Automotive Safety Analyst - 'Functional Safety Engineer' Examination

This certification examination is intended for professionals who are involved in functional safety activities and safety analysis work products, including:

• Functional Safety Engineers
• Safety Analysts
• Functional Safety Managers
• Safety Managers
• System Engineers
• Hardware Engineers
• Software Engineers
• Reliability Engineers
• Quality Engineers
• Verification and Validation Engineers
• Product Safety Specialists
• Technical Project Managers
• System Architects
• Technical Leads
• Automotive Electronics Developers
• Assessors and Auditors
• Professionals supporting ISO 26262 functional safety projects

The Automotive Safety Analyst - Functional Safety Engineer examination assesses knowledge and understanding of:

ISO 26262 Functional Safety Fundamentals

• Functional safety lifecycle
• Safety goals and safety requirements
• Hardware and system safety concepts
• Safety analysis objectives

FMEA-Based Safety Analyses

• Design FMEA (DFMEA)
• Safety FMEA
• Failure mechanisms and effects
• Risk evaluation and mitigation

FMEA-MSR

• Monitoring and System Response methodology
• Safety mechanisms
• Fault detection
• Diagnostic monitoring
• Fault-Tolerant Time Interval (FTTI)

Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA)

• DFA principles and objectives
• Common Cause Failures (CCF)
• Cascading failures
• Coupling factors
• Shared resources and dependencies
• Independence of safety mechanisms

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

• Qualitative FTA concepts
• Boolean logic
• Fault propagation
• Minimal cut sets
• Quantitative FTA concepts

FMEDA

• FMEDA methodology
• Failure rate estimation
• Diagnostic coverage
• Hardware failure classifications

Hardware Safety Metrics

• SPFM
• LFM
• PMHF
• Reliability fundamentals

Safety Analysis Integration

• Relationships between FMEA, FMEA-MSR, DFA, FMEDA, and FTA
• Safety analysis work products
• Traceability and consistency

The increasing complexity of automotive electrical and electronic systems requires engineers and safety professionals to possess a solid understanding of safety analysis methods used to demonstrate compliance with ISO 26262. The Automotive Safety Analyst – Functional Safety Engineer Certification Examination assesses the candidate's knowledge of the most widely used safety analysis techniques within automotive functional safety.

The examination covers both qualitative and quantitative safety analysis methods used throughout the safety lifecycle. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of Design FMEA (DFMEA), Safety FMEA, FMEA-MSR, Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA), qualitative Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), FMEDA, quantitative FTA, hardware architectural metrics, and the relationships between these analyses.

Special emphasis is placed on the application of Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA) in accordance with ISO 26262. Candidates must understand how common cause failures, cascading failures, coupling factors, shared resources, and architectural dependencies can affect safety goals and system independence. In addition, candidates must understand how DFA interacts with FMEA, FMEDA, and FTA work products.

The certification examination also evaluates knowledge of quantitative hardware safety analyses, including failure-rate estimation, diagnostic coverage, Single Point Fault Metric (SPFM), Latent Fault Metric (LFM), Probabilistic Metric for Random Hardware Failures (PMHF), and the application of quantitative Fault Tree Analysis for hardware safety verification.

Successful candidates demonstrate that they possess the foundational competence required to participate effectively in automotive safety analysis activities, support ISO 26262 compliance programs, contribute to safety case development, and perform safety-related engineering activities within safety-critical development projects.

Achieving the Functional Safety Engineer certification demonstrates that you possess a recognized level of competence in automotive safety analysis according to ISO 26262.

Upon successful completion of the examination, you can demonstrate that you:

• Understand the purpose and application of safety analyses within ISO 26262 projects.
• Can interpret and apply results from FMEA, FMEA-MSR, DFA, FMEDA, and FTA activities.
• Understand how dependent failures influence safety architectures and safety mechanisms.
• Recognize common cause failures, cascading failures, and architectural dependencies.
• Understand quantitative hardware safety metrics, including SPFM, LFM, and PMHF.
• Can contribute to safety analysis reviews and safety lifecycle activities.
• Possess independently validated knowledge of automotive functional safety analysis methods.
• Enhance your professional credibility and career opportunities within the automotive industry.

For organizations, certified personnel provide increased confidence in the capability of engineering teams responsible for safety-related development activities.

Online Proctored Examination

This certification examination is conducted online under live remote supervision by a qualified proctor.

Throughout the examination, candidate identity, examination integrity, and compliance with examination regulations are monitored in real time.

Participants may communicate with the proctor through the examination platform's chat function whenever assistance related to examination administration is required.

Live Proctoring Requirements

Participants must:

• Join the examination from a location with reliable internet access.
• Have a functioning webcam and microphone.
• Complete identity verification before the examination begins.
• Take the examination in a private room or office.
• Show the complete examination environment upon request.
• Ensure no other individuals are present in the room.
• Remove all non-permitted materials from the workspace.
• Ensure walls, desks, and surrounding areas are free of notes or reference material.
• Maintain a quiet examination environment.
• Ensure no additional computers, tablets, telephones, or electronic devices are active within reach.
• Maintain adequate lighting throughout the examination.
• Refrain from recording, copying, reproducing, or distributing examination content.

