IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Professional Examination

Safety managers, software developers, hardware developers, project managers, quality officers, test engineers and anyone involved in functional safety projects and life cycles, focusing primarily on the development of programmable electronic safety systems according to the international standard IEC 61508.

Functional Safety Professional Exam - Level 2

The IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Professional Examination is an advanced-level assessment designed to validate a professional’s expertise in applying functional safety principles within industrial automation environments. Based on the globally recognized IEC 61508 standard, this examination represents a higher level of competency, focusing on the integration of safety concepts into complex, automated systems and processes.

This examination is intended for experienced professionals who are actively involved in the design, engineering, implementation, operation, or maintenance of safety-related systems in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and process automation. It provides a rigorous evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills required to manage safety risks in automated and digitally driven environments.

Participants are assessed across the entire functional safety lifecycle, with an emphasis on real-world implementation in industrial automation systems. The examination covers key areas such as hazard and risk analysis, Safety Integrity Level (SIL) determination, safety requirements specification, system architecture design, hardware and software safety integrity, verification and validation, and lifecycle management. It also includes a strong focus on functional safety management practices and compliance with regulatory and industry requirements.

What distinguishes this professional-level examination is its focus on industrial automation contexts, where interconnected systems, digital controls, and increasing system complexity demand a deeper understanding of safety integration. Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex scenarios, make sound engineering decisions, and ensure that safety functions perform reliably under defined conditions.

Key features of the examination include:

• Advanced Competency Validation: Confirms a high level of expertise in applying IEC 61508 principles within automated industrial systems.
• Automation-Focused Scope: Emphasizes safety challenges specific to distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and integrated automation architectures.
• Scenario-Based Assessment: Tests the application of knowledge through realistic engineering and operational situations.
• Lifecycle Approach: Covers all phases of the safety lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning, with practical relevance.
• Professional Recognition: Supports career progression and establishes credibility as a functional safety expert within industrial automation domains.
• Alignment with Industry Needs: Addresses the growing demand for qualified professionals capable of ensuring safety in increasingly complex and digitalized environments.

By successfully completing this examination, candidates demonstrate their ability to lead and support functional safety activities in industrial automation projects. They gain recognition as professionals capable of reducing operational risk, enhancing system reliability, and ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

This examination is ideal for senior engineers, automation specialists, safety managers, and consultants who aim to elevate their professional standing and contribute to safer, more reliable industrial operations.

Registration Form

• 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.
• You gain a competitive advantage through your certificate as a Functional Safety Professional.
• If you do not achieve the necessary score for Level 2 or Level 3 in the multiple-choice tests, you have the option of obtaining the Level 1 certificate upon reaching the necessary score for Level 1.

Online proctored examination.

The indication of surnames, first names, place of birth and date of birth is a prerequisite for certification.

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 107 or more points.
• The maximum possible score is 141 points.

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

• 6 years of industrial experience in functional safety technology
• Proof of participation in 2 projects in functional safety

The following evidence of formal qualifications will be credited to...

• Bachelor's degree 2 years
• Master's degree 3 years
• Ph.D. degree 4 years

• It is recommended to participate in the corresponding TÜV SÜD training course