IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Training and Certification for Engineers (Level 1)
Globally accepted Functional Safety Engineer certificate with lifetime validity for engineer level
Our IEC 61508: Basic Functional Safety training includes course modules 1-3 and is designed to train participants in the basic principles of IEC 61508 Functional Safety, the processes necessary for your role in the safety life cycle (highly recommended for beginners) and also at the same time improve their expertise in safety related functions for Electrical, Electronic and Programming systems.
✔ Gain an overview of functional safety management and the sector
✔ Explore system analysis for IEC 61508 including main design criteria of standards
✔ Understand how to develop and evaluate safety-relevant hardware for IEC 61508
✔ Learn how to develop and evaluate safety-relevant software for IEC 61508
The IEC 61508 functional safety standard applies to all industry sectors and covers the complete lifecycle of a product. The industry requirements are persistently changing in mobile and stationary systems which requires companies to have an expertise with regards to safety to master its complexity. Its implementation is difficult and requires significant experience with safety related concepts. Our objective is to provide you with the practical knowledge to efficiently handle safety related systems, mitigate risks and improve your competence.
- All course modules 1-3 adopt a situation-based approach to the methods of safety analyses and supporting processes and the resulting work products.
- In this IEC 61508 training you will learn which processes are necessary for your role in the safety life cycle.
- After the course, you will be familiarised with the individual topics with the help of practical examples.
- Explanations of the necessary work products and appropriate treatment of the safety plan are naturally an integral part of all modules.
Module 1: Introduction, definition of functional safety management, system analysis for IEC 61508
- Part 1 of IEC 61508 requires implementation of a FSM (Functional Safety Management) system to provide an organisational framework for the development of safety-relevant electronic systems.
- After an introduction to Functional Safety and general overview of the sector, the programme presents the tasks and methods involved in safety management together with conceptual aspects.
- The main design criteria of standards and approaches for designing a functional concept and the associated system analysis are explained.
- The day concludes with an introduction to the requirements which must be fulfilled by Requirements Engineering.
Module 2: Development and evaluation of safety-relevant hardware for IEC 61508
- Module 2 explains how mathematical and analytical methods can be applied to verify hardware designs fulfilling the requirements of IEC 61508
- Part 2. A case study is used as the basis for a detailed explanation of the systematic approach to be used in analysis and the method of determining the necessary probabilistic safety parameters.
Module 3: Development and evaluation of safety-relevant software for IEC 61508
- Part 3 of IEC 61508 presents methods, procedures, documentation and the software safety life cycle, which must all be taken into consideration in developing safety-relevant software.
- Practical examples are used to introduce the principles underlying the standard and the procedures for dealing with the requirements of this part of the standard.
By the end of this course, you’ll confidently apply IEC 61508 Parts 1–3 to plan and run a robust Functional Safety Management (FSM) framework, translate stakeholder needs into clear, testable requirements, and carry out system‑level safety analysis that stands up to audit.
Most importantly, you’ll spot issues earlier, prevent failures and costly recalls, save time and money, and give your organisation a competitive edge by delivering safer solutions, faster.
Train with the Experts
You’ll be taught by leading industry experts with specialist knowledge of your sector. For over 35 years, our global team of more than 2,500 instructors, has been bringing real-world experience to the classroom. Course content is regularly updated to reflect changes in legislation and ensure relevance. Discover more on our why train with us page.
Training five or more people?
Find out if an in-house course is a more cost-effective, efficient way of learning. Contact the In-House Training team.
- Developers designing and implementing safety‑related hardware and software that aligns with IEC 61508
- Testers verifying and validating safety‑critical systems needing to ensure testing strategies and artefacts comply with IEC 61508 requirements
- Project managers overseeing planning and delivery of safety‑related projects wanting to achieve compliance and certification readiness
- Quality managers and safety officers focusing on the development of programmemable electronic safety systems in line with internationally recognised standard IEC 61508
Module 1: Introduction, definition of functional safety management, system analysis for IEC 61508
Module 2: Development and evaluation of safety-relevant hardware for IEC 61508
Module 3: Development and evaluation of safety-relevant software for IEC 61508
- Course delivered by one of TÜV SÜD's leading industry experts
- Small class sizes for a more engaging and personalised learning experience
- Receive globally recognised TÜV SÜD certificate upon completion
TÜV SÜD is trusted by over 16,000 companies and thousands of learners worldwide, reflecting our commitment to delivering quality training.
FSCP Functional Safety Certified Persons registration IEC 61508
With our FSCP Functional Safety Certified Persons registration, you can become an expert in Functional Safety. After completing the exam, attendees receive a certificate confirming their qualification according to their chosen FSCP level and are entered in the list of certification-holders on our website.
