L3 - Fire Service Operations and Incident Command
L3 - Fire Service Operations and Incident Command
L3 - Fire Service Operations and Incident Command
Qualification Specification
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The IFE is the professional institution for those working in the fire sector. The IFE is a registered
charity working for societal benefit. Founded in 1918, the IFE’s mission is to promote, encourage and
improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering with the overall aim of
protecting and saving lives.
Members of the IFE share a commitment to ensuring that the fire profession remains relevant and
valued, protecting people, property and the environment from fire.
The aim of the of the awarding organisation is to encourage those who work in the sector to engage
with, and develop, the critical understanding needed to operate effectively and safely and to best
professional standards so that they can protect and save lives. In doing this, the awarding
organisation contributes to three of the IFE’s (six) over-arching strategic priorities ie:
• Facilitate awareness of fire issues and developments through the communication of ideas,
knowledge, information
• Foster professionalism by establishing and maintaining pathways and recognised standards of fire
professionalism and competency.
• Increase knowledge in the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering.
All of the IFE’s qualifications are designed for those working in the fire sector and to meet the above
aims. Qualifications and their associated assessments (examinations and practical
activities/assignments) provided by the IFE are designed, assessed and quality assured by experts with
extensive experience of working within the fire sector.
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
IFE House, 64-66 Cygnet Court, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9NW
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Introduction
The IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Service Operation and Incident Command has been developed by the
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and representatives of the UK Fire and Rescue services. The content
and structure of the qualification reflects the content and structure of the UK National Operational
Guidance (NOG) and is designed to support those operating in the fire service in dealing with incidents
effectively and safety.
This assessment focuses on the knowledge and understanding required to resolve diverse fire and
rescue incidents. It covers incident command as well as fire and rescue operations and techniques.
Candidates will be required to apply their understanding by assessing situations, determining hazards
and risks and drawing conclusions as to the appropriate actions and control measures for the specific
situation. They will need to be able to explain the rationale for decisions and to draw on technical
understanding specific to the context.
This qualification is derived from unit 6: Fire Services Operations and Incident Command within the
Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety. It is directly equivalent to that unit in that the content
and assessment remain exactly the same. Individuals who achieve this qualification may use it
towards the achievement of the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety in the same way as
unit 6 is used. For information, please see - https://www.ife.org.uk/IFE-Qualifications-with-Syllabus-
Links
Target Audience
This qualification will be appropriate for individuals working in fire and rescue roles. It is particularly
suited for those who either hold, or are preparing for, roles involving the management of fire service
operations such as Watch Managers/Incident Commanders.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates managing fire and rescue operations need to have a wide range of technical knowledge
and understanding to enable them to assess risks and manage incidents of different types in different
contexts and environments. They need to be able to apply their technical understanding to assess
situations, identify an appropriate course of action, prioritise actions and manage risks.
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• assess fire and rescue incidents and identify appropriate actions to resolve the incident safely and
with regard to environmental issues
• understand how to supervise activities at incidents including the management of sectors
• assess the scale of an evolving incident and know when and how to escalate/hand over to
appropriate colleagues
• assess the requirements of diverse incidents involving fire and/or rescue in a wide range of
contexts including incidents involving buildings, transport or open air
• explain the operation of firefighting equipment, knowing when to use equipment and how to
manage risks associated with the use of different equipment
• evaluate risk and identify appropriate action in order to preserve the safety of firefighters and
members of the public
Qualification Content
The content of the qualification is set out in the section entitled “Content” below. This provides
information on the range of topics that must be studied including the way that candidates need to
show their understanding (ie the Assessment Objectives) and the scope/range/contexts in which they
can be tested (Knowledge, Understanding and Skills).
The syllabus content is very broad and deep and therefore not all topics can be tested in all
examinations. Candidates are advised to prepare for the examination by covering all topics so that
they are able to provide comprehensive responses.
Assessment
The assessment takes the form of one three-hour examination. The examination is closed-book and
provides a summative assessment of the full range of learning specified in the content below.
Candidates will be required to complete six questions from a choice of eight questions. There will be
20 marks available for each of the questions.
In order to achieve a pass, candidates will be required to attain at least 40% of the 120 marks available
to them via the six questions (ie 48 marks).
Candidates who answer fewer than six questions will be able to achieve a pass as long as they achieve
the minimum pass mark of 48. Where candidates answer more than six questions, candidates will
not benefit as only the six best responses will be included in the final mark.