Violation of examination rules may result in disqualification, examination termination, or invalidation of results.

Technical Issues

If technical issues significantly affect the examination session, such as computer failure or internet connectivity loss, the examination may be terminated and rescheduled in accordance with TÜV SÜD examination policies.

All examinations are governed by the applicable TÜV SÜD examination regulations and any additional online examination requirements.

Certification is achieved through successful completion of:

Automotive Safety Analyst – Functional Safety Engineer Examination

The examination assesses knowledge and understanding of:

• DFA
• FMEA
• FMEA-MSR
• FMEDA
• Qualitative FTA
• Quantitative FTA
• Hardware safety metrics
• ISO 26262 safety analysis principles

Successful candidates receive the:

TÜV SÜD Functional Safety Engineer Certificate

There are no mandatory prerequisites for examination enrollment.

No project experience is required.

However, candidates are strongly encouraged to complete:

• ISO 26262 Automotive Functional Safety Training Program (Modules 1-4)
• ISO 26262 Module 5: Safety Analyst – DFA with Qualitative FMEA, FMEA-MSR and FTA Safety Analyses
• ISO 26262 Module 6: Safety Analyst – DFA with Quantitative FMEDA and FTA Hardware Safety Analyses

Equivalent knowledge and practical experience may also provide suitable preparation.

To learn about our complete ISO 26262 certification program learning path, see Modular training program: ISO 26262 Training – Modules & Exams.

What is the Automotive Safety Analyst – Functional Safety Engineer certification?

This Level 1 certification validates foundational competence in automotive safety analysis methods used within ISO 26262 functional safety projects.

What knowledge areas are covered by the examination?

The examination covers:

• ISO 26262 functional safety fundamentals
• FMEA and Safety FMEA
• FMEA-MSR
• Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA)
• Qualitative FTA
• Quantitative FTA concepts
• FMEDA
• SPFM, LFM, and PMHF
• Safety analysis integration and traceability

Is this a beginner or advanced certification?

This is the entry-level certification within the Automotive Safety Analyst certification pathway. It validates a solid foundation of knowledge required to participate in safety analysis activities.

What certification level is this examination?

This examination corresponds to:

Level 1: Functional Safety Engineer

The certification pathway continues with:

• Level 2: Professional
• Level 3: Expert

Is prior project experience required?

No. Project experience is not required for the Level 1 certification examination.

Do I need to attend TÜV SÜD training courses before taking the exam?

No. Training attendance is not mandatory. However, completing Modules 1-6 is strongly recommended to maximize the likelihood of success.

Which ISO 26262 parts are relevant to the examination?

The examination primarily references concepts associated with:

• ISO 26262 Part 5
• ISO 26262 Part 9
• ISO 26262 Part 11

along with general safety lifecycle concepts throughout the standard.

Does the examination cover Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA)?

Yes. DFA is one of the core examination topics and includes common cause failures, cascading failures, coupling factors, architectural dependencies, and safety mechanism independence.

Does the examination include FMEA-MSR?

Yes. Candidates should understand Monitoring and System Response methodology, diagnostic monitoring, safety mechanisms, and FTTI concepts.

Does the examination cover FMEDA?

Yes. Candidates are expected to understand FMEDA methodology, failure rates, diagnostic coverage, hardware fault classifications, SPFM, and LFM concepts.

Will quantitative Fault Tree Analysis be included?

Yes. Foundational quantitative FTA concepts, reliability principles, minimal cut sets, and PMHF-related understanding fall within the examination scope.

What examination format is used?

The certification is conducted as a live online proctored examination.

What is a proctored examination?

A proctored examination is an assessment supervised by an authorized invigilator who ensures examination integrity and compliance with examination rules.

How does online live proctoring work?

Candidates are monitored remotely through webcam, microphone, and examination-session oversight while completing the examination online.

Is a webcam required?

Yes. A working webcam and microphone are mandatory throughout the examination.

Can I use notes, books, or online resources during the examination?

No. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the examination regulations, the examination is conducted as a closed-book assessment.

What happens if technical issues occur during the examination?

Candidates should contact TÜV SÜD as soon as possible. Examination continuation or rescheduling will be handled according to applicable examination policies.

What certificate will I receive if I pass?

Successful candidates receive the:

TÜV SÜD Functional Safety Engineer Certificate

for the Automotive Safety Analyst certification track.

How long is the examination?

The examination duration is:

3 Hours

How does this certification benefit my career?

The certification provides independent validation of your automotive functional safety analysis knowledge and demonstrates your ability to support ISO 26262 safety analysis activities, increasing credibility with employers, customers, and project stakeholders.