INCOSE Certification of

Systems Engineers
Certification
SE

Certification Program
Briefing for Chapters
CB0102

Karl C. Geist, CSEP

28 September 2005

CSEP
 Table of Contents
SE Certification

 Background

 Certified Systems Engineering

Professional (CSEP) Requirements

 Certification Program Features

 Program Status

 Communications
CSEP
 What is Certification?
SE Certification

♦ Certification is an occupational designation

issued by an organization that provides
confirmation of an individual's qualifications
(specific knowledge and/or skill level) in a
specified profession or occupational specialty.

♦ Certification is voluntary. That means it is

neither a barrier nor a gate to entering or
exiting a job. However, it may be used as a
qualifier in placement.

CSEP
 Certification – an Instrument
for Realizing INCOSE Strategic Goals
SE Certification

 Influence – increase awareness among SE

professionals, employers, and educators

 Advance – promulgate today’s “State of the Art” to

broaden the foundation for advancement

 Growth – certification should improve INCOSE

membership retention and stimulate growth

CSEP
 INCOSE Top Five Priorities
SE Certification

 Complete the classification of all existing INCOSE

products and make them available to members on web.

 Implement the Guide to the Systems Engineering Body

of Knowledge and populate it.

 Complete the INCOSE Technical Vision on the future

of Systems Engineering.

 Revise the Systems Engineering Handbook, Version 3.

 Implement the Systems Engineering Certification

Program CSEP
 Table of Contents
SE Certification

 Background

 Certified Systems Engineering

Professional (CSEP) Requirements

 Certification Program Features

 Program Status

 Communications
CSEP
 Requirements for Certified
Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)*
SE Certification

1. SE Experience - 5 years minimum in multiple SE disciplines

2. Education – Bachelor’s degree/equivalent in technical field
(Additional experience must be substituted for non-technical degree)
 5 more years of engineering for non-technical Bachelor’s (total 10 years)
 10 more years of engineering if no Bachelor’s degree (total 15 years)
3. Recommendations from at least 3 Colleagues/Peers/Managers who
are knowledgeable in Systems Engineering
4. Pass Certification Exam
* Application and Fee Submittals Required
 Application requires copy of degree transcript or diploma
 Application fee is $400 – discounted to $300 for INCOSE members
 Test fee is $80 payable to Testing organization when scheduling exam

INCOSE membership not required to participate in program

CSEP
 Certification Process Diagram
SE Certification

INCOSE Study
Application Notify
Center Applicant

Application
Development Pay test fee
Completed Take Cert Exam
Application (Prometrics Test Center)
1. Verifiable And Fee
Education

2. Verifiable $ Pass
Experience INCOSE ISO 15288
SE Handbook
Version 2a 3 year
3. Applicant’s INCOSE Certification
Advocates (three Evaluation
references knowledgeable
about SE)

Applicant’s Four to six Two

weeks weeks Applicant has up to one
own pace year to pass the test (three
tries 3 months apart). Test
is scheduled directly with
Timeline Thompson-Prometrics.
CSEP
 SE Disciplines Qualifying for
SE Experience
SE Certification

• Requirements Engineering
• Risk and Opportunity Management
• Baseline Control
• Technical Planning
• Technical Effort Assessment
• Design Development
• Qualification, Verification, and Validation
• Process Definition
• Tool Support
• Training
• System Integration
• Quality Assurance
• Specialty Engineering
CSEP
 Exam Information
 Exam is based on current INCOSE SE Handbook
SE Certification

Version 2A which is available on INCOSE web site

 Exam cost is $80 per exam
 Current exam is 120 questions (98 scored, 22 Beta
questions)
 Current exam is 2 hours in length
 Pass/Fail results provided immediately upon exam
completion
 Candidates eligible for two re-tests within the year
 SE Handbook version 3 is in development. Expected
release is in 2006
CSEP
 Exam will be updated for SE Handbook Version 3
 Exam Question Format
with Sample Content
SE Certification

 Which three of the following are methods to

express functional behavior? (Choose three)

A. Allocated requirement diagram

B. Functional flow diagram

C. Behavior diagram

D. Integrated definition for functional

modeling (IDEF) diagram
E. Network Tree

This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a),
however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission.

CSEP
 Exam Question Format
SE Certification

with Sample Content

 Which three of the following are methods to
express functional behavior? (Choose three)

A. Allocated requirement diagram

B. Functional flow diagram Pgs 133 - 136
C. Behavior diagram Pg 125, ¶ last
D. Integrated definition for functional
modeling (IDEF) diagram Pg 127, ¶ 1
E. Network Tree

This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a),
however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission.
CSEP
 Exam Question Format
with Sample Content
SE Certification

 Which are three justifications for Configuration

Management? (Choose three)

A. Facilitates
communication
B. Encourages changes

C. Prevents changes

D. Forces comprehensive change evaluation

E. Maintain control over requirements

This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a),
however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission.

