Level 3, 4, 6, 7 Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services

About the qualification

Qualification Number: 610/0183/1, 610/0185/5, 610/0187/9, 610/0189/2

SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Initial Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0183/1)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021
Total Qualification Time: 65 hours
Guided Learning: 45 hours

SFJ Awards Level 4 Award in Intermediate Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0185/5)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021 
Total Qualification Time: 55 hours
Guided Learning: 40 hours

SFJ Awards Level 6 Award in Advanced Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0187/9)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021 
Total Qualification Time: 65 hours
Guided Learning:  50 hours

SFJ Awards Level 7 Award in Strategic Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0189/2)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021 
Total Qualification Time: 65 hours
Guided Learning:  50 hours

What are the objectives for the Level 7 Qualification?

The overall objective for these qualifications is to support the learner to update and continue with professional development, and to develop knowledge and skills relevant to incident command in the fire and rescue services at the appropriate level.

The qualifications align with the NFCC National Operational Guidance (NOG) for Incident Command.

For more information, download the full Qualification Handbook here:

SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Revalidation for Initial Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0184/3)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021
Total Qualification Time: 16 hours
Guided Learning:  8 hours

SFJ Awards Level 4 Award in Revalidation for Intermediate Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0186/7)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021
Total Qualification Time: 16 hours
Guided Learning:  8 hours

SFJ Awards Level 6 Award in Revalidation for Advanced Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0188/0)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021
Total Qualification Time: 16 hours
Guided Learning:  8 hours

SFJ Awards Level 7 Award in Revalidation for Strategic Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services (610/0190/9)

Operational Start Date: 1^st December 2021
Total Qualification Time: 16 hours
Guided Learning:  8 hours

The revalidation qualifications aim to provide a re-assessment of the skills gained through achievement of the full qualifications above. 

For more information, download Qualification Specification here:

What are the pre-entry requirements for the Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services awards?

The SFJ Awards Incident Command qualifications develop the knowledge and skills needed to operate at the relevant level of incident command. They support progression towards operational competence, but achieving the qualification does not by itself confirm operational command competence. Employing organisations remain responsible for confirming competence and readiness for deployment.

Purpose by level

• Level 3 prepares learners for initial incident command.
• Level 4 prepares learners for intermediate incident command.
• Level 6 prepares learners for advanced incident command.
• Level 7 prepares learners for strategic incident command.

Pre-entry requirements by level

Learners should have relevant operational experience appropriate to the level of qualification they are enrolling on. For Levels 3, 4, and 6, this typically includes experience as an operational firefighter. However, Direct Entry may be considered where the learner can demonstrate the required underpinning knowledge, skills, and understanding through a skills scan or equivalent diagnostic assessment.

Centres must confirm readiness and suitability before enrolment through a documented skills scan or similar process.

Strategic Incident Command (Level 7)

Operational firefighter experience is not required. Learners must, through a skills scan or equivalent, show that they:

• hold a senior role with strategic command or decision making responsibility in a UK Fire and Rescue Service, or an equivalent multi agency or emergency management setting; and
• Be able to operate effectively in complex multi-agency environments at strategic level, working with partner organisations, applying risk based decisions, and maintaining situational awareness, with a clear understanding of likely incident types and their own Service’s resources and capabilities.

Direct Entry from non-operational backgrounds may be considered where learners can evidence suitable strategic leadership experience and understanding of Fire and Rescue Service command structures, culture and legislative responsibilities.

General notes

SFJ Awards recommends that Fire and Rescue Services consider NFCC guidance when assessing the suitability of candidates for this suite of qualifications.

Revalidation learners must have previously achieved the full qualification at the same level.

No other mandatory pre entry requirements apply.