FIA basic regulations course for single-seaters
Online course of 300 hours in basic FIA regulations for single-seaters. 6 modules covering the FIA regulatory framework, chassis and passive safety, dimensions and aerodynamics, engine and electronics, and scrutineering, with an assigned technical tutor.
FIA basic regulations course for single-seaters — studying from South Africa
The automotive sector is one of South Africa's most important manufacturing industries, with major plants in the Eastern Cape around Gqeberha, in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng. Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ford and Volkswagen South Africa operate assembly and component facilities that export vehicles and parts across Africa and beyond. The sector relies on engineers skilled in powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, quality and production systems. Motorsport activity, including circuits at Kyalami and Zwartkops, adds further demand for performance engineering.
Fees for South Africa: R 10 200 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies recognise automotive engineering skills, and does SEIUM count?
Professional recognition for engineers in South Africa runs through ECSA, which registers engineers, technicians and technologists under the Engineering Profession Act. Automotive trades also fall under bodies such as the MERSETA for skills development. SEIUM is a private online institute whose qualifications are not state degrees and are not accredited by a national body, so whether they are recognised is up to the employer or the relevant body to decide.
Will this programme help me find work in South Africa's automotive or motorsport industry?
South Africa has a significant automotive manufacturing and component sector, and motorsport teams and suppliers also hire engineers. Employers typically look at practical experience, recognised qualifications and references. A private online qualification can strengthen your profile in specialist areas, but it does not guarantee employment. Speak to potential employers about whether they would value it.
How does the course fit around a job, and how are fees paid?
The programme is delivered entirely online in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so choose the level that matches your available time. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible. Ask your employer whether they would fund part of the training.
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
Interpret the structure of FIA technical and sporting regulations.
Recognise the passive safety requirements of a single-seater.
Check dimensions, weight and regulatory aerodynamics.
Identify the restrictions on engine, electronics and tyres.
Prepare the car and documentation for technical scrutineering.
Analyse cases of penalties for technical non-compliance.
Draw up a regulatory compliance plan for a team.
Who it's for
- Regulatory compliance engineers in single-seater teams.
- Technical scrutineers.
- Chief mechanics.
- Track engineers who need a firm grasp of the rulebook.
- Championship technical delegates.
- Team technical managers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join single-seater teams.
What you'll work with
- FIA International Sporting Code
- FIA Formula 4 Technical Regulations
- FIA Formula 3 Technical Regulations
- Appendix L to the ISC (driver licences and equipment)
- FIA Standard 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
- FIA Standard 8860-2018 (helmets)
- FIA Standard 8858-2010 (FHR devices)
- Adobe Acrobat (document management)
- Microsoft Excel
- MoTeC i2
- AiM Race Studio
6 modules
1.1FIA organisation and the World Council1.2International Sporting Code: structure1.3Technical regulations versus sporting regulations1.4The single-seater ladder: F4, Regional, F3 and F21.5Chassis and engine homologation1.6Technical bulletins and clarifications1.7National federations and F4 certification1.8Driver licences and the Super Licence1.9Appeal procedures1.10Case study: guided reading of an F4 regulation
2.1Survival cell and crash tests2.2Front, side and rear impact structures2.3Halo: function and mounting requirements2.4Roll hoops and load tests2.5Extractable seat and restraint system2.6Wheel tethers and retention cables2.7Safety fuel cell2.8Survival cell anti-intrusion side panels2.9Driver equipment in single-seaters2.10Practical exercise: checking a survival cell against its homologation form
3.1Reference planes and reference floor3.2Permitted bodywork volumes3.3Homologated front and rear wings3.4Flat floor and plank3.5Ride height and skid3.6Minimum weight and ballast3.7Dimensional checks with templates3.8Prohibited movable elements3.9Bodywork deflection tests3.10Workshop: measuring the plank after a session
4.1Homologated engines and seals4.2Rev and power limits4.3Reference fuel and sampling4.4Gearbox and permitted ratios4.5Standard ECU and data logger4.6Traction control and prohibited driver aids4.7Radio and communication systems4.8Single-supply tyres4.9Brakes: permitted materials and discs4.10Case study: interpreting ECU data
5.1Pre-event technical scrutineering5.2Scales, weight checks and ballast5.3Parc fermé and working restrictions5.4Post-race checks5.5Technical protests and deposits5.6Penalties and exclusions for non-compliance5.7Vehicle technical passport5.8Dealing with technical delegates5.9Documentation the team must carry5.10Case study: analysis of a real technical exclusion
6.1Choosing the championship and category6.2Summary of the applicable technical regulations6.3Safety checklist6.4Dimensional checklist6.5Engine, weight and fuel control6.6Team documentation plan6.7Simulated technical scrutineering6.8Non-compliance risk report6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training 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 you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Adobe Acrobat (document management), Microsoft Excel, MoTeC i2 and AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practice is based on real procedures: technical scrutineering of an F4 single-seater, weight and ride-height checks in parc fermé and analysis of technical protests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code, FIA Formula 4 Technical Regulations, FIA Formula 3 Technical Regulations, Appendix L to the ISC, FIA Standard 8853-2016, FIA Standard 8860-2018, FIA Standard 8858-2010.
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
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run 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 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Adobe Acrobat (document management), Microsoft Excel, MoTeC i2 and AiM Race Studio, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, 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.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme 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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