This comprehensive course has been carefully designed to provide learners with a detailed understanding of advanced fire safety principles and practices. Developed to support candidates preparing to sit the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety, the course offers an in-depth exploration of fire science, building construction, fire protection systems, and fire safety review and advisory processes.
Whether you’re looking to formalise your existing fire safety knowledge or progress towards professional recognition in the fire sector, this course provides accessible, structured learning that builds both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It prepares learners to confidently apply fire safety principles across a wide range of premises, risk scenarios, and operational contexts.
Course Structure and Content of IFE Level 3 Certificate
Aligned with the latest qualification specification from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), this course covers three core study areas, delivering expert guidance and practical examples throughout:
🏢 Building Construction
This module addresses how building design and construction methods affect fire safety. Learners will cover elements of structure, means of escape, fire precautions, detection and alarm systems, and fixed installations like sprinklers and suppression systems. The course ensures candidates can assess the effectiveness of these systems in real-world applications.
🔥 Fire Science Principles and Fire Protection Equipment
Gain a clear understanding of fire behaviour, the properties of different materials in fire situations, and the factors influencing fire development and spread. Learners will explore fire resistance in various building materials and structural elements, heating and ventilation systems, and passive fire protection strategies to maintain structural integrity.
📋 Fire Safety Advice and Review
Equip yourself to conduct fire risk assessments and provide professional fire safety advice across a broad range of environments — from office premises and hotels to healthcare facilities, large outdoor events, and high-rise residential buildings. Topics include hazard identification, risk assessment, control measure review, fire safety training, and community awareness initiatives.
Key Features of IFE Level 3 Certificate
✅ Accessible Learning: Suitable for fire safety professionals, fire risk assessors, safety managers, and those in construction, building management, or fire system design roles.
✅ Pathway to Professional Membership: Successfully completing this qualification, alongside relevant experience and other Level 3 certificates, qualifies you to apply for Technician Grade (TIFireE) membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
Who Should Enrol in the IFE Level 3 Certificate?
This course is ideal for those undertaking fire safety responsibilities or seeking to formalise their expertise, including:
- Fire Safety and Protection Officers
- Fire Risk Assessors
- Health and Safety Managers
- Fire protection contractors and equipment specialists
- Building control officers and facilities managers
- Construction professionals and building designers
- Anyone pursuing professional recognition in fire safety
A solid understanding of fire safety is vital for safeguarding lives, property, and business continuity. This qualification offers a structured, comprehensive route to gaining that knowledge, whether for personal development, professional requirement, or progression towards higher membership grades within the fire sector.
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 111 Lessons
- 156 Weeks
- Understanding IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety1
- Building Construction42
- 2.1Timber – use in structure and in timber framed construction
- 2.2Concrete
- 2.3Steel
- 2.4Glass and fire rated glazing systems
- 2.5Building boards, building slabs and insulating materials
- 2.6Sandwich panels
- 2.7Fire retardant / fire resisting materials applied in different contexts
- 2.8External cladding
- 2.9Protected and unprotected steel columns
- 2.10Beams
- 2.11Walls – fire resistance, separation from adjacent properties
- 2.12Stairways
- 2.13Doors
- 2.14Windows
- 2.15Ceilings
- 2.16Building envelope
- 2.17Roofs
- 2.18Heating Systems
- 2.19Ventilation
- 2.20Air conditioning systems
- 2.21Stairwell pressurisation systems
- 2.22Ventilation and smoke control systems
- 2.23Electricity
- 2.24Oil
- 2.25Gas – Natural and Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- 2.26Biomass
- 2.27Water
- 2.28Photoelectric systems including micro generation
- 2.29Separating walls including corridors
