Information for candidates booking exams
The IFE has developed a range of qualifications for fire professionals, recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in the UK and can be submitted to SAQA for NQF evaluation.The IFE conducts two exam sessions each year, in March and October.
The exams will take place on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March 2026. For all key dates and information, refer to the details below. The deadline for submitting a booking for the March 2026 examinations is 16th January 2026.
Since March 2024 the IFE has presented the following exams as online exams only:
- Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations and Safety exam
- Level 2 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection – 4 exams
- Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection exam
Students taking online exams will have an 8-week window period starting from Thursday 26th March. The examination window will open on the date and start time stated on the examination timetable. The window will remain open for 8 weeks from that date for you to take your examination and will close at 23.59hrs on the last date. Please ensure you allow enough time to take your examination BEFORE the window closes
Exam registration document can be found here.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin your studies. To determine which level of qualification you are eligible for, please send an updated CV to the office at adminstaff@ife.org.za. More information about each qualification can be found on our website under the qualifications tab.
A summary of the fees applicable to IFE qualifications in 2026 is as follows:
| South African Candidates | Candidates from neighbouring countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Certificate Passive Fire (online exam) Protection - price per exam | R 1,689-90 vat incl. | R1,466-00 vat exempt |
| Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection (online exam) | R 3,693-80 vat incl. | R 3,212-00 vat exempt |
| Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations & Safety | R 2,236-75 vat incl. | R 1,945-00 vat exempt |
| Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety & Management - price per exam | R 1,685-90 vat incl. | R 1,466-00 vat exempt |
| Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science & Safety - price per exam | R 3,272-90 vat incl. | R 2,846-00 vat exempt |
| Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science & Safety - price per exam | R 3,693-80 vat incl. | R 3 212-00 vat exempt |
The prices charged by IFE are for the cost of the examination only. Study material can either be purchased from our office or from a reliable source. Free downloads for some of the study materials are available on request from our offices.
- The standard entry deadline for this exam sitting is 11:59 pm (GMT) Friday, 16th January 2026.
- No late entries will be accepted.
- The deadline to withdraw from an exam is 14 days after the booking payment is made.
- The deadline for submitting a request for reasonable adjustments is 23:59 pm (GMT) on 26th January 2026. The link to apply reasonable adjustments is here, and our reasonable adjustments policy can be found here.
- Where a candidate has experienced unexpected severe/adverse circumstances outside of their control that could have affected their performance in an examination, the candidate may apply for special consideration. The Procedures for Applying for Special Consideration can be found here. Special consideration applications open on 26th March 2026.
Further Information
Candidates who have particular assessment needs such as dyslexia are able to apply for reasonable adjustments. All requests should be submitted via candidates MyIFE account.
Candidates who wish to apply for reasonable adjustments must complete and submit an application for reasonable adjustments for all examinations it is required. Applications must be submitted by the relevant deadline. Requests made after the deadline will not be considered.
For information on policies and procedures and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) click here.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at email: adminstaff@ife.org.za or telephone: +27 (0)11 788 4329 or Jennifer at 083 445 9722.
