Diploma in Type Testing and Audits (NCAP/UNECE/NHTSA)
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in type testing and audits (NCAP/UNECE/NHTSA). 8 modules covering the testing and assessment ecosystem, Euro NCAP assistance protocols, UNECE ADAS regulations, NHTSA and FMVSS testing, test instrumentation, virtual testing and audits, and test campaign management, with UN Regulation R152 (AEBS), UN Regulation R157 (ALKS) and FMVSS 127, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Type Testing and Audits (NCAP/UNECE/NHTSA) — studying from the United States
The United States is a major center for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems, with significant activity in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. Automakers, technology firms and specialized startups develop sensor fusion, perception, planning and vehicle software platforms. The shift toward software-defined vehicles is reshaping traditional engineering roles and increasing demand for embedded software, cybersecurity and systems engineering talent. Federal and state rules on testing and safety create a demanding environment where validation and standards expertise is highly valued.
Fees for the United States: US$2,000 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
What US bodies and rules govern autonomous and ADAS vehicle engineering?
In the US, NHTSA sets federal vehicle safety standards and has issued guidance on automated driving systems, while states regulate testing and operation on public roads. SAE International's levels of driving automation are the common industry reference. Professional engineering licensure is handled by state boards. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their recognition is for employers or relevant bodies to decide.
Do US employers in autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles recognize private engineering qualifications?
US companies working on ADAS and software-defined vehicles, including automakers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology firms, mainly look for software, controls and safety-engineering experience. A private qualification can document specialist study, but it is not a standard hiring requirement and its value is assessed by each employer. Projects, code samples and relevant prior roles usually carry more weight.
Can I study autonomous and software-defined vehicle topics from the US alongside my job?
Yes. The programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Expect a significant time commitment: about 1,900 hours for a master's, 800 hours for a postgraduate diploma, or 300 hours for a specialist course. Each student receives an assigned technical tutor. Fees may be paid in instalments, and some employers fund training, which you should discuss with your employer.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Distinguish between type approval and consumer assessment programmes.
Interpret the Euro NCAP protocols for assistance systems.
Apply the UNECE and FMVSS regulations governing ADAS functions.
Specify the instrumentation and targets for a track test.
Assess the uncertainty and repeatability of test results.
Plan audits combining physical and virtual testing.
Manage a test campaign with realistic timescales and costs.
Who it's for
- ADAS test engineers running track campaigns.
- Type-approval technicians preparing UNECE and FMVSS submissions.
- Technical service auditors assessing manufacturers' evidence.
- NCAP assessment managers targeting star ratings.
- Vehicle validation engineers working on assistance systems.
- Track test campaign coordinators managing resources and schedules.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter vehicle manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- UN Regulation R152 (advanced emergency braking systems)
- UN Regulation R157 (Automated Lane Keeping Systems)
- FMVSS 127 (US automatic emergency braking standard)
- UN Regulation R79 (steering equipment and ACSF)
- UN Regulation R131 (AEBS for heavy vehicles)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 (General Safety Regulation)
- ISO 19206 (test targets for ADAS evaluation)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing laboratories)
- IPG CarMaker
- dSPACE ASM
- esmini (OpenSCENARIO)
- Vector CANape
- MATLAB
8 modules
1.1Type approval versus consumer assessment1.2Euro NCAP, NHTSA NCAP, IIHS and other programmes1.3UNECE regulations of the WP.29 Forum1.4FMVSS and self-certification in the United States1.5Technical services and type-approval authorities1.6Conformity of production1.7Protocol timetables and their evolution1.8Commercial impact of NCAP stars1.9China NCAP, JNCAP and ANCAP programmes1.10Case study: test map for a global launch
2.1Car-to-car AEB systems2.2AEB for pedestrians and cyclists2.3Lane Support Systems: LKA, ELK and LDW2.4Speed Assistance Systems2.5Driver Monitoring and Assisted Driving Grading2.6Motorcycle AEB and junction scenarios2.7Calculating scores and weightings2.8The 2026 protocol and new assessment areas2.9Blind spot and door-opening tests2.10Workshop: scoring a vehicle from test results
3.1UN R152 advanced emergency braking3.2UN R79 steering and ACSF functions3.3UN R130 lane departure warning3.4UN R131 braking for heavy vehicles3.5UN R157 ALKS systems3.6UN R171 DCAS systems3.7General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/21443.8Test procedures and tolerances3.9Driver monitoring in UN R1573.10Practical exercise: UN R152 test matrix for a passenger car
4.1FMVSS 127 automatic emergency braking4.2The NHTSA NCAP programme and its updates4.3NHTSA ADAS confirmation test protocols4.4IIHS: braking and safeguard assessments4.5The Standing General Order and incident reporting4.6Recalls and ADAS-related defects4.7Differences between the UNECE and US approaches4.8Documentation for self-certification4.9Night-time pedestrian detection4.10Case study: comparing R152 with FMVSS 127
5.1Soft targets: GVT, EPTa, EBTa5.2Low-profile platforms and driving robots5.3RTK GNSS and reference inertial units5.4Synchronisation and data acquisition5.5Test tracks and environmental conditions5.6Measurement uncertainty and repeatability5.7Equipment calibration and traceability5.8Personnel safety on the track5.9Target guidance and propulsion systems5.10Laboratory: uncertainty analysis of an AEB test
6.1OpenSCENARIO scenarios and databases6.2Validated simulation as type-approval evidence6.3The WP.29 NATM method6.4Auditing the manufacturer's processes6.5Auditing cybersecurity management systems6.6Auditing software updates6.7Correlation between physical and virtual testing6.8Managing non-conformities6.9Credibility of simulation tools6.10Workshop: audit plan for an ALKS system
7.1Planning prototypes and track resources7.2Vehicle preparation and software configuration7.3Running internal pre-tests7.4Technical service witnesses7.5Data management and traceability of results7.6Failure analysis and retests7.7Test reports and technical files7.8Cost and timescale of a global campaign7.9Prototype confidentiality on the track7.10Practical exercise: schedule for an NCAP and type-approval campaign
8.1Selecting the vehicle and functions to assess8.2NCAP, UNECE and NHTSA requirements matrix8.3Physical and virtual test plan8.4Instrumentation specification8.5Uncertainty estimation8.6Audit and evidence plan8.7Campaign risk analysis8.8Test data management plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. You work with IPG CarMaker, dSPACE ASM, esmini (OpenSCENARIO), Vector CANape and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: planning an AEB track test campaign, assessing results against Euro NCAP protocols, and preparing a type-approval audit. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: UN Regulation R152 (AEBS), UN Regulation R157 (ALKS), FMVSS 127, UN Regulation R79, UN Regulation R131, Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 (General Safety Regulation), ISO 19206 (test targets), ISO/IEC 17025.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with IPG CarMaker, dSPACE ASM, esmini (OpenSCENARIO), Vector CANape and MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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