When the latest edition of IEC61511 was published in 2016, one of the key changes was the emphasis on competency and some further guidance on what this means.  The relevant clauses in the IEC61511:2016 are 5.2.2.1 to 5.2.2.3 under Clause 5.2.2: Organization and Resources.  I am often asked what is competency?  And, in my view, competency is a blend of knowledge, experience and capability, whereby there has to be an understanding of the concepts and, more importantly, how to apply them in a practical manner.

For anyone involved in Safety Instrumented System (SIS): specification, design, implementation and operation and maintenance, there has to be a level of competency and understanding regarding functional safety, appropriate to the level of involvement (i.e. knowledge of functional safety and how to apply it within the given phase of the Safety Lifecycle).  The primary purpose of this is to limit the possibility of Systematic errors creeping into the SIS during the analysis, design, implementation and operation phases of the lifecycle. Those of you that may have attended our FSE100 Functional Safety training class will know that we characterize systematic failures as being attributed to the 3 Ps:

• People – do we have properly trained and competent people to undertake the work
• Procedures – do we have written procedures that are being followed correctly
• Paperwork – do we have a paper trail that proves we are doing what we are supposed to do

The reason this is so important is that when major accident events are analyzed, it usually comes down to failure in one or more of the 3 Ps.  In other words, a systematic failure. 

So, what does competency mean?  Again, the above clauses define some of the minimum criteria that need consideration when looking at competency.  One way to prove competence is to undertake Certification such as becoming a Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) or Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP), or a Certified Automation Cybersecurity Expert (CACE), or a Certified Automation Cybersecurity Specialist (CACS).  Certification is not a once and done (as opposed to a Certificate that is a once and done: you take a course, pass an exam based on the course and have a certificate for life).  Certification has ongoing competency requirements.  Similar to a PE or CEng, a CFSE or CFSP holder has to resubmit every 3 years to maintain their certification, proving that they are maintaining their level of competence.  This doesn’t mean having to take another exam but providing evidence of continued competence development (e.g. attending relevant webinars that provide CEUs, for example).  The important thing with these Certification exams is that the exam is not an academic exercise of just crunching numbers to get PFD and SIL rating. It presents the examinee with practical real-world problems and situations to solve, which is a much more relevant and practical approach (and a better measure of true competence).

If you are looking to advance your career and to become one of a limited number of certified functional safety engineers, then look out for the upcoming webinar on Certification to decide for yourself. It’s a chance to join an elite global group of subject matter experts!

• Number of CFSEs passed: 771
• Number of CFSPs passed: 1672
• Number of CACEs passed: 27
• Number of CACSs passed: 28