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. Please be aware that there are limited exams available in the October session, see timetable here.
The exams will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025. For all key dates and information, refer to the details below. The deadline for submitting a booking for the October 2025 examinations is July 25, 2025.
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 exam
- Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection exam.
Students taking online exams will have an 8-week window period starting from 6th October 2025.
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 2025 is as follows:
| South African Candidates | Candidates from neighbouring countries | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations & Safety | R 2,173-50 vat incl. | R 1,890-00 vat exempt | |
| Level 2 Certificate Passive Fire Protection - price per exam | R 1,621-50 vat incl. | R1, 410-00 vat exempt | |
| Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science, Operations, Fire Safety & Management - price per exam | R 1,621-50 vat incl. | R 1,410-00 vat exempt | |
| Level 3 Certificate Passive Fire Protection | R 3,597-20 vat incl. | R 3,128-00 vat exempt | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science & Safety - price per exam | R 3,176-50 vat incl. | R 2,762-00 vat exempt | |
| Level 4 Diploma in Fire Science & Safety - price per exam | R 3,597-20 vat incl. | R 3 128-00 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.
| Standard entry deadline | 25th July 2025 |
| Late entry deadline | 2nd August 2025 |
| Withdrawal of examination deadline | 14 days after booking, payment is made |
| Deferral & Special Consideration deadline | 7th November 2025 |
| Results Day (all papers) | 15th January 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.