CSEP
 Exam Question Format
with Sample Content
SE Certification

 Which are three justifications for Configuration

Management? (Choose three)

A. Facilitates communication Pg 48, ¶ 1

B. Encourages changes
C. Prevents changes
D. Forces comprehensive change evaluation Pg 48,¶ 1
E. Maintain control over requirements Pg 46, ¶2

This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a),
however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission.

CSEP
 Requirements for CSEP
3-Year Renewal*
SE Certification

Continuing Education during Prior 3 Years - 120

PDUs

* Renewal Application and Fee Submittals

 Must be submitted before current certification
period ends
 Continuing education log submittal required
 Renewal Fee is $100 – discounted to $50 for
INCOSE members

INCOSE membership not required to participate in program

CSEP
 Continuing Education Credits
for Certification Renewal
SE Certification

Education Activity Credit

1 College or unit semester hour 45 PDU
1 College or unit quarter hour  30 PDU
1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) 10 PDU
1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) 1 PDU
1 hour of teaching of professional development coursework.
Teaching credit is awarded for teaching a course/seminar for 2 PDU
the first time only. Not applicable to full-time faculty.
Authoring published papers, articles or books in any area
10 PDU
relevant to practice
1 hour of participation in professional and technical society
1 PDU
working groups/management
Patents                                                        10 PDU
1 hour of professional development in coursework, seminars,
or professional or technical presentation made at meetings, 1 PDUCSEP
conventions, conferences, or exam preparation
 Table of Contents
SE Certification

 Background

 Certified Systems Engineering

Professional (CSEP) Requirements

 Certification Program Features

 Program Status

 Communications
CSEP
 Certification Program Features
Certification Program Scope
SE Certification


 Initially only one level: Certified Systems Engineering Professional
(CSEP) “Foundation Level”
 Advanced and Specialty area levels of certification may be added
later
 Certification Program Operations
• Administration
• Provide candidates with appropriate test ID numbers
• Implement procedures for handling applications
• Handle applications for certifications and renewals
• Act as focal point for communications and coordination
• Management
• INCOSE BOD provides funding approval and Program
oversight
• Certification Advisory Group (CAG) establishes policy and
provides oversight to the Program
• Program Manager implements policy/procedures, manages
operations, reviews and approves applications
• Certification Application Reviewers (CARs) are a pool of CSEP
CSEPs to review candidate qualifications
 Table of Contents
SE Certification

 Background

 Certified Systems Engineering

Professional (CSEP) Requirements

 Certification Program Features

 Program Status

 Communications
CSEP
 Certification Program Milestones
SE Certification

 Certification Program Development Authorized by BOD -

IS 02

 Certification Exam Beta Tested – IS 03

 Certification Program Operational Plan Approved by BOD

– IS 04

 Initial CAG and Acting Program Manager Appointed –

September 2004

 Initial CSEPs Awarded – IW 05

 Certification Program Available to Public via INCOSE Web

Page – March 2005

CSEP
 Table of Contents
SE Certification

 Background

 Certified Systems Engineering

Professional (CSEP) Requirements

 Certification Program Features

 Program Status

 Communications
CSEP
 Where Do I Find More Information?
SE Certification

INCOSE Certification Web Area at

http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/certification/index.aspx
• Introduction and Overview Briefing
• Certification Requirements
• Certification Renewal Requirements
• Certification Fees
• Online Payment
• Certification Exam
• Continuing Education
• Experience Applicable to Certification
• Colleagues/Peers Used for References
• Certification Forms
• Ethics Statement
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs - 47)
• Possible Future Levels of Certification
• Certification Reconsideration Appeal
• Certified Systems Engineering Professionals (53)
CSEP
 How Long Will It Take Me to
Become Certified?
SE Certification
There is no one answer. Much depends on the applicant.
Applicant
• Downloads information
from INCOSE web page
• Collects information
• Fills out and submits
forms via e-mail
• Pays fee on-line
??????
Time
2 weeks
INCOSE
• Receives application & fee
• Checks completeness of submittal
• Requests recommendations from
references identified by applicant
• Notifies applicant by e-mail that
application was received and is
complete or has missing material
Note: We will collect metrics to establish a better historical estimate.
Applicant
• Schedules exam with test
References submit organization
recommendations via • Takes exam at test site
e-mail to INCOSE. • Receives results immediately
Applicant submits • Schedules another exam if
missing material. needed
?????? ??????
1 month 2 weeks
INCOSE INCOSE sends
• Receives recommendations from CSEP certificate
references and missing information via postal mail to
• Evaluates education and experience applicant
• Notifies applicant of evaluation
results. If minimum requirements
are met, authorizes exam
CSEP
 Program Change Considerations
• Selection of a Permanent Program Manager
SE Certification

• Online Submission of Applications and Renewals

• Update Exam After SE Handbook Version 3 is Introduced
• Review of Exam Training Programs
•Courseware
•Knowledge Providers (List or Recommendations)
http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/shortcourses.aspx
• Internationalize the Program (Multiple Languages)
• Multiple Levels of Certification
•Systems Engineering Management
•Systems Engineering Specialist
•Systems Engineering Enterprise Processes
•Systems Engineering Fellow
CSEP
 SE Certification

Questions?

