To reach market faster and cut development costs, many argue we should rely less on physical testing. Today, engineering simulation is sometimes an alternative and other times an extension to tests. Yet the virtual design space is wider than what we can build or safely test, so simulation should often take the lead. It lets engineers explore many scenarios, including worst-case conditions that are risky or impractical to test, which can speed up innovation.

Simulation serves many purposes beyond approval. Here we focus on its role in certification (Certification by Analysis, or CbA) and invite you to shape the work by completing a short survey at [nafe.ms/cba][1].

NAFEMS takes part in the Smart Design Innovation Network [2] and hosts the Simulation Governance and Management Working Group [3], which develops and maintains the Engineering Simulation Quality Management Standard [4]. In addition, the ASSESS Certification Theme Committee sets practical actions at the annual summit [5] to help simulation play a wider role in certification.

This article appeared in the October 2025 Issue of BENCHMARK.