IEC 61511 Functional Safety for the Process Industry - Safety Instrumented Systems - Certification Program

• Functional Safety Manager
• System Engineers
• Project Managers
• Quality Managers
• Test Engineers
• Software and hardware developers
• Everyone who is mainly involved in the development, production and implementation of programmable electronic safety systems and other suitable systems and subsystems in the field of process safety.

• Layers of protection, Safety Integrity Level - SIL
• Failures, Lifecycle Concept, Hazard and Risk Analysis
• SIL Determination, HAZOP, FMEDA, FTA, LOPA
• Define Safety Function, Develop Safety Requirement Specification
• Example on RBD, SIL calculations, calculation examples
• Using the safety instrumented systems, SIF design
• SIF Verification Example, redundancy for sensors
• Techniques to avoid systematic failures
• Cybersecurity, BMS, developing the SRS for BMS
• Using IEC 61511 concepts for BMS design
• Fire and gas, Multiple safety systems
• Proof Testing, Certification, Proven use and data

Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) is one of the most important layers of protection against accidents in a process industry. The design and implementation of such systems meet good engineering practices and avoid failures in the process industry like chemicals, refineries, petrochemicals, power etc. IEC 61511 covers the application of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic equipment.

This certification program is designed as a combined capsule of different modules based on years of practical experience in the field of Functional Safety and participation in relevant standardization committees. The training imparts you required knowledge relating to the existing IEC 61511 standards for safety-relevant electrical/electronic systems.

Demonstrate your company’s commitment to functional safety and meet a requirement of IEC 61508/IEC 61511 qualification by creating a team of certified professionals.

Our IEC 61511 Functional Safety Training for Process Industry course offers an in-depth overview of safety instrumented systems (SIS) and their role in functional safety. Catering to professionals looking to gain certification and expertise in compliance with IEC 61511 and IEC 61508 standards, this course is ideal for organizations committed to safety excellence.

Starting with an introduction to the fundamentals of functional safety, layers of protection, and the importance of Safety Integrity Levels (SIL), participants will understand why competence and qualification are essential under IEC standards.

Taken through the entire safety life cycle concept, the course covers hazard and risk analysis, SIL determination, and introducing key elements such as HAZOP, FMEDA, FTA, and LOPA. You’ll also learn about safety functions, develop Safety Requirement Specifications, and explore failures and strategies to avoid systematic errors and random hardware errors.

As the course progresses, you’ll work with practical examples including Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD), SIL calculations, and redundancy for sensors. You’ll learn how to design and verify Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF), including verification examples, proven use, certification, and proof testing.

By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the knowledge and confidence to use SIS effectively, design and verify SIFs, apply advanced techniques to prevent failures, and implement life cycle best practices. You’ll also understand how to apply data-driven approaches for SIL verification and certification, ensuring compliance and demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to functional safety.

In this training, you'll learn,

• FSM compliance audits and certifications can be obtained for all stakeholders involved in the implementation (e.g. plant owners, technical consultants, system integrators and product manufacturers/developers) of the functional safety project and the entire audit and certification process.
• Compliance with IEC 61511 FSM requirements ensure minimization of systematic errors.
• The project is delivered in accordance with international standards IEC 61511 and IEC 61508 regarding safety objectives.

As technology becomes increasingly complex, the need for qualified functional safety professionals continues to rise. The Functional Safety for the Process Industry Certification Program (FSCP) offers professionals the opportunity to certify their functional safety competence in accordance with IEC 61511. For organizations, this certification provides reliable evidence that certified employees are qualified to perform defined roles within the safety lifecycle.

The program consists of a 4-day instructor-led training, which includes a proctored certification examination on the final day (3 hours). Certification is available at Level 1 (Engineer) and Level 2 (Professional) with the examination incorporated into the overall program duration.

The training may be delivered either as a live virtual classroom or as an on-site, face-to-face session. In both formats, participants engage in a comprehensive learning experience that includes lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem-solving activities, practical examples, assignments, and quizzes.

When delivered virtually, the course is conducted live online using webinar technology, allowing participants to attend from any internet-accessible location. The virtual classroom format enables real-time interaction with the instructor and peers, supporting questions, discussion, and collaborative learning. A webcam and microphone are required for participation and for the online proctored examination.

When delivered on site, the training takes place in a traditional classroom environment, emphasizing in-person instruction, hands-on activities, group interaction, and immediate feedback from the instructor.

Both delivery options provide the same high-quality content, interactive learning experience, and level of instructor support.

The course content and structure have been developed by TÜV SÜD domain experts. Drawing on extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of relevant standards, TÜV SÜD’s product specialists and technical experts have designed the program to align with current industry practices, business needs, and market requirements.

International Certification:

Participants that attend the training will receive a TÜV SÜD Certificate of Attendance. And after successful completion of the examination a TÜV SÜD FSCP Certificate: “Process IEC 61511 Functional Safety Engineer” or other levels as stated in the program if prerequisites are met prior to enrollment:

Exam Format:

85 Questions: Multiple choice questions

Passing Criteria Level 1 (FSEr): 
Candidates need to score minimum 50% of the total marks (i.e. 43 out of 85) to pass this examination.

Certificate of successfully passed with the degree examination of  “Process - Functional Safety Engineer”.

Passing Criteria Level 2 (FSP):

Candidates need to score minimum 75% of the total marks (i.e. 64 out of 85) to pass this examination.

Certificate of successfully passed with the degree examination of “Process - Functional Safety Professional”.

There are no admission requirements for participation in this training. Recommended is Basic IEC 61508 modules 1-3 if this is your first contact with functional safety development.

Prerequisites for Level 1: "Functional Safety Engineer" certificate from the TÜV SÜD Academy

What is the IEC 61511 Process Functional Safety Training Course?

The IEC 61511 functional safety training course is a four-day programme that certifies engineers in the safe design, implementation, and management of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) across the entire safety lifecycle. It includes SIL determination, hazard analysis, and cybersecurity, and awards a TÜV SÜD certificate recognized globally with lifetime validity.

Why is IEC 61511 important?

IEC 61511 is important because it defines requirements for designing, operating, and maintaining Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in the process industry. The standard reduces the risk of hazardous events, improves functional safety, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects people, assets, and the environment across the entire safety lifecycle.

What is the IEC 61511 standard?

IEC 61511 is an international functional safety standard for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) used in the process industry. The standard defines requirements for the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and testing of SIS to reduce the risk of hazardous events throughout the entire safety lifecycle.

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.

Instructor for the In-Person sessions only (Calgary, CA) is:

Shaun Williamson, CFSE, PMP, P.L. (Eng.)
Director of Engineering, Watchmen Instrumented Safety Experts Ltd.
Certified Functional Safety Expert with 27+ years of experience in functional safety consulting, instrumentation and controls, and project management. Proven leader across numerous sectors including oil & gas, petrochemicals, pulp & paper, and manufacturing. Specialist in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Alarm Management, HAZOP/LOPA facilitation, and Fire & Gas Systems.

Location for In-Person Training

The in-person training course option is held at:
Spartan Controls Calgary Solutions Centre
11550 Barlow Trail NE #60
Calgary, AB T3N 1A7
Canada

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