IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire

Investigation

Qualification Specification

Qualification Number: 603/6611/4

Issued: 09/2022 Page 1 of 14

About the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

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 IFE Awarding Organisation

The IFE’s awarding organisation is non-profitmaking.

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 the 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 and 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 priorities. The qualifications and the 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@ife.org.uk

IFE House, 64-66 Cygnet Court, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9NW
Tel: +44 (0)1789 261463

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IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Investigation

Introduction

This qualification has been developed by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE),
representatives of the UK Fire and Rescue services and Fire Investigators working in
specialist organisations. The content and structure of the qualification reflects the roles and
responsibilities of those working in fire investigator roles.

The assessment focuses on the knowledge and understanding required to carry out
investigations in different fire and explosion contexts. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate and apply detailed understanding of fire science in order to support their
assessments and conclusions.

This qualification is derived from unit 7: Fire Investigation within the Level 3 Diploma in Fire
Science and Fire Safety. It is directly equivalent to that unit in that the content and
assessment remain exactly the same. Candidates who achieve this qualification may use it
towards the achievement of the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety. For
information, please see - https://www.ife.org.uk/IFE-Qualifications-with-Syllabus-Links

Target Audience

This qualification focuses on the understanding and technical knowledge required by those
who investigate the cause of fire. It is intended for Watch and Crew Managers in the Fire
and Rescue Service in charge of operational fire appliances and also for fire safety
specialists.

The qualification covers the scientific principles that underpin the dynamics of fire as well as
the process of investigation for smaller fire/explosion scenes. It provides a basis for
progression to Fire Investigation specialist roles.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates who achieve this qualification should be able to:

 apply fire science principles in carrying out fire investigations at straightforward fire
scenes and arrive at a conclusion
 explain the preparations and procedures to investigate an incident involving fire
and/or explosion
 explain and apply the principles that underpin the collation and analysis of evidence
 analyse information to produce conclusions based on evidence and relevant fire
science
 prepare a more complex scene for handover to a specialist investigator
 understand and apply the protocols for working safely at a fire scene and with
associated evidence

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Membership of the IFE

Achievement of the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Investigation will enable a candidate to meet
the academic requirement for membership of the Institution at Technician Grade (TIFireE);
achievement of this qualification along with two other fire specific IFE Level 3 Certificate
qualifications, will enable the candidate to meet the academic requirement for membership
of the Institution at Graduate Grade (GIFireE).

Please see Membership and Registration (ife.org.uk) for information on membership.

Qualification Content

The content of the qualification is set out in the section entitled “Content” below. This
section provides information on the range of topics that must be studied including the way
that candidates need to show their understanding (Assessment Criteria) 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.

Assessment

Assessment takes the form of one three-hour examination. The examination provides a
summative assessment of the full range of learning specified in the content below.

Examinations are provided in English only.

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 -
https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualifications/Past-Papers-and-Exam-Reports.

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Certification

Results of examinations will be reported as follows:

Pass - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark between the minimum pass mark of
48 marks (40% of the marks available) and 71 marks (59% of the marks available).

Distinction - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark of 72 or above (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 (20% of the marks available) or fewer, the result will show as
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 achieved results as described in the bands above. However,
candidates who wish to know the specific mark awarded to them may email the IFE to
request this information.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.

However, this qualification covers a wide range of topics including topics that require
understanding of fire science. Candidates will benefit from previous studies that cover fire
science and, in particular, combustion, fire behaviour, explosions and electricity.

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 recommended reading
material.

Qualification Level

This qualification has been designed to enable candidates to demonstrate that they have
attained knowledge and understanding at Level 3. Other types of qualifications that are set
at Level 3 include GCE A/As levels, Level 3 NVQs and Level 3 Diplomas such as the IFE
Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety.

The qualifications regulator for England, Ofqual, has provided the following descriptors to
illustrate the knowledge and understanding expected from those who hold qualifications at
Level 3.

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Level 3 Knowledge Descriptor

The candidate:
 has factual, procedural, and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or
field of work to complete tasks and address problems that, while well-defined, may
be complex and non-routine.
 can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.
 is aware of the nature of the area of study or work.
 is aware 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 composing responses to examination questions.

Qualification Learning Time

The length of time needed to prepare for this examination will vary depending upon the
starting point for each candidate.

Total qualification time is 130 hours:

 127 hours of learning/study. Study may be self-study (please see the section on
recommended reading material below) and may include relevant fire and rescue
service 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
Level 4. Specialist qualifications in Fire Investigation at levels 4 and 5 are available from the
IFE. In addition, candidates may wish to progress to specialist degree programmes such as
a BSc in Fire Engineering Science.

