ISO 26262 Automotive Functional Safety Engineer Training and Certification
Become a Certified Functional Safety Engineer Focused on Improving Automotive Safety
 | Top-selling course | |  | Disponible en Español | Also available in Spanish |
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 | Over 600+ participants have received their Engineer level certificate. | |||
Our ISO 26262 Functional Safety Training & Certification Program (FSCP) is designed to equip professionals with both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and manage safety-related functions in electrical and electronic systems used in road vehicles.
This comprehensive program provides a complete and up-to-date understanding of functional safety concepts defined by the ISO 26262 standard. Participants will learn how to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks in automotive systems, helping to reduce failures and improve overall safety performance.
Covering the entire product lifecycle—from concept through development to decommissioning—the training includes key topics such as:
- Functional safety principles
- Hazard and risk analysis
- System design and architecture
- Hardware and software development and assessment
- Real-world applications and case studies
The program is particularly suited for professionals in manufacturing, regulatory affairs, engineering, and quality management within the automotive industry.
By implementing ISO 26262 practices early in the development phase, organizations can proactively address safety risks before they escalate into costly issues later in production.
Modules 1 through 4 introduce the essential processes of the functional safety lifecycle and are highly recommended for beginners. Throughout the training, practical examples are used to reinforce learning and ensure participants can apply concepts effectively in their roles.
Successful completion of the program leads to TÜV SÜD certification, validating your expertise and enhancing your professional credentials in automotive functional safety.
Testimonials:
- "The course delivered an excellent balance of theory and real-world application. The instructor’s deep expertise and ability to connect ISO 26262 concepts to practical examples made complex topics much easier to understand. By the third day, everything started to click, transforming abstract concepts into something immediately applicable to real projects."
- "This training provided a comprehensive and well-structured overview of functional safety and the ISO 26262 standard. The instructor’s knowledge, combined with clear explanations, practical insights, and engaging discussions, made it highly valuable. I especially appreciated how the course connected the standard to actual product development and ASIL implementation."
- "An outstanding learning experience for anyone looking to understand functional safety in the automotive industry. The course not only explains the standard thoroughly but also teaches how to interpret it and apply it effectively. The real-world insights and examples gave me a new perspective and a much clearer understanding of safety processes, requirements, and lifecycle implementation."
To learn about the complete ISO 26262 certification program learning path see Modular training program: ISO 26262 Training – Modules & Exams.
This program is designed for professionals seeking to build or strengthen their expertise in functional safety for automotive electrical and electronic systems, including both hardware and software components.
It is ideal for individuals working in or pursuing a career in the automotive industry who are involved in the development, implementation, or management of safety-related systems. Typical roles include:
- Managers and project leaders
- Functional safety and quality managers
- Software and hardware developers
- Test and validation engineers
- Quality and compliance specialists
The course is particularly relevant for professionals working on ISO 26262 projects across the safety lifecycle, especially those focused on programmable electronic systems. It provides both foundational knowledge and practical insights into how safety-related systems are designed, operated, and controlled to reduce risk and prevent failures in accordance with ISO 26262 (2nd Edition).
The certified Functional Safety according to ISO 26262 is a training spanned across 4 and a half days comprising of the following:
- Day 1 - Module 1: Overview of Functional Safety and FSM for ISO 26262 2nd Edition Sections 1 - 12
- Day 2 - Module 2: From Risk Analysis to System Design for ISO 26262 2nd Edition Sections 3, 4, 8, 9, 12
- Day 3 - Module 3: Development and Assessment of safety-relevant Hardware for ISO 26262 2nd Edition Sections 5, 8, 9, 11
- Day 4 - Module 4: Development and Assessment of safety-relevant Software for ISO 26262 2nd Edition Sections 6, 8, 9
- Day 5 - Examination (Half-day)
Comprising the following topics:
Module 1:
- What does functional safety mean?