- 2.30Compartment walls and floors
- 2.31Junctions formed by elements of structure
- 2.32Protected shafts and protecting structures – lifts and escalators
- 2.33Fire resisting doors and other enclosures
- 2.34Fire resisting ceilings
- 2.35Fire resisting partitions
- 2.36Active fire barrier systems
- 2.37Atria
- 2.38Building separation
- 2.39Fire stopping and cavity barriers
- 2.40Ductwork
- 2.41Dampers
- 2.42Quiz 1 – Building Construction5 Questions
- Fire Safety Principles and Fire Protection Equipment33
- 3.1Management Control
- 3.2Occupancy
- 3.3Construction
- 3.4Time of Evacuation
- 3.5Exits
- 3.6Travel Distance
- 3.7Place of Reasonable Safety / Place of Total Safety
- 3.8Dead End
- 3.9Protected Route
- 3.10ASET (Available Safe Egress Time) and RSET (Required Safe Egress Time)
- 3.11Pre-planning Arrangements for Ensuring the Safety of People
- 3.12Principles of Evacuation Procedures That Should Be Adopted in Case of Fire
- 3.13How the Behaviour of People in a Fire, or Potential Fire, Situation Can Adversely Affect Evacuation and Means of Escape
- 3.14How the Wellbeing of People Can Affect Evacuation e.g. Mobility, Disability, Health, Age, Size
- 3.15Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
- 3.16The Purpose of Fire Precautions in the Protection of People and Property
- 3.17Use, Siting and Content of Fire Notices
- 3.18Use and Siting of Different Types of Extinguishing Systems Including Handheld Fire Extinguishers
- 3.19Use and Operation of Passive Fire Safety Systems in the Protection of People and Property
- 3.20Detection Systems: Smoke, Heat, Carbon Monoxide and Flame Fire Detection Systems
- 3.21Fire Warning Systems – Manual and Automatic
- 3.22Emergency Lighting Systems
- 3.23Principles That Apply to the Installation of Smoke Venting Systems
- 3.24Principles That Apply to the Installation of Fire Curtains
- 3.25Principles That Apply to the Installation of Fire Barriers
- 3.26Sprinkler Systems – Commercial, Residential, and Domestic
- 3.27Drencher and Water Spray Projector Systems
- 3.28Water Mist Systems
- 3.29Rising Mains – Dry Risers and Wet Risers
- 3.30Foam Systems
- 3.31Gas/Vapour Systems
- 3.32Dry Powder Systems
- 3.33Quiz 2 – Fire Safety Principles and Fire Protection Equipment5 Questions
- Fire Safety Review and Advice37
- 4.1Commercial Office Premises
- 4.2Retail Premises
- 4.3Factories and Other Places of Work
- 4.4Places of Public Entertainment Including Cinemas, Theatres, Dance Halls and Premises
- 4.5Alcohol Licensed Premises
- 4.6Hotels and Other Sleeping Accommodation Premises
- 4.7Health and Other Care-Related Premises
- 4.8Sports Grounds
- 4.9Flats/High-Rise Residential Buildings
- 4.10Safe Storage of Combustible Materials – Prevention and Control of Fires
- 4.11Large Outdoor Events
- 4.12Caravan and Camping Site Safety
- 4.13Petrol Filling Stations
- 4.14EV Charging Points
- 4.15Animal Premises and Stables
- 4.16Define the Terms “Hazards” and “Risks”
- 4.17How to Assess Hazards, Risks and Fire Precautions Within Different Areas of the Premises in Relation to Construction, Layout and Use
- 4.18How to Assess the Type and Level of Risk Associated with Different Hazards in Different Areas of Premises
- 4.19Identification of People Who May Be at Risk
- 4.20Identification of Risks to Property and the Environment
- 4.21Consequences of Failing to Identify Hazards and Control Risks
- 4.22Common Causes of Fire in Different Occupancies
- 4.23Identification of Suitable Options to Eliminate, Reduce or Control Risk in Different Types of Premises (Including Arson)
- 4.24How to Prioritise Risks and Solutions
- 4.25How to Review the Effectiveness of Control Measures
- 4.26How to Provide Feedback on the Effectiveness of Current Control Measures
- 4.27Assess the Requirements for Fire Protection and Determine Appropriate Solutions
- 4.28Training Needs of Workplace Staff
- 4.29Training Requirements for People with Fire Safety Responsibilities (Managers, Fire Wardens and Marshals)
- 4.30The Importance of Maintaining and Testing Installed Fire Safety Equipment and How the Testing Is Conducted
- 4.31Explain Fire Risks (Including Those Related to Arson) to Members of the Public and Property Owners/Managers
- 4.32How Fire-Related Incidents Can Impact on Business Continuity
- 4.33The Role of Building Managers in Protecting People and Property from the Risks of Fire
- 4.34Fire Hazards in the Community and the Promotion of Fire Safety Awareness Programmes
- 4.35Development and Implementation of Fire Safety Education Programmes in the Community
- 4.36How to Engage with Minority Groups Within Larger Community Areas
- 4.37Quiz 3 – Fire Safety Review and Advice5 Questions
- Preparing & Booking for Exams1
