The primary purpose of this course is to provide an educational route to the completion of the IFE Exam titled Level 3 Passive Fire Protection Qualification.

The developers of the course, Independent Fire Inspections Ltd recommend that persons go through the stages of the course multiple times until they think they have enough understanding to be able to complete the examination questions provided in the final module of this course.

This course has been recognised by the Institution of Fire Engineers as being a suitable course to work towards passing the level 3 exam in passive fire protection.  The course is also Accredited by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers.

There are nine modules which deliver the information and knowledge required to pass the exam:

1. The Core Module which includes, Fire Science, Fire Protection and Fire Testing including Legislation and Fire Compartmentation
2. Penetration Sealing Systems, Linear Gap Seals and Cavity Barriers
3. Fire Rated Ductwork and Fire Dampers
4. Fire Doorsets and Glazed Screens
5. Structural Steel overview and A/V
6. Structural Steel Intumescent Coatings
7. Structural Steel Board Protection
8. Structural Steel Cementitious Coatings
9. General Examination Questions

Workshop days can be provided by Independent Fire Training Ltd subject to additional costs.

Once the learner feels confident in passing the exam, the learner can book their own exam with the Institution of Fire Engineers which are held in March and October.

More details can found on the Institution of Fire Engineers website regarding the exam.

It is noted that this is a training course which can be utilised to provide the learner with enough information in the field to pass the IFE Level 3 Passive Fire Protection Exam.  This course is training and not the qualification itself.  When referring to qualification this is in relation to the achievement once the exam is successfully passed with the IFE.

This IFE Level 3 Passive Fire Protection qualification has been designed to recognise:

• Underpinning knowledge and understanding related to fire science and human behaviour that affects the requirements for passive fire protection
• Specialist technical understanding of passive fire protection measures
• Understanding of the breadth of factors that affect effective passive fire protection measures
• Underpinning knowledge of the range of active fire protection systems and how these systems align with passive fire protection measures
• Specialist understanding that supports effective performance in the workplace

Learning Outcomes

Candidates who achieve this qualification should be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of fire science
• Demonstrate understanding of methods of active protection
• Demonstrate understanding of all passive fire protection measures

Qualification Structure

The qualification consists of a single unit.
The unit is made up of two parts:
• Fire and Fire Protection
• Installation of Passive Fire Protection Measures

Form of Assessment

The assessment takes the form of one three-hour examination. The examination will be structured in two sections:
Section 1 of the examination will address section 1 of the unit i.e. Fire and Fire Protection. This section will comprise short questions. Questions will target all aspects of the content of section 1 of the unit. There will be 40 marks available.

Section 2 of the examination will address section 2 of the unit i.e. Installation of Passive Fire Protection Measures. This section will also comprise short questions. Questions will target all aspects of the content of section 2 of the unit. There will be 80 marks available. In order to achieve a pass, candidates will be required to attain at least 60% of the 120 marks available (i.e. 72 marks).

Grading and Certification – Achievement is not graded. Successful candidates are awarded a Pass Certificate.
Entry Requirements – There are no formal entry requirements.

Qualification Learning Time

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

Candidates should spend around 350 hours preparing for the examination.
Total qualification time is 350 hours.
• 347 hours of study. Study may be self-study but the IFE recommends that candidates undertake at least 35-40 hours of direct training.
• 3 hours of assessment (directed time) i.e. one three-hour examination.

Qualification Level

This qualification has been designed to enable candidates to demonstrate that they have attained skills and knowledge at Level 3. Other types of qualifications that are set at Level 3 include A levels, NVQs at Level 3 and Diplomas at Level 3 such as the IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety. The qualifications regulator, Ofqual, has provided the following descriptors to illustrate the knowledge and skills expected from those who hold qualifications at Level 3.

The Preparing For Level 3 IFE Exam Passive Fire Protection E-Learning Course holds 100 CPD hours, which were awarded by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

This course is recognised by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers.