STPA Certification Levels
A structured framework for defining, assessing, and recognizing levels of proficiency across industries and organizations worldwide.
Why Standardize STPA Qualifications?
The quality of your analysis is only as strong as the expertise behind it. As STPA adoption has grown and more organizations worldwide require its use, there is a vital need for a standardized way to evaluate STPA knowledge, skill, and expertise. By following the standards set by the STAMP Accreditation Board, we provide globally recognized certification in STAMP-based methods like STPA and CAST.
We provide globally recognized certification, establishing the gold standard for professionals using STPA and CAST.
Ensure Quality:
Ensure that STPA outputs are technically sound and actionable.
Define Roles:
Match the right level of expertise to the project needs and complexity.
Scale Capability:
Create a clear path for internal training, mentoring, and talent development.
Benchmark:
Objectively assess your organization’s STPA readiness.
Five Levels of Proficiency
The STPA qualification framework defines five progressive levels of competence, each building upon the knowledge and experience of the previous level.
| Level | Core Competency | Summary |
|---|---|---|
1STPA Informed | Awareness | Familiar with some STPA concepts and terms. |
2STPA Trained | Knowledge | Has strong knowledge of each step of STPA but may not yet have experience and skill. |
3STPA Practitioner (Certified) | Application | Independently applies STPA to real-world applications while avoiding common mistakes. |
4STPA Facilitator (Certified) | Leadership | Leads STPA teams through the full lifecycle, providing deep expertise required to solve the toughest challenges. Can identify and resolve all potential mistakes. |
5STPA Instructor (Certified) | Mastery | Qualified to train the next generation of experts and scale STPA capability across entire organizations. |
1STPA Informed
Awareness
Familiar with some STPA concepts and terms.
2STPA Trained
Foundational Knowledge
Has strong knowledge of each step of STPA, but may not yet have experience and skill.
3STPA Practitioner (Certified)
Applied Competence
Independently applies STPA to real-world applications while avoiding common mistakes.
4STPA Facilitator (Certified)
Leadership & Mentorship
Leads STPA teams through the full lifecycle, providing deep expertise required to solve the toughest challenges. Can identify and resolve all potential mistakes.
5STPA Instructor (Certified)
Mastery & Contribution
Qualified to train the next generation of experts and scale STPA capability across entire organizations.
Detailed Level Descriptions
Each level includes a detailed description, scope of capability, and specific qualification criteria. Expand each level below to view the full details.
1Level 1: STPA Informed
Description
An STPA Informed individual possesses general knowledge of STPA gained from public sources but has not yet received any formal instruction or qualification.
Scope of Capability
- Familiar with basic STPA terminology and high-level concepts
- Can start an STPA analysis but generally needs support and review from experts
Qualification Criteria
- Review of publicly available STPA materials
- No formal training or assessment required
2Level 2: STPA Trained
Description
An STPA-trained Individual is someone who has attended formal STPA training with a qualified Instructor but has not yet undergone an evaluation or assessment.
Scope of Capability
- Can recognize the four steps of STPA
- Familiar with STPA’s core principles and suitable applications
- Can participate meaningfully in STPA discussions
- Not yet qualified to independently apply STPA on a real project
Qualification Criteria
- Attended an STPA training class taught by a qualified STPA Instructor
3Level 3: STPA Practitioner (Certified)
Description
An STPA Practitioner is an individual who is qualified to apply STPA to a project as an individual contributor, usually with guidance or oversight from an experienced STPA Facilitator.
Scope of Capability
- Performs STPA analyses on defined systems or subsystems
- Can apply every step of STPA while avoiding common mistakes
- Contributes STPA results as a trusted member of a larger project team
- Typically requires oversight and review from an STPA facilitator
Qualification Criteria
- Completion of a small STPA project (often as part of a training class or supervised effort)
- Project must be reviewed by a qualified STPA Facilitator or Instructor
- Work must meet defined certification criteria to receive the STPA Practitioner Certificate
4Level 4: STPA Facilitator (Certified)
Description
Qualified to lead STPA teams, major STPA projects, and provide organizational guidance on the effective application of STPA.
Scope of Capability
- Leads teams of STPA Practitioners, providing guidance and support as needed
- Leads detailed reviews of STPA analyses for technical quality
- Can identify and resolve all potential mistakes
- Advises on STPA adoption and usage across projects
- Plans and manages STPA activities (e.g., milestones, scope, implementation plans)
- Acts as the responsible lead for STPA on real projects
Qualification Criteria
- Prior qualification as an STPA Practitioner
- Leadership of a real STPA project involving multiple Practitioners
- Leadership observed and evaluated by a qualified STPA Facilitator or Instructor
- Successful completion of the evaluation is required to obtain the STPA Facilitator Certificate.
5Level 5: STPA Instructor (Certified)
Description
Qualified to teach STPA courses and certify lower levels of STPA competence. They train the next generation of experts and scale STPA capability across entire organizations. Instructors provide a master-level understanding of how STPA integrates with global safety standards, backed by lessons learned from hundreds of real-world projects.
Scope of Capability
- Designs and delivers STPA training
- Evaluates student work and Practitioner competence
- Certifies Practitioners and Facilitators according to defined criteria
Qualification Criteria
- Prior qualification as an STPA Facilitator
- Substantial experience in the Facilitator role and a strong results record
- Evaluation of proposed STPA class material
- Delivery of STPA instruction to a pilot team or class
- Instruction observed and evaluated by a qualified STPA Instructor
- Successful completion of the evaluation is required to obtain the STPA Instructor Certificate.
How to Start the Certification Track
The STPA certification track begins with the self-paced Safety Engineering and STPA course. The FAQs list the time and cost of each step.