IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Expert Examination

Managers, safety managers, software developers, hardware developers, project managers, quality officers, test 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 Professional Exam - Level 3

The IEC 61508 Industrial Automation Functional Safety Expert Examination represents the highest level of competency assessment within the functional safety certification pathway. Designed for seasoned professionals, this expert-level examination validates advanced mastery in the application, integration, and leadership of functional safety practices in accordance with the internationally recognized IEC 61508 standard within complex industrial automation environments.

This examination is intended for highly experienced engineers, technical leaders, consultants, and safety specialists who are responsible for driving functional safety strategies across entire organizations, projects, or system lifecycles. It goes beyond foundational knowledge and practical application, requiring candidates to demonstrate deep expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to manage and optimize safety functions in highly complex, interconnected systems.

The scope of the examination encompasses the complete functional safety lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on advanced topics such as safety architecture optimization, systematic capability, hardware and software integrity, SIL verification and validation strategies, and the management of functional safety within large-scale or multi-disciplinary projects. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to interpret and apply standards in diverse and often ambiguous real-world contexts.

A defining characteristic of this expert-level examination is its focus on leadership and decision-making in safety-critical environments. Candidates must exhibit the ability to:

• Develop and oversee functional safety management systems
• Ensure compliance with IEC 61508 across complex project structures
• Evaluate and justify safety design decisions under constraints
• Address emerging challenges in digitalization and industrial automation
• Mentor and guide teams in implementing best practices

The examination incorporates sophisticated, scenario-based questions that reflect the realities of modern industrial automation, including distributed control systems (DCS), advanced PLC architectures, and integrated digital ecosystems. These scenarios require candidates to synthesize knowledge across disciplines and apply structured problem-solving approaches to ensure safety integrity and operational reliability.

Key features of the examination include:

• Expert-Level Validation: Confirms the highest level of competency in functional safety engineering and leadership.
• Strategic Focus: Emphasizes governance, safety culture, and organizational implementation of functional safety practices.
• Complex Scenario Analysis: Challenges candidates with multi-layered, real-world problems requiring expert judgment.
• Lifecycle Leadership: Covers oversight and optimization of all phases of the safety lifecycle, from concept through decommissioning.
• Automation and Digitalization Context: Addresses safety challenges in increasingly connected, data-driven industrial environments.
• Global Recognition: Demonstrates elite-level capability aligned with international standards and industry expectations.

Successful completion of this examination signifies that the candidate has achieved a distinguished level of expertise in functional safety. It establishes them as a trusted authority capable of leading safety-critical initiatives, influencing organizational strategy, and ensuring the highest standards of risk reduction and system reliability.

This examination is ideally suited for senior professionals seeking to position themselves as functional safety leaders, as well as organizations aiming to strengthen their safety governance through certified expert-level talent.

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.
• 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.

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 Expert" of the TÜV SÜD Academy.

• 10 years of industrial experience in functional safety technology
• Proof of a responsible position in 2 functional safety projects
  
  

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.