Sources and limitations
- This page relies on the published requirements of the IFE, summarised below with links. Where they differ from this summary, theirs apply.
- The IFE values the outcome of your learning over meeting a fixed quota; the 25 hours is a guide.
- The tracker counts towards 25 hours a year. It stays in your browser and does not replace your IFE log.
CPD & Professional Development Calculator
EnglandFire and rescue authorityFramework from 1/7/2026
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Guide for Fire Safety Officer
This guide summarises the CPD and revalidation framework that typically applies to Fire Safety Officer at Fire & Rescue. Rules change; use official sources on the calculator for definitive requirements.
What applies to Fire Safety Officer?
As Fire Safety Officer at Fire & Rescue, continuing professional development is usually governed by Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). The typical revalidation or review cycle is 1 year. The summary below is taken from published guidance for IFE CPD (fire engineers). Always confirm current rules on the regulator's website and with your employer.
CPD hours for Fire Safety Officer
Institution of Fire Engineers expects 25 hours of CPD in each CPD year. Use the hours tracker below for your own planning; it does not replace your regulator's or professional body's official records or your employer's training systems.
Other requirements and evidence
At least 50% of your CPD should be formal learning (e.g. courses, accredited training, academic study, mentoring). The remainder can be informal (e.g. reading, research, workplace learning), which counts at half the time spent: two hours of reading counts as one hour of CPD. CPD should be relevant to fire engineering and show clear learning outcomes. The IFE emphasises the outcome of CPD rather than simply meeting a quota. Record your CPD via mycareerpath® or the IFE CPD log template. Requirements may vary by membership grade; check the latest IFE guidance.
What to use on this page
The calculator shows the framework that typically applies to Fire Safety Officer, bullet points from official sources, and links to read the full rules. Where numeric targets exist, you can track hours locally in your browser. Employer mandatory training, appraisal, professional body membership and any second registration sit alongside these requirements.
Example scenario
IFE CPD for Fire Safety Officer: 25 hours a year as a guide, at least half of it formal.
| Role (example) | Fire Safety Officer |
|---|---|
| Framework (example) | IFE CPD (fire engineers) |
| Review cycle (example) | 1 year |
| CPD target (example) | 25 hours total |
| On this page | Role-specific guidance, official links and hours tracker |
Frequently asked questions
What counts as formal CPD?
Courses, academic study and mentoring. Informal CPD, such as reading articles or work shadowing, counts at half the time you spend on it.
Do I have to be an IFE member?
No. The IFE rules apply to its members; your fire and rescue service sets the training you need for the job.
Can I download my tracker?
Where the tracker is shown, you can download a simple CSV of your entered hours for your own records. We ask for your name and email first and store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. Your calculator inputs and results are not sent. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Fire Safety Officer?
A Fire Safety Officer works on prevention, inspections and enforcement. They may work for a fire service or organisation. Pay is on fire or local scales.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Fire safety offers prevention and variety. Pay and satisfaction depend on employer and role. Progression to senior officer or manager is common.
What CPD or revalidation applies to me?
Use the guidance and official links above to see what your regulator or employer expects for continuing professional development. Keep records and reflection as they require; confirm any hour targets on the regulator’s current website.
Disclaimer
This page summarises publicly described CPD and revalidation requirements for awareness only. It is not legal, regulatory or fitness-to-practise advice. Rules change; always confirm with your regulator, professional body and employer.