- Introduction to safety management (project-independent / during development / after the start of production)
- Safety Planning
- Supporting processes
- FMEA and FTA in the Safety Lifecycle – Brief Overview
- Role- based assessment and certification process
Module 2:
- ITEM Definition
- Exercise: ITEM Definition
- Hazard and Risk Analysis
- Exercise: Hazard and Risk Analysys
- Functional Safety Concept
- Technical Safety Concept
- Verification and Validation
Module 3:
- Overview, scope and content of ISO 26262-5
- Introduction to product development at the hardware level
- Consideration of the security requirements of the hardware
- Various topics related to hardware design
- Quantitative Hardware Requirements
- Exercise: FMEDA
- Integration and Test Requirements
- Introduction to Part 11
Module 4:
- Overview, scope and content of ISO 26262-6
- Process model and definitions with comparison to SPICE
- From concept to code - standard process
- From concept to code - using the example of an MBD process
- Handling of hardware and software requirements
- Verification and validation of software
- Modifications and change process
- Partitioning and decomposition
- Software Tool qualification
- Data communications
This program enables professionals to demonstrate their expertise in automotive functional safety in accordance with ISO 26262. Upon successful completion, participants receive an FSCP certificate as formal recognition of their knowledge and competence. The certification does not expire, providing long-term value for your professional credentials.
Modules 1–4 introduce the key processes required across the functional safety lifecycle and are especially recommended for beginners. The training uses a practical, scenario-based approach to explain safety analyses, supporting processes, required work products, and effective safety planning.
The course begins with an overview of functional safety fundamentals and the structure of ISO 26262, covering its purpose, scope, and relevance in automotive development. Participants then learn hazard and risk analysis, including ASIL determination, followed by the development of functional and technical safety concepts.
As the program progresses, you will explore the development and assessment of safety-related hardware, including reliability considerations and both qualitative and quantitative requirements. The training also covers safety analysis methods, data communication assessment, and calculation of fault metrics.
In the software-focused module, you will learn how to develop and assess safety-related software in compliance with ISO 26262. This includes process models, method selection, ASIL-based planning, and key topics such as software partitioning, diagnostics, and differences between code-based and model-based development.
You will also gain a clear understanding of how to apply and connect different safety analysis techniques, evaluating their strengths and limitations through practical examples.
By the end of the program, you will be able to apply ISO 26262 across the full safety lifecycle, conduct safety assessments, integrate hardware reliability considerations, and translate risk analysis into effective system, hardware, and software safety concepts.
The program concludes with a final examination on the fifth day.
The complete ISO 26262 certification program learning path consists of the following components:
Modular training program: ISO 26262 Training – Modules & Exams (PDF version).
- Enhance your efficiency with training courses linking theory with practical experience in the area of functional safety.
- Minimize risks by keeping your employees up to date with regard to standards and regulations in science and technology, enabling them to identify problems before your operations are affected.
- Avoid product recalls and loss of reputation by applying an optimized, tailored process.
- Gain competitive edge by applying your knowledge of the diverse roles throughout the safety life-cycle in order to develop the best solutions for you and your customers.
As an expert in the field of functional safety, you can secure a number of advantages for yourself and your company with a certificate according to FSCP ISO 26262:
- Meet the business requirements and the requirements of the ISO 26262 standard.
- You prove your knowledge in the field of functional safety with a generally recognized certificate and are listed on our website as an official expert in the field of functional safety.
- You qualify as a Functional Safety Engineer, Functional Safety Professional or Functional Safety Expert and thus improve your professional career.
- You will expand your internal competencies, tackle projects in the field of functional safety effectively and efficiently, and thus secure a competitive advantage.
And, most importantly, your Automotive - Functional Safety (ISO 26262) certificate does not have an expiry date!
We also offer the training program as Live Online. In this type of delivery, participants need to connect to the class sessions from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.
The training program culminates in an online proctored exam in which you will need your webcam on.
Requirements for Live Proctoring Examination:
- Students need to connect to the training 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.
After passing the certification exam, you will receive the corresponding FSCP certificate from us as well as a signature stating your qualifications and an entry on our website.
Participants who attend at least 90% of the total training duration will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
The program culminates with an online proctored examination. If you pass the exam, you will receive your Functional Safety Engineer Certificate from the TÜV SÜD Academy.
We offer the certification at three qualification levels and test specialists in the field of functional safety according to the highest quality standards. After passing the exams, you will receive a TÜV SÜD certificate with the corresponding title to prove your level of knowledge. Without exception, our exams are internationally recognized and are held in English.
Please note that the cost of this program only covers the Functional Safety Engineer exam. If you would like to seek Functional Safety Professional or Expert Level Certification you need to pay an extra fee for the exam separately, as well as meet the following prerequisites:
Level 1: Functional Safety Engineer according to ISO 26262
- Evaluation of the basic knowledge of the candidates for ISO 26262
Exam: Multiple-choice exam with a duration of 150 minutes.
This is an online proctored examination. Participants will need their webcam on.
Must be passed: At least 50%
The fee for this examination level is included in the cost of the training program.
