EXAM ISO 26262 FUNCTIONAL SAFETY EXPERT
Strengthen your position as a Functional Safety leader in the automotive industry. Become certified as an ISO 26262 Functional Safety Expert with TÜV SÜD and lead high‑impact technical projects.
The Functional Safety Expert certification in ISO 26262 represents the highest level of specialization in automotive functional safety. It is designed for senior professionals who lead or oversee the design, validation, or assessment of safety‑critical automotive systems. This accreditation confirms that you possess an in‑depth, comprehensive understanding of the ISO 26262 standard, as well as the practical experience required to make strategic decisions in complex projects.
Being certified as a Functional Safety Expert means you are able to evaluate complex architectures, optimize development processes, audit functional safety projects, and contribute to the creation of innovative safety solutions. You serve as a technical reference within your organization and are fully prepared to assume critical responsibilities at both technical and regulatory levels.
This recognition, issued by TÜV SÜD, positions you among the most highly valued and internationally sought‑after professionals in the field, ensuring your leadership in an environment where safety and technological innovation progress hand in hand.
Digital issuance of the certificate through Credsure: international verification, blockchain technology, and professional visibility
Upon passing the exam, the candidate will receive their certificate through Credsure, an international platform specialized in issuing verifiable digital credentials that uses blockchain technology to guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and traceability of the certificate.
This system allows immediate, real-time validation of the certificate through a unique and secure link, providing additional protection against any alteration or falsification. Credsure is designed to enhance the candidate’s professional visibility in digital environments.
✅ Digital certificate issued by TÜV SÜD with blockchain verification through Credsure
✅ Internationally valid and verifiable online by companies, institutions, and recruiters
✅ Easy to share on professional networks such as LinkedIn, digital portfolios, and online résumés
✅ Includes a secure link and/or QR code for immediate validity verification
✅ Backed by TÜV SÜD personnel certification standards
Thanks to this secure and widely recognized digital format, the candidate can reliably and visibly demonstrate their technical qualification, aligned with current digital environments, thereby strengthening their professional positioning in the job market.
Do you have questions about the training? Contact us
If you need more information about the exam, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help!
Professional profile
This level is intended for professionals who operate in the roles described below:
✅Senior professionals responsible for leading or auditing safety-critical automotive projects.
✅Safety managers and technical leads making strategic and architectural safety decisions.
✅Experts involved in planning, assessment, compliance, and process optimization under ISO 26262.
✅Consultants and advisors working across departments or with multiple stakeholders (OEMs, Tier 1, authorities).
✅Individuals with a proven track record in the development and lifecycle management of safety-related automotive systems.
Knowledge Assessed in the Exam
The knowledge assessed in the exam is divided into the following blocks:
| Block | Content |
| Strategic Implementation of Functional Safety | Leading safety planning across programs, including safety culture and governance |
| Architecture Evaluation | Analysis and optimization of complex system architectures for safety compliance |
| Advanced Hazard and Risk Analysis | Applying advanced techniques for HARA, FTA, FMEA, and probabilistic safety analysis |
| Process Tailoring & Optimization | Customizing ISO 26262 processes for various organizational and project-specific needs |
| Lifecycle Management & Decision Making | Making critical safety-related decisions throughout all phases of the lifecycle |
| Audit and Assessment Leadership | Leading assessments (FSA levels 1–3), audits, and interfacing with certification bodies |
| Innovation in Safety Solutions | Developing and validating novel safety concepts and practices aligned with evolving technologies |
| Regulatory and Standards Engagement | Understanding and contributing to the evolution of international safety standards |
Recommended Preparation Path
Although any experienced professional may take the exam, TÜV SÜD recommends ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training as the primary preparation route. This program covers 100% of the assessed content and enables candidates to approach the exam with a significantly higher level of confidence and readiness.
You can refer to the course ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training
What Does This Certification Validate?
This certification validates that the candidate:
✅Has a deep, comprehensive mastery of ISO 26262 across all phases
Demonstrates advanced expertise in the interpretation, application, and optimization of the standard at system, hardware, and software levels.
✅Can lead and make strategic decisions in complex safety‑critical projects
Evaluates architectures, assesses development processes, and defines safety strategies for high‑integrity automotive systems.
✅Is capable of performing and reviewing advanced safety analyses
Conducts and validates complex FTA, FMEDA, quantitative analyses, and ASIL decomposition strategies to ensure compliance and robustness.
✅Audits functional safety processes and safety cases
Has the expertise to critically review work products, safety documentation, and compliance evidence, ensuring adherence to ISO 26262 requirements.
✅Guides organizations in improving Functional Safety methodologies
Acts as a technical reference, advising on process improvements, innovation in safety concepts, and best practices throughout the lifecycle.
✅Contributes to the creation and evaluation of new safety‑related solutions
Demonstrates the ability not only to apply the standard, but to innovate, design, and justify new functional safety approaches within the automotive domain.
Professional benefits
Earning the FS Expert certification distinguishes you as a high‑level authority in automotive functional safety, capable of leading, evaluating, and shaping complex safety projects. It is the highest recognition for professionals who drive strategic decisions in ISO 26262 environments.
✅Proves strategic leadership capabilities
Confirms you can lead complex safety-related projects, evaluate system architectures, and define safety strategies at a high level.
✅Eligibility for auditing and technical authority roles
Certifies you as capable of conducting safety audits, peer reviews, and assessments across the development lifecycle.
✅High-level recognition in global markets
Positions you as a top-tier professional in safety engineering, making you a valuable asset in OEMs, Tier 1, and regulatory settings.
✅Influence in safety process development
Grants you the credibility to propose improvements, develop safety processes, and contribute to the evolution of safety culture.
✅Prestige and visibility
As an FSCP Expert, you’re listed among TÜV SÜD’s global experts—enhancing your visibility and professional reputation.
Modality:
Online exam supervised using the EURO software from PRUEFSTER Onlineprüfungen GmbH. The participant chooses when to connect and take the exam within a pre-established time frame.
Type of exam
The exam is administered as a multiple-response test with the following characteristics:
✅ Each question may have one or several valid answers.
✅ Within a single question: correct answers add 1 point and incorrect answers subtract 1 point.
✅ A question cannot have a score below zero.
✅ Questions may require performing calculations, conceptual analysis, or deductive reasoning; they are not limited to memorized knowledge.
Number of questions:
around 90
Duration:
150 minutes
Passing grade:
75% (equivalent to 7.5 out of 10)
Certificate Validity
The certificate has no expiration date
· 10 years of industrial experience in functional safety technology
· The following academic degrees will be recognized:
· Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
· Master’s degree: 3 years
· Doctorate (PhD): 4 years
· Evidence of participation in 2 functional safety projects.
· As primary preparation, it is recommended to complete the ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training course