A system for generating a customized response finite element model for a crash test dummy and the system is configured to implement a method of creating the customized response finite element model for the crash test dummy including the steps of selecting a plurality of finite element factors associated with a crash test dummy, selecting a performance parameter associated with the crash test dummy, and identifying a certification test value associated with the selected performance parameter. The method also includes the steps of determining a performance parameter value as a function of the plurality of finite element factors, determining an optimized factor value for each of the finite element factors to minimize a difference between the performance parameter value and the certification test value, and generating a customized response finite element model for the crash test dummy using the determined optimized value of each of the finite element factors.