BACKGROUND
The CFSE (Certified Functional Safety Expert) concept was originally developed by engineers from TÜV SÜD and exida with the support of other international safety experts to ensure that personnel performing SIS lifecycle activities are competent as required by the IEC 61508, 61511, and 62061 standards. The program is the now admistered by exida. Certificates are issued by exida Certification S.A.

WHY BECOME A CFSE OR CFSP?
Standards require proof of qualification, to insure safety knowledge and skills are up to date, and some companies now require CFSE holders to oversee safety projects and CFSP holders to execute them. The CFSE program is the most stringent in the world and represents the best demonstration of competency in the world.

"...ensuring that applicable parties involved in any of the overall E/E/PE or software safety lifecycle activities are competent to carry out activities for which they are accountable" - IEC 61508, Part 1, Paragraph 6.2.1 (h)

HOW TO BECOME A CFSE OR CFSP?
The CFSE program does not require mandatory participation in any course. Each successful CFSE is permitted to choose how they prepare for their exam. This preperation should not be taken lightly. The CFSE exam requires a solid in-depth knowledge of functional safety. The certification process involves a review of the applicant's background and satisfactory completion of a proficiency exam. The background review includes proof of completion of an applicable engineering curriculum and review of relevant professional experience.

CFSE Requirements	CFSP Requirements
10 years of equivalent engineering experience with a significant safety component	2 years of equivalent engineering experience with a significant safety component
Submit a description of a case study they worked on demonstrating their knowledge and capabilities in executing part of the safety lifecycle	No case study required
Provide 4 references to support their experience and case study	Provide 2 references to support their experience
Score 80% or better on a two part exam containing multiple choice, short answer and case study problems	Score 80% or better on a single part exam containing multiple choice and short answer questions

Applicants are encouraged to use their immediate supervisor as a referee.

Successful applicants will receive a certificate of competency in one of four main fields : 1. Process Industry Safety , 2. Machinery safety, 3. Safety Software Development, and 4. Safety Hardware Development

CFSE vs. CFSP
The CFSE is the higher level certification and is aimed at professionals who actively lead, coordinate and review the more complex and demanding activities in the Safety Lifecycle in leadership positions including SIL selection and SIL verification.

The CFSP is targeted at professionals who need a thorough understanding of the Safety Lifecycle activities at the execution level without necessarily leading, coordinating or reviewing the more complex and demanding activities.

For more information, see the Application Information link above.