Candidates who wish to broaden their knowledge and understanding at Level 3 could
consider working towards other fire-specific qualifications such as the IFE Level 3 Certificate
in Fire Safety or the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Engineering Science.

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

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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 – https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualification-FAQs. 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.

Booking Examinations and Additional Information on Examination Arrangements

This examination is available in March each year.

Individuals who wish to sit examinations may book examinations through their employer, IFE
branch or examination centre or they may book directly through the IFE using the booking
form on the IFE’s website. Where appropriate, the IFE will direct individuals to approach
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.

Detailed guidance for candidates on examination arrangements is provided in the

Information and Rules for Candidates taking IFE Examinations booklet. This is updated prior
to each examination session and 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.

Information for Examination Centres

Organisations that would like to provide a venue for IFE examinations, should contact the
IFE to discuss the requirements for IFE approved examination centres – please email
exams@ife.org.uk in the first instance.

Examination centres will need to comply with the terms and conditions set by IFE.
Information for examination centres, including the Examination Centre Handbook which
contains detailed guidance on running an examination centre, is available on the IFE
website.

Please see - https://www.ife.org.uk/Information-for-Examination-Centres. Examination

centres are required to provide an Examination Centre Invigilation Report following the
completion of examinations.

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The IFE operates an examination centre inspection programme based on unannounced
visits. All Examination centres should anticipate visits from IFE appointed Examination
Centre inspectors.

Complaints and Appeals

Procedures for making a complaint or lodging an appeal are available on the IFE website -
https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualification-FAQs

Recommended Reading

This qualification covers an extensive range of contexts and candidates are advised to
reflect this in their examination preparation.

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 - https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualifications/Past-Papers-and-Exam-Reports.

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:

 Kirks Fire Investigation, John D De Haan and David J Icove

 A Guide to Fire Investigation (IFE 02), Patrick G Cox (Published by IFE as IFE02,
and available via IFE online shop)
 Fire Investigator – Principles and Practice to NFPA921 and 1033, Published by
Jones and Bartlett Learning in conjunction with IAFC, IAAI and NFPA
 Foundation for Hazardous Materials, NFCC, https://www.ukfrs.com/foundation-
knowledge/foundation-hazardous-
materials?bundle=section&id=19546&parent=19547

Further Information

Further information on examination conditions is also available in the IFE booklet,

Information and Rules for Candidates Taking IFE Examinations. This booklet can be
downloaded from the IFE’s website.

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Candidates may also find IFE’s general guide for candidates, Preparing to Pass IFE
Examinations - Guidance for Candidates document, which provides information on question
types and levels, helpful -
https://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/Exams/217_Candidate_Guide.pdf

Please address any queries to the IFE by emailing: exams@ife.org.uk

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Content
1. Fire Science

Assessment Criteria Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

1.1 Understand the chemistry of • Combustion processes
combustion and its application in • Fire chemistry
the context of fire investigation • Fire tetrahedron
• Combustion
• Chain reactions
1.2 Understand the properties and • Types and properties of accelerants
behaviour of accelerants, fuels • Flashpoints of liquids
and oxidisers and explain their • Boiling points of liquids
signification in relation to fire • Flammability (explosive limits)
investigation • Stoichiometric mixtures
• Stoichiometry of vapours and gases
• Fuels (metals)
• Fuels (solid fuels)
• Supporters of combustion
1.3 Understand fire behaviour and • Fire development
apply this understanding to fire • Steady state fire
investigation • Compartment fire behaviour
• Ventilation controlled fires
• Fuel controlled fires
• Estimating fire size

2. Fire Scene Approach and Safety

Assessment Criteria Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

2.1 Explain the reasons for • Determining cause of fire
investigating fires • Risk reduction
• Preventing reoccurrence
• Dealing with arson
• Reporting to the Coroner
2.2 Explain the scientific • Understand scientific methodology/
method/systematic approach systematic approach
• Define and explain the key stages of an
investigation
• Devising and testing a hypothesis
• Factors to take into account when drawing a
conclusion
• Providing a rationale for conclusions
2.3 Assess hazards and risks and • Scene safety
determine appropriate control • Utilities
measures to maintain health and • Hazardous substances
safety at fire scenes

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 • Fire and explosion hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Personal equipment
• Hygiene
• Evaluating the risk
• Recording a risk assessment