Past papers for the last three years are available on the IFE website -
https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualifications/Past-Papers-and-Exam-Reports Please see the papers (and
associated examiner reports) for March and October examinations for the L3D6 Fire Service
Operations and Incident Command unit (in the section for the Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire
Safety).
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Pass - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark between the minimum pass mark of 48
marks (ie 40% of the marks available) and 71 marks (59%).
Distinction - this is awarded where candidates achieve a mark of 72 or above (ie 60% or more of the
marks available).
Fail - candidates who achieve 47 marks or fewer will receive a result showing Fail. Where candidates
receive 24 marks (ie 20% of the marks available) or fewer, the result will show Fail (X).
Candidates who are unsuccessful in the examination may re-sit the examination. There is no limit on
the number of times that candidates may re-sit.
Note: The IFE reports results as described in the bands above. However, candidates who wish to
know the specific mark awarded to them may email the IFE for this information.
Entry Requirements
However, as the paper is provided in English only, candidates will need to be able to read English
fluently in order to access the examination questions and the relevant recommended reading
material.
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,
Level 3 NVQs and Level 3 Diplomas such as the IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety.
The qualifications regulator for England, Ofqual, has provided the following descriptors to illustrate
the knowledge and understanding expected from those who hold qualifications at Level 3.
The candidate:
• has factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work
to complete tasks and address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-
routine.
• can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.
• is aware of the nature of the area of study or work.
• is aware of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.
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Candidates are advised to bear these descriptors in mind when preparing for assessment and when
presenting responses to examination questions.
The length of time needed to prepare for this examination will vary depending upon the starting point
for each individual.
• 197 hours of learning/study. Study may be self-study (please see the section on recommended
reading below) and may include relevant fire and rescue service training programmes.
• 3 hours of assessment (directed time) ie one three-hour examination.
Most candidates prepare for IFE examinations via self-study or by drawing on training provided by
their employer that covers aspects of the syllabus. Candidates are advised to cross-map their
study/training against the content of the syllabus to ensure that all parts of the syllabus have been
covered. Recommended reading materials are provided below.
Progression
Candidates who are successful in achieving this qualification may consider progression to Level 4. A
specialist qualification in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command is available from the IFE
awarding organisation.
Candidates who wish to broaden their knowledge and understanding at Level 3 could consider working
towards other fire-specific qualifications such as the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety or the IFE
Level 3 Certificate in Fire Investigation.
Reasonable Adjustments
The IFE permits reasonable adjustments to be made where candidates have disabilities (including
medical conditions and learning disabilities such as Dyslexia). The IFE’s policy on reasonable
adjustments aims to enable candidates with disabilities and other difficulties to access the IFE
qualifications without compromising the assessment process or the validity of the certificate.
The policy, which includes the types of arrangements that may be made (eg additional time, use of
technology) and the procedure for applying for reasonable adjustments, is published on the IFE’s
website - https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualification-FAQs. The IFE will consider all requests for reasonable
adjustments. All requests for reasonable adjustments must be submitted to the IFE as all decisions
on reasonable adjustments rest with the IFE.
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Individuals who wish to sit examinations may book examinations either through their examination
centre (eg Fire and Rescue Service, IFE Branch) or they may book through the IFE. Where appropriate,
the IFE will direct individuals to approach their FRS, branch or centre contact.
Information on the examination timetable and other relevant dates (such as the last date for booking
examinations) for March examinations, together with the booking form, the list of venues available to
candidates, the terms and conditions for candidates and additional information on examination
arrangements is provided on the IFE website on 1 September each year. A separate page for each
March examination session is provided on the IFE website. Information on March 2021 examinations
is available at: https://www.ife.org.uk/March-2021-Examinations
Information on the examination timetable and other relevant dates (such as the last date for booking
examinations) for October examinations, together with the booking form, the list of venues available
to candidates, the terms and conditions for candidates and additional information on examination
arrangements is provided on the IFE website on 1 May each year. A separate page for each October
examination session is provided on the IFE website.
Detailed guidance for candidates on examination arrangements is provided in the Rules and
Information for Candidates booklet. This booklet sets out the rules to be followed by candidates and
also the dates for publication of results and the timetable for candidates to query examination results.
Centres will need to comply with the Terms and Conditions for centres. Information for centres,
including the Examination Centre Handbook which contains detailed guidance on running a centre, is
available on the IFE website. Please see - https://www.ife.org.uk/Information-for-Examination-
Centres. Centres are required to re-confirm their compliance with the Terms and Conditions prior to
each examination session and to provide an Examination Centre Invigilation report following the
completion of examinations.
The IFE operates a centre inspection programme based on unannounced visits. All centres should
anticipate visits from centre inspectors.
