Definition:
A Competency Management System (CMS) is the organization’s documented framework for ensuring that personnel are qualified to perform their functional safety responsibilities. It typically involves documented criteria for each SIS-related role, competency assessments, ongoing verification, and corrective action processes if gaps are detected. It will also include who specifically can sign for what.
Key Points:
- Covers initial qualification, periodic training, revalidation, and records retention.
- Required by IEC 61511-1.
- Very common part of audits
Example:
A company maintains a CMS spreadsheet tracking competency levels for all engineers performing SIS design and validation. An existing engineer gets a functional safety certification, and the Functional Safety Manager updates the CMS.
See Also: competent person
Cited Source:
- IEC 61511-1:2016, Clause 5.2.2.
- IEC 61508 Competency Guidelines here