Level 1: FS Engineer IEC 61508 (Beginner Level)
- Proof of safety project experience is not required
- It is highly recommended to participate at the corresponding TÜV SÜD training modules
If you would like to participate in the Professional examination, then please contact a member of the Academy team, who will be able to help you.
What is IEC 61508?
IEC 61508 is an international standard for functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems. It defines safety lifecycle requirements to manage risk in sectors such as industrial, nuclear, and transport. The standard helps design systems to reduce failure rates and prevent accidents.
The IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Training and Certification for Engineers (Level 1) is a four-day programme that introduces the fundamentals of IEC 61508 functional safety. It covers hardware, software, and management processes across the safety lifecycle, equipping engineers with practical knowledge and awarding a TÜV SÜD Functional Safety Engineer certificate with lifetime validity.
IEC 61508 functional safety is an international standard that regulates functional safety in electrical and electronic systems consisting of hardware and software components of industrial automation safety. Compliance with IEC 61508 is crucial for OEMs and industrial automation suppliers to ensure human safety and industrial automation development.
3. What do the IEC 61508 functional safety standards specify
IEC 61508 is a functional safety standard that provides a framework for developing electrical and electronic systems installed in the industrial automation industry. It aims to reduce possible hazards by measuring risks and determining risk classes, known as SIL levels. The standard defines the safety lifecycle from the concept phase to the decommissioning of the product or system. It tracks and mitigates risks to improve your competence.
4. Why is it important for an individual to have functional safety training in the IEC 61508 module?
The IEC 61508 Functional Safety Training and Certification Programme teaches individuals the technical knowledge and practical experience to understand safety-related systems in all industry sectors. This enables individuals to take informed steps and avoid mishaps and risks, saving time and money. It also ensures high levels of employee, company, and customer satisfaction.
5. How to obtain IEC 61508 functional safety training?
TÜV SÜD in the UK offers IEC 61508 Functional Safety Training and Certification Programmes and is globally accredited per international norms. The IEC 61508 functional safety training and certification can be obtained by completing the course as per the modules in the stipulated time provided to the trainees.
6. Why choose TÜV SÜD for the IEC 61508 functional safety training & certification programme?
TÜV SÜD is an internationally accredited testing body for IEC 61508 and is recognised as an expert in functional safety. It has a strong functional safety team with a proven track record in management and training. TÜV SÜD in the UK serves OEMs and industrial suppliers worldwide and is a trusted and independent partner in the industry. Their trainers support organisation's globally to improve functional safety and security projects, change management, and technology development in all industry sectors.
7. Who should attend the IEC 61508 training & certification programme?
Professionals interested in understanding functional safety-related electrical and electronic systems in the industrial automation industry should attend the IEC 61508 Functional Safety Training and Certification Programme. The course provides practical experience in operating and controlling safety-related systems to mitigate risks and avoid errors. Attendees may include product developers, R&D professionals, engineers, system integrators, managers, sales representatives, marketing specialists, and anyone seeking IEC 61508 Functional Safety certification.
8. What are the benefits of enrolling in the IEC 61508 training and certification programme?
The IEC 61508 Training and Certification Programme offers practical knowledge in safety-related functions and additional benefits such as enhancing efficiency through theory and practical experience, keeping employees up to date with standards and regulations to identify problems early, avoiding product recalls and loss of reputation, preventing product failures and saving time and money, and gaining a competitive edge by developing the best solutions for customers using knowledge of diverse roles in the safety lifecycle.
9. What are the course objectives for IEC 61508 Functional Safety Training & Certification?
Gaining an IEC 61508 Functional Safety certification gives you an advantage in the industry
- Help you define your role in your organisation
- Ensure that you meet the demands of the business through a complete understanding of the model-based methods to develop safety-related systems in compliance with IEC 61508 standards
- Demonstrate your knowledge of functional safety with a globally recognised IEC 61508 certification and become an integral part of the official TÜV SÜD functional safety expert community
- Gain expertise to become a functional safety engineer, professional, or expert
- Build internal competencies to tackle functional safety projects effectively and efficiently and gain a competitive edge
TÜV SÜD additionally offers the opportunity to deliver this training as a dedicated in-house course, delivered solely to your organisation to meet your needs and requirements. To receive a quote and find out more information, please Contact Us.
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Peter Wilks, Technical Trainer, Functional Safety TÜV SÜD
Peter has a degree in Electronic Engineering and a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering. He has worked for many years in the automotive sector on projects with a significant safety component. In recent years, projects have increasingly included cybersecurity and autonomous requirements. In addition, Peter has worked on safety-critical projects in the industrial and medical sectors. Due to this, he brings a broad experience to the training he delivers for the Academy.