IEC 61508
IEC 61508 is the international standard for functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems, used as the umbrella reference for sector-specific safety standards across process, automotive, machinery, and rail industries.
Last updated: April 2026
Key Facts
- Term
- IEC 61508
- Full title
- Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-related Systems (E/E/PE)
- Published by
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- First published
- 1998 to 2000 (Parts 1 to 7); Edition 2 published 2010
- Number of parts
- Eight (Part 0 plus Parts 1 to 7)
- Industries
- Process, automotive, machinery, rail, medical devices
- Risk classification
- Safety Integrity Level (SIL 1 to SIL 4)
- Sector adaptations
- IEC 61511 (process), ISO 26262 (automotive), IEC 62061 (machinery), EN 50128 (rail), IEC 62304 (medical)
- Recognised certification schemes
- TUV Rheinland, TUV SUD, CFSE (exida)
- Typical course duration
- 3 to 5 days
What is IEC 61508?
IEC 61508 is the foundation functional safety standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It applies wherever electrical, electronic, or programmable electronic systems perform a safety role.
The standard defines a complete safety lifecycle covering concept, hazard and risk analysis, allocation of safety functions, design and engineering, installation and commissioning, operation, maintenance, modification, and decommissioning. It introduces the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) classification, sets requirements for systematic capability and architectural constraints, and specifies probability targets for dangerous failure. IEC 61508 is the parent standard from which sector-specific adaptations are derived.
IEC 61508 Structure: The Eight Parts
| Part | Title | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Part 0 | Functional safety and IEC 61508 | Technical Report |
| Part 1 | General requirements | Normative |
| Part 2 | Requirements for E/E/PE safety-related systems | Normative |
| Part 3 | Software requirements | Normative |
| Part 4 | Definitions and abbreviations | Normative |
| Part 5 | Examples of methods for the determination of SILs | Informative |
| Part 6 | Guidelines on the application of Parts 2 and 3 | Informative |
| Part 7 | Overview of techniques and measures | Informative |
Parts 1 to 3 contain the binding requirements. Parts 4 to 7 provide definitions, examples, and guidance for implementation.
How IEC 61508 Relates to Other Safety Standards
- IEC 61511: Process industry adaptation. Uses SIL classification directly.
- ISO 26262: Automotive adaptation. Uses ASIL instead of SIL.
- IEC 62061: Machinery adaptation. Uses SIL classification directly.
- EN 50128: Railway software. Uses Software Safety Integrity Level (SSIL).
- IEC 62304: Medical device software. Uses Software Safety Class (A, B, C).
How Functional Safety Training Providers Deliver IEC 61508 Courses
Training providers deliver IEC 61508 as a three to five day instructor-led course followed by a written exam under a recognised certification scheme.
Delegates include hardware engineers, software engineers, system integrators, and assessors working in safety-critical industries. Training providers run IEC 61508 cohorts across multiple regions, often in two or three languages, and many offer follow-on sector-specific courses (61511, 26262, 62061) once delegates complete the foundation. Strong delivery requires cohort scheduling, identity verification at exam, verifiable certificates, and audit-ready records that withstand certification body scrutiny. Most providers run IEC 61508 as both public open-enrolment cohorts and private corporate cohorts under a branded academy portal.
Common Questions
Who needs IEC 61508 training?
Engineers, software developers, system integrators, and assessors working on safety-related systems in process, automotive, machinery, rail, and medical industries. Most pursue IEC 61508 first, then take a sector-specific adaptation relevant to their industry.
Is IEC 61508 certification mandatory?
The standard itself is voluntary. Many regulated industries and end customers require IEC 61508 compliance as a condition of supply, however. Independent certification through bodies like TUV Rheinland, TUV SUD, or exida demonstrates conformance.
How long does IEC 61508 personnel certification last?
Personnel certifications under recognised schemes typically have a validity of three to five years and require continuing professional development for renewal. Product and system certifications are tied to design changes rather than time.
How does IEC 61508 relate to IEC 61511 and ISO 26262?
IEC 61511 is the process industry adaptation of IEC 61508 and uses SIL directly. ISO 26262 is the automotive adaptation and uses ASIL in place of SIL. Both inherit the safety lifecycle and risk-based approach, but each adds sector-specific requirements.
Train Your Delegates with Blend-ed
Blend-ed powers IEC 61508 training delivery for certified functional safety providers. TUV SUD-approved IEC 61508 provider Risknowlogy runs its full operation on Blend-ed.
- Read: Best LMS for Functional Safety Training Companies in 2026
- Compare: Best LMS for External Training Providers in 2026
