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Qualified Specialist Programs
(QFSS / QCSS / QDSS)

Qualified Functional Safety Specialist (QFSS)
Qualified Cybersecurity Specialist (QCSS)
Qualified Dependable Systems Specialist (QDSS)

Modular Qualification Programs for Functional Safety, Cybersecurity and Dependability Engineers

The Qualified Functional Safety Specialist (QFSS), Qualified Cybersecurity Specialist (QCSS), and Qualified Dependable Systems Specialist (QDSS) are modular qualification programs designed to bridge the gap between individual training courses and advanced professional certifications such as CFSP and CFSE.

Each program combines structured training, knowledge assessment, and a clearly defined learning path to help engineers build practical expertise in functional safety, cybersecurity, or dependable systems.

Designed for engineers and technical professionals, these programs provide an intermediate qualification level that demonstrates assessed competence while preparing participants for higher-level certifications.

All programs follow a common modular structure and governance model, ensuring a consistent and transparent qualification framework across all specialties.

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Why choose a Qualified Specialist program

Qualified Specialist Programs provide a structured pathway for engineers and technical professionals who want to build broader expertise beyond individual training courses while working toward advanced professional certifications.

Key Benefits:

  • Modular learning paths with flexible course accumulation

  • Broader competence across multiple disciplines and lifecycle phases
  • Assessment-based validation of knowledge and skills
  • Clear progression toward Professional and Expert Certification programs
  • Consistent qualification standards across all exida programs
  • Internationally understandable and recognized credentials

A valuable qualification – today and for the future

Qualified Specialist Programs complement exida's Professional and Expert Certification Programs and can serve as:
  • A structured pathway toward CFSP, CACS, CFSE, or CACE certification
  • Formal evidence of assessed knowledge across multiple subject areas
  • A standalone qualification demonstrating competence in a specialized field
  • A valuable credential supporting professional development and career growth

The exida personnel certification programs

The QFSS, QCSS and QDSS programs are part of exida’s structured qualification ladder:

FSP / CSP Practitioner Programs

Course-based qualification programs that validate knowledge in a specific area of functional safety or cybersecurity.

QFSS / QCSS / QDSS – Qualified Specialist Programs

Modular qualification programs that combine multiple training modules, assessment, and cross-disciplinary learning to demonstrate broader competence within a specialized domain.

CFSP / CACS – Certified Professional Programs

Experience-based professional certifications recognizing both technical competence and practical application through verified industry experience.

CFSE / CACE – Certified Expert Programs

Advanced certifications recognizing extensive experience, technical leadership, and demonstrated expertise.

What a Qualified Specialist represents

A Qualified Specialist (QFSS, QCSS, or QDSS) has successfully completed a structured qualification pathway designed to build and validate competence in a specific technical domain.

Qualified Specialists:

  • Have completed a defined set of exida training modules within their chosen specialization
  • Demonstrate knowledge across multiple lifecycle phases and disciplines
  • Have successfully passed a qualification examination
  • Hold a recognized credential based on a structured and transparent assessment process
  • Are equipped to support functional safety, cybersecurity, or dependability activities in industrial and automotive environments

Qualified Specialists often work as engineers, developers, analysts, or technical experts and contribute to the implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of safety- and security-related systems.

Modular structure – The Batch Concept

All QFSS, QCSS and QDSS programs use a modular batch system. Each batch is a self‑contained training unit aligned with a specific standard, lifecycle phase, or technical focus. Batches can be accumulated flexibly over time.

A Qualified Specialist title is awarded after completion of the required batch set and successful completion of the corresponding examination.

Automotive Safety Specialist (QFSS)

The Automotive Safety Specialist qualification focuses on the application of functional safety principles throughout the automotive lifecycle. It validates competence in system-, software-, and hardware-level safety activities in accordance with ISO 26262.
Typical focus areas:
  • ISO 26262 system, software, and hardware safety
  • Safety lifecycle activities
  • Verification, validation, and analysis methods
  • Automotive E/E architectures and platforms
Batches required:
DE0201 - ISO26262 Introduction
DE0202 - ISO26262 Hardware
DE0203 - ISO26262 Software

DE0204 - ISO26262 Automotive Safety (includes all of the above)

Automotive AI Specialist (QFSS)

The Automotive AI Specialist qualification addresses functional safety challenges introduced by AI-based and data-driven vehicle functions. It combines established automotive safety principles with emerging standards and methodologies for AI-enabled systems.
Typical focus areas:
  • ISO 26262 (system level)
  • ISO/PAS 8800 (AI safety concepts)
  • Safety of AI‑based perception and control
  • System‑level risk assessment for AI functions
Batches required:
DE0201 - ISO26262 Introduction
DE0210 - Introduction to ISO/PAS 8800
DE0211 - ISO 21448 Introduction

Automotive Cybersecurity Specialist (QCSS)

The Automotive Cybersecurity Specialist qualification focuses on protecting road vehicles against cybersecurity threats throughout the vehicle lifecycle. It validates competence in threat analysis, risk assessment, secure system design, and cybersecurity verification activities in accordance with ISO/SAE 21434.
Typical focus areas:
  • Automotive threat analysis and risk assessment (TARA)
  • Secure vehicle and system architectures
  • Secure software development
  • Cybersecurity verification and validation
Batches required:
DE0602 – Road Vehicle Cybersecurity
DE0604 – Secure Software Development

DE0610 – Road Vehicle Cybersecurity in Depth (includes all of the above)

Examination and award of title

To earn a Qualified Specialist designation, participants must successfully complete the required training batches and pass a final examination.

The examination assesses both the knowledge gained throughout the program and the ability to apply and connect concepts across different lifecycle phases and disciplines.

Upon successful completion, participants are awarded one of the following qualifications, valid for three years:

  • Qualified Functional Safety Specialist (QFSS)
  • Qualified Cybersecurity Specialist (QCSS)
  • Qualified Dependable Systems Specialist (QDSS)

Registration can be done directly in one of our training courses or via this

This Form

Your Roadmap to Becoming a Qualified Specialist

The Qualified Specialist examination is designed to assess both technical knowledge and the ability to apply concepts across different disciplines and lifecycle phases.

Your Roadmap to Becoming a Qualified Specialist

  1. Complete the Required Batches
    • Complete all mandatory training batches for your chosen program
    • Build knowledge and competence across the relevant lifecycle phases.
  2. Pass the Qualified Specialist Examination
    • Demonstrate cross-batch understanding.
    • Show your ability to relate concepts across different lifecycle phases.
  3. Present Relevant Work Experience
    • Your relevant work experience and practical expertise in the related domain will be covered during a 30-minute interview with one of our experts.
  4. Earn Your Qualified Specialist Title
    • Successful candidates are awarded a title based on their program - QFSS, QCSS or QDSS
  5. Certification Validity
    • The Qualified Specialist title is valid for 3 years.

Pricing

The examination fee is included in the respective training program.

Participants who register for all required training batches of a specialization at the same time receive a 10% package discount.

Qualified Specialist designations are valid for three years. To maintain their qualification, participants may either:

  • Complete relevant updated training batches, or
  • Demonstrate continued professional experience and application of the respective specialist knowledge.

What's your next step?

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We provide consulting, assessment, cybersecurity, alarm management, product testing and certification under a number of Functional Safety, Security and SW Quality standards, such as IEC 61508, IEC 61511, ISO 26262, ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI), ASPICE


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