IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Engineer Examination

Managers, safety managers, software developers, hardware developers, project managers, quality managers, testing engineers and all users of IEC 61508 who focus on the development of programmable electronic safety systems and want to carry out this development on the basis of the internationally recognized standard IEC 61508.

Functional Safety Engineer Exam - Level 1 Participation in our training IEC 61508 modules 1-3 is recommended, but not mandatory.

The Functional Safety Engineer Examination (IEC 61508) is a comprehensive assessment designed to validate a candidate’s knowledge, understanding, and practical application of functional safety principles in accordance with the internationally recognized IEC 61508 standard. This examination serves as a critical benchmark for professionals seeking to demonstrate their competence in designing, implementing, and maintaining safety-related systems within industrial environments.

This certification-focused examination evaluates a candidate’s ability to interpret and apply the full safety lifecycle defined in IEC 61508, including hazard and risk analysis, safety integrity level (SIL) determination, system design, verification and validation, and functional safety management. Participants are tested not only on theoretical knowledge but also on the practical application of key concepts to real-world scenarios, ensuring they can contribute effectively to safety-critical projects.

The examination is ideally suited for engineers, system integrators, safety professionals, and technical specialists working in industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, manufacturing, energy, and automation. It is particularly valuable for those responsible for safety instrumented systems (SIS), risk reduction strategies, and compliance with international safety standards.

Key features of the examination include:

• Standards-Based Assessment: Aligned with the IEC 61508 framework, covering core principles, terminology, and lifecycle requirements.
• Practical Focus: Scenario-based questions that reflect real industrial challenges and decision-making processes.
• Competency Validation: Confirms the candidate’s ability to apply functional safety concepts in engineering and operational contexts.
• Industry Recognition: Supports professional development and demonstrates commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

By successfully completing this examination, candidates demonstrate a high level of proficiency in functional safety engineering, reinforcing their capability to minimize risk, enhance system reliability, and ensure compliance with global safety standards. This makes it a valuable credential for both individual career advancement and organizational excellence in safety-critical operations.

FSCP test according to IEC 61508 - Level 1:

• We qualify you or your employees to work with functional safety according to IEC 61508.
• This exam provides proof that you understand the security lifecycle correctly.
• Proof is very important for you with regard to product liability.

Online proctored examination.

Requirements for Live Proctoring Examination:

• Students need to connect to the examination session from an internet accessible location.
• Webcam and Microphone are REQUIRED.
• The examination venue must be a self-contained private room or office.
• When prompted by the online exam proctor, the complete work environment/room must be shown using the camera.
• There must be no other people in the room.
• No other materials are allowed in the vicinity of the PC/laptop other than permitted resources.
• No texts on the walls or desk.
• Quiet surroundings and no music, television or other sources of noise.
• No other computers or devices in the room are to be switched on.
• The room must be sufficiently lit (equivalent to daylight).
• Participants are not permitted to create or distribute transcripts of the examination contents (electronically and/or manually).

• Participant makes/receives a telephone call during the examination.
• Another person appears in the room.
• During the examination, the browser displaying the examination is left and answers are researched online despite this being prohibited by the examination regulations (closed book).
• Documents/notes are positioned on or around the laptop/monitor that enable the participant to cheat.

• The duration of the examination is 150 minutes.
• The test is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 85 questions.
• The exam is considered passed with 71 or more points.
• The maximum possible score is 141 points.

Certificate "Functional Safety Engineer" of the TÜV SÜD Academy.