3. Scene Examination

Assessment Criteria Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

3.1 Describe the role of witnesses and • Owners and occupiers
understand the information that • Fire service witnesses
they can provide • Other members of the public
• Interviewing witnesses
• Specialists
• Social media
3.2 Understand fire patterns and • Burn patterns
explain their significance at the • Charring of wood and calcination of
scene of a fire plasterboard
• Melting of plastic and metal
• Tempering of metal
• Identifying point of origin
• The ‘Radius of Error’
• Spalling
• Protection marks
• Soot deposits
• The influence of firefighting media
3.3 Understand and explain the • Types of glass
significance of glazing when • Effects of heating glass
assessing evidence at a fire • Evidence of impact on glass
• Fire temperatures
• Speed of fire growth
• Evidence of explosion
• Evidence from items other than windows
made from glass
3.4 Understand and explain the • Discolouration of fabrics
temperature indicators at a fire • Blistering of surface finishes
scene • Discolouration of stone and concrete
• Flame colours
3.5 Understand excavation and • Protecting the scene
examination techniques applied at • Layering of evidence
fire scenes • Zones and the grid approach
• Useful tools and equipment
• Clean areas
• Reconstruction
• External evidence (outside a building,

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 vehicle etc.)
3.6 Understand the nature and • Detection methods
properties of accelerants and how • Pour patterns
they apply to fire scenes • Use of accelerant detection dogs and hand-
held photo ionisation detectors (PID)
• Identifying points for sampling
• Sampling techniques
3.7 Explain the processes used for • Written notes
recording the scene • Photography and video
• Diagrams, sketches, and plans
• Managing evidence and exhibits
• Packaging and transportation of evidence
• Need to seek assistance
3.8 Describe methods used to • Forensic awareness
minimise the contamination at fire • Protective clothing
scenes • Protection of evidence
• Decontamination and cleaning of equipment
and clothing

4. Special Scenes

Assessment Criteria Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

4.1 Understand electrical causes of • Short circuit
fire and apply scientific • Overload
understanding in examining • Damage to cables and installations
scenes and carrying out • Local resistance heating
calculations • Electrical arcing
• Static electricity and lightning
• Electrical appliances failures
• Electrical intake (service head) fires
• False indicators
• Lost neutral
• Photo-voltaic solar panels
• Calculations using Ohm’s Law and Power
Laws
• Circuit protection devices
• Electrical cable types
• Electrical test equipment
• Electrical generation and supply
4.2 Assess the causes of vehicle and • Vehicle arson
transport fires • Significance of vehicle compartments
• Vehicle security
• Fires in moving vehicles
• Vehicles fuels and other flammable liquids
4.3 Explain the considerations to be • Multi-agency approach
applied and the approach to be • Sensitivities of working at a fatal fire scene

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 followed at fatal fires • Role of the Coroner
• ‘Reading’ fire damage to a body
• Identifying the deceased
• Establishing cause of death
• Reporting cause of fire and cause of death
4.4 Explain the considerations to be • Types of explosion
applied and the approach to be • Mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic
followed at the scene of an explosions
explosion and understand the • Cordons and cordon control
evidence that can be obtained • Properties of explosives
• (UN) Classes of explosives
• High (detonating) and low (deflagrating)
explosions
• Types and uses of explosives
4.5 Understand and explain how to • Jurisdiction
work with partners at crime • Role of Police, Fire Service, Forensic
scenes Scientists, and other investigators
• Control of crime scenes
• Agreeing responsibilities

5. Evidence

Assessment Criteria Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

5.1 Identify, using scientific • Explain the reasons for suspecting arson as a
understanding and the cause of fire from things observed and
application of appropriate information provided
methodology, when fires may be • Understand appropriate steps to take to
due to arson and preserve preserve a scene where arson is expected
evidence • Appreciate when to ask for help from a more
senior or experienced investigator
5.2 Explain the use of • Importance of contemporaneous notes
contemporaneous notes at fire • Content of contemporaneous notes
scenes • ‘Rules’ for writing contemporaneous notes
5.3 Explain the use of imaging at fire • Working with digital images
scenes • Still photographs
• Video/CCTV
5.4 Explain the need for, and • Protecting the scene
purpose of, forensic awareness • The role of the laboratory
• Reconstructive fire testing
• Non-destructive testing and examination
5.5 Explain the role of professional • The role of a professional witness
witnesses • The status and role of a professional
witnesses in court
5.6 Explain the purpose and content • Content and structure of reports
of written reports • Possible appendices to a report
• Disclosure

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