GENERAL INFORMATION

Core Competencies
These required competencies are derived from the various phases of the IEC61508 standard's lifecycle and the activities involved in each of those phases. Core competencies are also derived from IEC61511 for process safety and IEC62061 for machine safety. A list of these competencies in the various areas can be accessed through the Specialties links above.

Open Book
All CFSE/CFSP exams are open book with all readily available published references allowed to be used during the exam. Please also note that the candidates are specifically encouraged to at least bring a copy of part 1 of 61508 and similar relevant parts of the sector-specific IEC standards relevant to their area. For example, Process Applications candidates should also bring at least part 1 of 61511, Machine Applications candidates should also bring at least 62061, Software candidates should also bring at least part 3 of 61508, and Hardware candidates should also bring at least part 2 of 61508.

Other textbooks, publicly available published course materials, and workbooks are also allowed and may be useful to the candidates. Although occasional general hand notes in these reference materials may be allowed at the discretion of the Governance Board appointed exam proctor, it is expressly forbidden to bring in any personal exam-specific notes.

Exam Difficulty
Because safety is such an important issue in the process and machine industries, the Governance Board treats the CFSE/CFSP application and examinations very seriously. As a result, the certificate exams are extremely rigorous and often demand significant preparation in order to achieve the 80% passing grade for both exams. With this in mind, the Governance Board strongly recommends that all candidates develop an in-depth study plan to properly prepare for the examinations. The topics covered in the different exams and sample Process Applications Exam questions provided in the Specialties and General Information pull-down menus may be helpful in developing an effective study plan.

In view of the comprehensive nature of the exams, the Governance Board recommends that candidates put in at least 40 self study hours as part of their preparation for the CFSE/CFSP exams.

Assessment
A candidate must show relevant qualifications and experience as well as meet performance-based criteria through sitting an examination on the skills relevant to the field in question. Details can be found through the Application Information link.
CFSE/CFSP Application Information | CFSE/CFSP Exam Date Information

New CFSP Qualification
In recognition of the fact that many practicing safety engineers do not require the high level of experience or expertise of the CFSE, a new Certified Functional Safety Professional or CFSP qualification has been developed. The main differences in the application process are:

For more information, see the CFSE/CFSP Application Information link above.

Administration
The CFSE Governance Board is set up to both assess the relevant qualifications of a candidate and administer the skills examination. In addition, the board processes certificates, maintains a register of candidates and those who have successfully achieved the designation of Certified Functional Safety Expert and Certified Functional Safety Professional.

Maintaining the CFSE/CFSP Qualification
When an individual becomes a CFSE or CFSP, the qualification is initially valid for 3 years. After that date it must be renewed by submitting the renewal application form and accompanying fee (~US$400). It is not necessary to take the exam again unless nine (9) years have passed since the initial certificate was issued. The renewal basically consists of a confirmation that the renewal applicant is still active in their corresponding certificate specialty along with opportunities for additional supporting qualifications and experience. Once the renewal has been accepted, the certificate is valid for an additional two (2) year period. Repeated renewals are permitted without re-examination up to a period of nine (9) years since the initial exam pass.
In the event that the certificate expires through either lack of renewal from the initial issue of the certificate, it can be renewed by re-taking the examination.

Preparatory Courses
Although the board does not offer courses for the CFSE; it has approved those offered by several companies as being appropriate to the material and skills assessed in the examination. More detailed training information can be accessed through the directly from the following Training Links or through the Process and Machinery Safety links under the Specialties link above
Process Training | Machinery Training

CFSE/CFSP Sample Exam

CFSE Sample Exam | CFSP Example Questions | CFSP Example Answers