the papers (and
associated examiner reports) for March examinations for the L4C1 Fire Engineering Science unit (in
the section for the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety).
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Pass - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark between the minimum pass mark of 48
marks (ie 40% of the marks available) and 71 marks (59%).
Distinction - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark of 72 or above (ie 60% or more of the
marks available).
Fail - candidates who achieve 47 marks or fewer will receive a result showing Fail. Where candidates
receive 24 marks (ie 20% of the marks available) or fewer, the result will show Fail (X).
Candidates who are unsuccessful in the examination may re-sit the examination. There is no limit on
the number of times that candidates may re-sit.
Note: The IFE reports results as described in the bands above. However, candidates who wish to
know the specific mark awarded to them may email the IFE for this information.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. However, as this qualification is set at Level 4, candidates
are required to have a good understanding of the topics in the syllabus and will benefit from having
completed a relevant qualification at level 3 such as the IFE Level Certificate in Fire Engineering
Science. Additionally, as mathematical skills are required to complete calculations, candidates are
advised that a good standard of maths will be essential.
As the paper is provided in English only, candidates will need to be able to read English fluently in
order to access the examination questions and the relevant recommended reading material.
Qualification Level
This qualification has been designed to enable candidates to demonstrate that they have attained
skills and knowledge at Level 4. Other types of qualifications that are set at Level 4 include Certificate
of Higher Education (CertHE), Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Level 4 NVQs.
The qualifications regulator, Ofqual, has provided the following descriptors to illustrate the knowledge
and understanding expected from those who hold qualifications at Level 4.
The candidate:
• Has practical, theoretical or technical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work
to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine.
• Can analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.
• Is aware of the nature of approximate scope of the area of study or work.
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• Has an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or
work.
Candidates are advised to bear these descriptors in mind when preparing for assessment and when
presenting examination responses.
The length of time needed to prepare for this examination will vary depending upon the starting point
for each individual.
Total qualification time for most candidates will be around 150 hours:
• 147 hours of learning study. Study may be self-study (please see the section on recommended
reading material below) and may include relevant employer training programmes or other work-
related training.
• 3 hours of assessment (directed time) ie one three-hour examination.
Most candidates prepare for IFE examinations via self-study or by drawing on training provided by
their employer that covers aspects of the syllabus. Candidates are advised to cross-map their
study/training against the content of the syllabus to ensure that all parts of the syllabus have been
covered. Recommended reading materials are provided below.
Progression
Candidates who are successful in achieving this qualification may consider progression to specialist
degree programmes such as BEng or BSc in Fire Engineering Science.
Candidates who wish to broaden their knowledge and understanding at Level 4 could consider working
towards other fire-specific qualifications such as the IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety or the IFE
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Investigation.
Reasonable Adjustments
The IFE permits reasonable adjustments to be made where candidates have disabilities (including
medical conditions and learning disabilities such as Dyslexia). The IFE’s policy on reasonable
adjustments aims to enable candidates with disabilities and other difficulties to access the IFE
qualifications without compromising the assessment process or the validity of the certificate.
The policy, which includes the types of arrangements that may be made (eg additional time, use of
technology) and the procedure for applying for reasonable adjustments, is published on the IFE’s
website - [Link] The IFE will consider all requests for reasonable
adjustments. All requests for reasonable adjustments must be submitted to the IFE as all decisions
on reasonable adjustments rest with the IFE.
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Individuals who wish to sit examinations may book examinations either through their examination
centre (eg Fire and Rescue Service, IFE Branch) or they may book through the IFE. Where appropriate,
the IFE will direct individuals to their employer or branch contact.
Information on the examination timetable and other relevant dates (such as the last date for booking
examinations) for March examinations, together with the booking form, the list of venues available to
candidates, the terms and conditions for candidates and additional information on examination
arrangements is provided on the IFE website on 1 September each year. A separate page for each
March examination session is provided on the IFE website. Information on March 2021 examinations
is available at: [Link]
Detailed guidance for candidates on examination arrangements is provided in the Rules and
Information for Candidates booklet. This booklet sets out the rules to be followed by candidates and
also the dates for publication of results and the timetable for candidates to query examination results.
Centres will need to comply with the Terms and Conditions for centres. Information for centres,
including the Centre Handbook which contains detailed guidance on running a centre, is available on
the IFE website. Please see - [Link] Centres
are required to re-confirm their compliance with the Terms and Conditions prior to each examination
session and to provide an Examination Centre Invigilation Report following the completion of
examinations.
The IFE operates a centre inspection programme based on unannounced visits. All centres should
anticipate visits from centre inspectors.
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Recommended Reading
This qualification covers an extensive range of specialist topics and candidates are advised to prepare
for questions on all topics. Candidates should use the content listed below as the starting point for
their study.
Candidates are also advised to review past examination papers. Past papers, together with the
associated examiner reports on the papers, can be downloaded, free of charge, from the IFE website
- [Link]
The IFE has applied the following criteria in determining which resources should be included on this
recommended reading list:
• the resource provides information which will be of benefit to the candidate in their professional
life, providing depth and breadth of understanding;
• the resource contains some information that will be relevant to part of the syllabus;
• the resource is recognised by industry professionals as providing valuable information.