Level 2: Functional Safety Professional according to ISO 26262
- Evaluation of the basic knowledge of ISO 26262 and the practical application of the standard by the candidates
Exam: Multiple-choice exam with a duration of 150 minutes.
This is an online proctored examination. Participants will need their webcam on.
Must be passed: At least 75%
Prerequisite to attain Level 2 certification:
- At least six years of professional experience in the respective industry.
- The following educational degrees with a focus on electrical engineering can be credited to:
- Bachelor's degree 2 years
- Master's degree 3 years
- Ph.D. degree 4 years
- Proof of participation in two reference projects in the field of functional safety.
- Pay an extra fee of $725 USD / $1,000 CAD for the Automotive - Functional Safety Professional Examination (ISO 26262) exam.
Level 3: Functional Safety Expert according to ISO 26262
- Evaluation of the basic knowledge of ISO 26262 and the practical application of the standard by the candidates.
Exam: Multiple-choice exam with a duration of 150 minutes.
This is an online proctored examination. Participants will need their webcam on.
Must be passed: At least 75%
Prerequisite to attain Level 3 certification:
- At least ten years of professional experience in the respective industry.
- The following educational degrees with a focus on electrical engineering can be credited to:
- Bachelor's degree 2 years
- Master's degree 3 years
- Ph.D. degree 4 years
- Submission of two case studies as evidence that the candidate has in-depth knowledge in the field of functional safety and can apply the practices of functional safety in an organization.
- Competence in communication on functional safety.
- Pay an extra fee of $1,075 USD / $1,475 CAD for the Automotive - Functional Safety Expert Examination (ISO 26262) exam.
If you're looking to attain Level 2 or Level 3 certification, please reach out to our team of Academic Advisors today. Contact Us
It is highly recommended learners obtain a copy of the relevant ISO standard(s) to reference during the course. These standards can be purchased through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) at www.ansi.org, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) at www.asq.org, or any other authorized distributor of international standards.
There are no entry requirements to participate in this training.
ISO 26262 functional safety is an international standard that regulates functional safety in electrical and electronic systems consisting of hardware and software components of road vehicles. Compliance to ISO 26262 is crucial for the OEMs, automotive suppliers to ensure human safety and automotive development.
ISO 26262 functional safety standard specifies a framework for safety- related systems to be applied to assist the development of electrical and electronic systems that are installed in road vehicles, excluding mopeds. ISO 26262 sets an outline for measuring risk and determine risk classes known as ASILs (Automotive Safety Integrity Levels, or ASILs) and aims to reduce possible hazards in automotive systems. It defines the safety lifecycle from the concept phase until the decommissioning of the automotive product or system. It tracks and measures risks to ensure that an acceptable level of safety is achieved in the automotive product.
ISO 26262 Functional Safety Training and Certification Program trains individuals to have the technical knowledge and practical experience in understanding safety-related systems in road vehicles. When the individual has complete knowledge of the safety related systems, they can take more informed steps on the ground and avoid mishaps and risks. This would ensure steps to be taken at the initial stages and avoid any undue limitations at later stages that would lead to saving both time and money. It would also ensure employee, company and customer satisfaction to the highest levels.
TÜV SÜD America is a leading international institution providing functional safety training across automotive industries in the US including OEMs and auto ancillary industries. Our ISO 26262 functional safety training and certification programs conducted in the US are globally accredited, as per the international norms. The ISO 26262 functional safety training and certification can be obtained by joining the course and completing the course as per the modules in the stipulated time provided to the trainees.
All training modules can be ordered as individual modules or in combination as a package. We can also offer these modules as in-house training courses on site in your company.
This page outlines the training modules you can register for as well as a description of the three different certification levels you can achieve. By attending modules and passing the requisite examinations you can obtain the following titles. Regarding our FSCP Functional Safety Certification Program you can become an:
- “Functional Safety Engineer” - a beginner level course with a general overview
- “Functional Safety Professional” - an intermediate level requiring a minimum of 6 yrs experience
- “Functional Safety Expert” - an expert level requiring 10 yrs experience
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the examination:
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Learn from specialist instructors at TÜV SÜD Academy—recognized leaders with deep expertise in their fields. For over 35 years, our global network of 2,500+ trainers has delivered practical, real-world knowledge that you can apply immediately.
Our courses are continuously updated to reflect the latest regulatory changes and industry best practices, ensuring you gain relevant, up-to-date skills with every session.
In our FSCP training program, we provide professionals with the latest knowledge in the field of functional safety and best practices. Our experienced instructors will support you during the training, answer your questions and teach you the basics.