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Recommended Reading
This qualification covers an extensive range of contexts and candidates are advised to reflect this in
their examination preparation. The main source of information is the National Operational Guidance
and the supporting scenario and Foundation documents. All of this material is available, free of
charge, at https://www.ukfrs.com/nog
Candidates are also advised to review past examination papers. Past papers, together with the
associated examiner reports on the papers, can be downloaded, free of charge, from the IFE website
- https://www.ife.org.uk/Qualifications/Past-Papers-and-Exam-Reports.
The IFE has applied the following criteria in determining which resources should be included on this
recommended reading list:
• the resource provides information which will be of benefit to the candidate in their professional
life, providing depth and breadth of understanding;
• the resource contains some information that will be relevant to part of the syllabus;
• the resource is recognised by industry professionals as providing valuable information.
Candidates preparing for the examinations are advised to refer to the list below:
• Operations
• Incident Command
• Environmental Protection
• Industry
• Subsurface, height, structures and confined spaces
• Transport
• Utilities and Fuel
• Major Incidents
Scenarios - https://www.ukfrs.com/scenarios
Further Information
Further information on examination conditions is available in the IFE booklet, Rules and Information
for Candidates Taking IFE Examinations. This booklet can be downloaded from the IFE’s website.
Candidates may also find the general guide for candidates which provides information on question
times and levels helpful - https://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/Exams/Candidate_Guide.pdf
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1. Pre-planning
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4. Post-Incident Actions
Assessment Objective Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
4.1 Explain how to close down the • Measures to hand over control of an incident to the
operational phase of an incident appropriate person, agency or authority
• Actions to identify and mitigate hazards and
associated risks within operational restraints
4.2 Explain the principles and the • How to contribute to a post-incident debrief
value of debriefs and apply these appropriate to the type and scale of the incident
principles to different contexts • How to gather all relevant information from internal
and external sources
• How to engage crews in debriefing and to review
crew welfare and learning issues
• How to implement remedial measures to improve
future practice and performance
• Effects of critical incidents on the personal resilience
of attending personnel and taking steps to manage
staff welfare
4.3 Determine the requirements for • Further investigation to include:
scene preservation when required o Fire Investigation
for further investigations o Fire Safety Investigation
o Health and Safety Investigation
o Criminal Investigation
o Internal Investigation
• How to identify, preserve, gather and present
potential evidence identified at the incident to
support a subsequent investigation
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7.3 Assess the provision and • Production and application of foam for firefighting
operational use of various types of purposes
foam and foam making equipment • Properties of the various foams and foam
and determine tactics to resolve concentrates
issues • Expansion rates of foam and factors to be taken into
account when using foam to extinguish a fire
7.4 Explain the use of ladders and the • General principles and precautions when working
procedures for safe working at with all ladders and aerial ladder platforms
height
7.5 Explain the performance • Management, control and safety procedures for
requirements and the procedures using Breathing Apparatus
for using Breathing Apparatus (BA) • Component parts and testing procedures for
and associated equipment Breathing Apparatus
• Associated equipment to include;
Communication Equipment, Personal Lines,
Guidelines, Telemetry Equipment and all types of
resuscitation equipment
7.6 Explain the performance • Operating principles of using Gas Tight Chemical
requirements and the construction Protection suits and limited protection splash suits
of the various types of chemical • General maintenance and safety precautions
protective clothing and how these • Factors affecting effective selection of equipment
apply in different situations
7.7 Explain the selection of detection, • Operating principles of Radiation measuring
identification and monitoring equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and
equipment used in relation to Decontamination equipment
radiation incidents • General maintenance and safety precautions
applicable to all detection identification and
monitoring equipment
7.8 Explain the performance • Operating principles of all cutting, spreading,
requirements and selection of stabilisation equipment
rescue equipment to be used • Operating principles of all Search and Rescue
during extrication, heavy lifting Equipment
and search and rescue • Operating principles of hauling and lifting
equipment, including blocks and tackle, and the
associated anchoring methods
• General maintenance and safety precautions
applicable to all rescue equipment
7.9 Explain the performance • Operating principles when using ropes and lines
requirements and the selection of • General maintenance and safety precautions
ropes and lines and how these applicable to all rope and line equipment
apply in different rescue situations
7.10 Explain the performance • Operating principles when using throwlines/safety
requirements and the selection of lines, Inflatable Rescue Boats, outboard motor
various types of water and engines, mud paths and lances
unstable rescue equipment and • General maintenance and safety precautions
ancillaries applicable to all water rescue equipment
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