Candidates preparing for the examinations are advised to refer to the list below:
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Further Information
Further information on examination conditions is available in the IFE booklet, Rules and Information
for Candidates Taking IFE Examinations. This booklet can be downloaded from the IFE’s website.
Candidates may also find the general guide for candidates which provides information on question
times and levels helpful - [Link]
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Content
1. Mathematics
2. Hydraulics
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3. Combustion
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4. Fire Dynamics
Assessment Objective Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
4.1 Understand the incubation and ignition • Materials
stages of a fire • Thermal inertia
• Radiative heat transfer to fuel surfaces
4.2 Understand the early growth stage of a • Surface spread of flame (wind aided/wind
fire opposed)
• Floors/walls/stairs/trench effect
• Fuel array geometry
• Radiative spread
• The effects of fire position (centre of room/near
wall/in corner), ceiling height
4.3 Understand the impact of heat in a fire • Release rate/square metre of
material/item/whole fire
• Fire calorimetry
4.4 Understand flame and smoke plumes • Flame height versus heat release
• Plume height
• Cold air entrainment
• Basic smoke movement
• Ceiling layer formation
• Layer temperature versus radiant
4.5 Understand ventilation • Bi-directional flow through an opening
• Ventilation control of fires in compartments
• Layer formation
• Smoke outflow through an opening
4.6 Understand fire development in • Thermal properties of wall and ceiling materials
compartment fires • Flashover:
o Definition
o Heat release rates and conditions for
flashover
o Time to flashover
o Growth prior to flashover
o Fully developed fire post-flashover
• Backdraught (or smoke explosion):
o Definition
o Conditions for backdraught
• Sketch a fire growth curve for a compartment
fire showing incipient, developing, flashover,
fully developed fire and decay phases
4.7 Understand fire growth rates • Time squared fires (slow/medium/fast/ultra
fast)
• Factors affecting the growth of fire
4.8 Understand the steady state phase • Duration of burning and fire load (Laws’ Law)
4.9 Understand the decay phase • Effect of fuel or air depletion
• Automatic/manual extinction
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5. Effects of Heat
6. Electricity
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7. Special Hazards
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(𝑢 + 𝑣) 1
𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡 𝑠= 𝑡 𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2
2 2
1
𝑣 2 = 𝑢2 + 2𝑎𝑠 𝑠 = 𝑣𝑡 − 𝑎𝑡 2 𝐹 =𝑚×𝑎
2
𝑃 = 𝜇𝑅 𝑃 − 𝐹𝑟 = 0 𝑅−𝐹 =0
𝐹×𝑑
𝑃= 𝑊 = 𝑃𝑡 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑
𝑡
1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔𝐻 𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔𝐻
2
𝑃 = 𝐼2 𝑅 𝑄 = 𝐼2 𝑋 𝑆 = 𝐼2 𝑍
1 1 1 1 ∆𝑄
𝑅𝑇 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 … 𝑅𝑛 = + … 𝑐=
𝑅𝑇 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅𝑛 𝑚 × ∆𝑡
1 1 1 1
𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ⋯ 𝐿𝑛 = + ⋯ 𝑋𝐿 = 2𝜋𝑓𝐿
𝐿 𝑇 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿𝑛
1 1 1 1 1
= + ⋯ 𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ⋯ 𝐶𝑛 𝑋𝐶 =
𝐶𝑇 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶𝑛 2𝜋𝑓𝐶
1 1 1
𝑉𝑠 = √𝑉𝑅2 + (𝑉𝐿 − 𝑉𝐶 )2 𝐼𝑠 = √𝐼𝑅2 + (𝐼𝐿 − 𝐼𝐶 )2 𝑌=
𝑍
𝐺=
𝑅
𝐵=
𝑋
1 1 2 1 1 2
𝑍= √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 𝑋𝐶 )2 𝑌= √𝐺 2 + (𝐵𝐿 − 𝐵𝐶 )2 √
= ( ) +( − )
𝑍 𝑅 𝑋𝐿 𝑋𝐶
𝑅 𝑅
𝑃𝐹 = cos 𝜃 𝑃𝐹 = 𝜃 = cos −1 ( )
𝑍 𝑍
𝑃1 × 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 × 𝑉2 𝑉1 𝑉2 𝑃1 𝑃2
= =
𝑇1 𝑇2 𝑇1 𝑇2
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𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑃2 𝑉2
= 𝑃𝑉 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 𝑄1 = 𝑄2
𝑇1 𝑇2
1 1
𝑃1 + 𝜌𝑔𝐻1 + 𝜌𝑣12 = 𝑃2 + 𝜌𝑔𝐻2 + 𝜌𝑣22 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2
2 2
𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
+ + 𝑍1 = + + 𝑍2 𝑄1 = 𝐴1 𝑉1
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔 𝜌𝑔 2𝑔
𝐴 2𝑓𝑙𝑣 2 20𝑓𝑙𝑣 2
𝑚= 𝐻𝑓 = 𝑃𝑓 =
𝑃 𝐷𝑔 𝑑
𝐹 = 𝜌𝑣 2 𝐴 𝐹 = 𝜌𝑣 2 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑄 = 𝑣𝐴
2 8 𝜃
𝑣 = 𝐶√𝑚𝑖 𝑄 = 𝐶𝐿√2𝑔 𝐻1.5 𝑄 = 15 𝐶𝑡𝑎𝑛 (2 ) √2𝑔𝐻 2.5
3
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