Preparing for Examinations

The IFE does not provide training courses for candidates preparing for the examinations. Candidates are required to manage their own learning in preparation for the examinations. Some IFE branches provide events and training days that may be relevant to the examinations. Candidates are advised to contact their local branch to find out about possible learning opportunities.

Candidates should use the published syllabus as the starting point for their learning and reading.

A brief guide for candidates on answering examination questions is available. The guide includes information on the level of difficulty, instructions and command words, common errors, and tips for approaching examination questions – Guidance for those writing exams

Recommended Reading 

All candidates are advised to use the published syllabus as their starting point in determining the study that they need to undertake. Candidates should cross-reference their learning against the content of the syllabus to ensure that they have covered all aspects of the syllabus in their learning.

A recommended reading list is provided for each syllabus and this can be found in the relevant syllabus document or downloaded on the links below. The reading lists are not intended to be comprehensive but to provide a starting point for candidates. Candidates may also use other learning sources which contain up-to-date information that is relevant to the syllabus content. 

Download the Book List for ALL units for the Level 3 Diploma here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science (L3D1) here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety (L3D2) here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Aviation Fire Operations (L3D4) here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management (L3D5) here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Service Operations & Incident Command (L3D6) here.

Download the Book list for the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Investigation (L3D7) here.

Free downloads for the Level 3 Diploma are available below or can be requested from the IFE Office at adminstaff@ife.org.za.

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety (L3D3)

• Relevant graphical symbols – https://www.firesafe.org.uk/graphical-symbols-andabbreviations-for-fire-protection-drawings/
• Guidance documents on business and domestic fire safety available online from https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documentsfor-business
• The BS 9999 handbook. Effective fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings, BSI
• A guide to health, safety and welfare at music and similar events HSG 195 HSE 1999.
• Guidance on the emergency use of lifts or escalators for evacuation and fire and rescue service operations BD 2466 www.highrisefirefighting.co.uk/docs/guidanceemergemcylifts.pdf
• Emergency Lighting: BS 5266 https://www.firesafe.org.uk/emergency-lighting/ASFP Guide to Passive Fire Protection for Fire Risk Assessors
• ASFP Ensuring Best Practice for Passive Fire Protection in Buildings
• BWF-Certifire, Fire Doors and Doorsets Best Practice Guide
• Hardware for fire and escape doors, Code of Practice jointly published by the Door and Hardware Federation and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
• ASFP Grey Book – Volume 1: Fire dampers (European standards) E (integrity) & ES (integrity and leakage) classified, 2nd Edition
• CFPA Guidance
  • CFPA Safety instructions for use and charging lithium ion devices available here.
  • CFPA Photovoltaic systems available here.
  • CFPA Evacuation of people with disabilities here.

Level 3 Certificate in Aviation Fire Operations (L3D4)

• CAP 168 from: http://www.ife.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AVI-368-290421-CAP-168-Issue11_Licensing-of-Aerodromes.pdf
• CAP 699 from: http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=235

Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management (L3D5)

The following articles can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your understanding of leadership and management in the field of fire.

• Leadership and management booklet: https://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/resources/Leadership_and_Management_Booklet.pdf 
• NFCC Leadership Framework:  https://nfcc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NFCC_Leadership_Framework_Final.pdf

Level 3 Certificate Fire Service Operations & Incident Command (L3D6)

• Fire Service Operations & Incident Command National Operational Guidance Programme – all sub-sections, only available to NFCC members: https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/national-operational-guidance/
• Principles for Joint Working: https://www.jesip.org.uk/joint-doctrine/principles-for-joint-working/
• Joint decision-making model: https://www.jesip.org.uk/joint-doctrine/the-joint-decision-model-jdm/
• 156:  Fire and Rescue Manual Volume 2 Fire Service Operations Incident Command download here.
• 475:  Fire & Rescue Service Operational Guidance GRA 3,7 – Fighting fires in refuse – download here.
• Euro Firefighter 2008 (Dr Paul Grimwood) Downloads EURO FIREFIGHTER 2008.pdf (wsimg.com)
• Euro Firefighter 2 (Dr Paul Grimwood 2017) EUROFIREFIGHTER 2.pdf
• Environmental Protection Handbook for the Fire and Rescue Service Environment-Agency-and-DCLG-environmental-handbook.pdf (nfcc.org.uk)
• NFCC Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings PIBS_Guide_06-21_V2.pdf (nfcc.org.uk)
• FRS Operational Guidance Generic Risk Assessment 4.3 Incidents involving transport systems – Air gra-4-3.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• FRS Operational Guidance Generic Risk Assessment 5.8 Flashover, Backdraught and fire gas ignitions 430633_GRA 5.8 Flashover.indd (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• FRS Operational Guidance Generic Risk Assessment 2.1 Rescues from confined spaces GRA_2-1