As from October 2026, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the launch of its new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite.
Developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency, the new qualifications align with BS 8674:2025 and set a clear benchmark for technical understanding, professional standards and career progression.
The series includes three qualifications designed to support individuals at foundation, intermediate, and advanced levels, offering a structured progression route that reflects varying levels of experience – from those new to fire safety through to highly experienced professionals operating in complex environments. Successful candidates of the intermediate and advanced level qualifications in Fire Risk Assessment will also gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register and meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.
Level 3 Award in Fire Assessment
Target Audience
This qualification will be appropriate for new entrants to the field of Fire Safety with knowledge of simple, low-risk buildings such as:
♦ Small offices
♦ Shops
Assessment
The assessment takes the form of a two-hour online examination. In order to achieve the Award, candidates must obtain at least 80 marks out of the available 100 in the relevant examination. Achievement is not graded. Successful candidates are issued an Award which recognises that candidates have passed the examination.
Please find the syllabus and the list of recommended reading materials here
IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment
The IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment has been designed to enable individuals to demonstrate a wide range of critical knowledge and understanding required to carry out fire risk assessments in moderate-risk premises. It builds on foundation understanding and focuses on applying structured, evidence-based approaches in line with UK fire safety legislation, guidance, and British Standards.
Target Audience
This qualification will be appropriate for experienced professionals working in Fire Safety with experience in medium complexity buildings such as:
♦ Public venues
♦ Mid-rise residential properties
♦ Buildings with moderate occupancy or fire safety systems.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates who achieve this Certificate should be able to:
♦ Apply intermediate fire risk assessment methods to moderate-risk environments.
♦ Understand the duties of duty holders and enforcing authorities under UK fire safety legislation.
♦ Recognise how building design, fire strategies, and human factors influence fire safety outcomes.
♦ Evaluate fire development, spread, and control measures, including passive and active systems.
♦ Recommend proportionate improvements where fire risks are identified as intolerable.
♦ Produce structured, evidence-based fire risk assessment reports suitable for a range of stakeholders.
Assessment
The assessment takes the form of a two-hour online examination. In order to achieve the Certificate, candidates must obtain at least 80 marks out of the available 100 in the relevant examination. Achievement is not graded. Successful candidates are issued a Certificate which recognises that candidates have passed the examination.
Please find the syllabus and the list of recommended reading material here
IFE Level 5 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment
This Certificate develops advanced knowledge and skills in fire risk assessment for high-risk and complex premises. It focuses on applying fire safety legislation, standards, and engineered solutions to evaluate and manage intolerable risks, and to provide proportionate and robust recommendations.
Target Audience
This qualification will be appropriate for highly experienced professionals working in Fire
Safety with experience in complex, high-risk environments such as:
♦ Hospitals
♦ Residential towers
♦ Large public spaces
Learning Outcomes
Candidates who achieve this qualification should be able to:
♦ Identify intolerable life safety risks and determine urgent interim or long-term actions.
♦ Interpret and apply UK fire safety legislation and compliance requirements in high-risk scenarios.
♦ Analyse complex fire strategies, fire development, and external wall risks in specialist environments.
♦ Evaluate the impact of building design, construction, and maintenance decisions on fire safety.
♦ Assess and enhance fire safety management systems in line with recognised standards.
♦ Communicate complex findings effectively and produce structured, actionable reports.
Assessment
The assessment takes the form of a two-hour online examination. In order to achieve the Certificate, candidates must obtain at least 80 marks out of the available 100 in the relevant examination.
Achievement is not graded. Successful candidates are issued a Certificate which recognises that candidates have passed the examination.
Please find the syllabus and the list of recommended reading material here
Entry Requirements for all 3 levels
There are no formal entry requirements. As the examination is provided in English only, candidates will need to have a comprehensive understanding of the English language in order to access the examination questions.