CSEP
SE Certification

Back-up
Slides

CSEP
 CSEP Projected
SE Certification

Potential Impact

PMP Experience INCOSE Opportunity*

INCOSE/CSEP Growth Chart
PMI/PMP Growth Chart
120000
200000
100000

Members/CSEP
150000 Year 80000 Year
PMI/PMP's

100000 Members 60000 Members

Certified 40000 Certified
50000
20000
0 0
1 3 5 7 9 11 1 3 5 7 9 11
Years Years

* Based on historical data provided by PMI, the number of PMP’s today

exceeds more than 116,000 or 78% of total members. ASE/CSM’s CSEP
forecast using current market indicators suggests similar success!
CSEP
 Certification Organization
SE Certification

Board of
Directors

Certification
Technical Office
Corporate Member Admin
Board
Advisory Board Support
 Program
Board  IV&V Manager (PM)  Admin
 Handbook  Certification
 WG Inputs Support
Advisory  Test Support
Group (CAG)
 Certification
Application
Reviewers
(CAR)

CSEP
 Program Manager
SE Certification

• Establishes and Operates Program Office

• Primary Interface with all INCOSE BOD/Support
• Contracted by INCOSE BOD to 2-year Renewable
Term Based on Recommendation of CAG
• Establishes Program Procedures
• Develops Program Budget for INCOSE Approval
• Ensures Satisfactory Interfaces and Services to All
Clients of the Certification Program
• Publicizes and Markets the Certification Program
• Monitors, Measures, and Reports on the
Effectiveness of the Certification Process
• Maintains Records of All Certification Activities
CSEP
 Certification Advisory Group (CAG)
• Provides INCOSE Oversight to Certification Program
SE Certification

Office
o Represents INCOSE perspective and interests
o 9 Members appointed by BOD for 3 year terms
(staggered, limited to six consecutive years of service)
o Chair elected on annual basis by CAG members
• Establishes Certification Program Policy
• Identifies Qualified PM Candidates and Provides
Recommendation to BOD for Appointment
• Evaluates and Reports Program Manager Performance
to INCOSE BOD
• Monitors Program Metrics
• Provides Appeal Process for Contested Decisions
• Oversees Certification Examination Content CSEP
 Certification Application
Reviewers (CARs)
SE Certification

• Pool of CSEPs available for evaluation of applicants’

technical credentials
• Applications assigned by PM to groups of CARs for
review (min of 3 per application)
• Pool established by CAG based on following criteria
o INCOSE member in good standing
o Current CSEP status
o At least 20 years of engineering experience
o At least 10 years of systems engineering experience
o Some experience in hiring/managing engineering
/technical personnel is desired, but not required.
• Initial pool appointed by BOD
• Additional CARs selected by CAG CSEP
 Example Commercial Knowledge
Provider’s Prep course – ASE/CSM
SE Certification

 The 3-part program is $1,050. The course includes our 1-day application
workshop (free) and includes:

 Application Workshop
 2-day Handbook Review complete with pre and post test exams with
exam questions included in each module
 Course materials
 Study Guide
 INCOSE Handbook
 Thompson Prometric Exam Fee
 Follow-up and Coaching after the exam
 Our guarantee! Clients can recycle through the program up to 3 times
without additional charge

 The $80 exam fee is refundable upon receipt of a self mailer, (currently in
production), which is handed out during the Handbook review sessions.
The mailer will include questions regarding our program, and applicant’s
experience taking the exam.

CSEP
 Example INCOSE Knowledge
Provider’s Prep Course – HRA Chapter
SE Certification

Who: INCOSE Hampton Roads Area Chapter – The George Washington University
What: Seminar on the Systems Engineering Handbook In Preparation for SE Certification
For those individuals interested in taking the INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) exam
When: Tuesday November 8, 2005 - 8 AM to 7 PM, and
Wednesday November 9, 2005 - 8 AM to 5 PM
Concept: This Seminar will complement Systems Engineers' preparation for the SE Certification Examination by providing
an overview of the each chapter of the INCOSE System Engineering Handbook (Ver. 2a) in a study group format.
The program will consist of two days covering the Management and Technical Sections of the Handbook. The
Management Sections (day 1) are chapters 1-7. Chapters 8-12 are the Technical Sections (day 2).
Location: Hampton Roads Area - INCOSE Chapter, at the Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Innovation
Center (VASCIC), 241 West Avenue, Newport News VA, 23607
Cost: Free for INCOSE Members
$50 for non members to cover lunch, etc.
Program Agenda:
Day 1 – Tuesday Day 2 - Wednesday
Time Time
8-9 Keynote Speaker - Dr. Forsberg 8-12 Technical Chapters
9-12 Management Chapters 12-1 Lunch - Included in Cost
12-1 Lunch - included in cost 1-5 Technical Chapters
1-6 Management Chapters
6-7 How to Apply for Certification (Dr. Forsberg)
6-7 Virtual Technical Reviews (Bill Fournier)
Online Registration: Available at (www.hra-incose.org), starting in mid July. To attend the seminar you must complete
the online registration by COB October 21 st, and be a citizen of the USA. A formal visit authorization letter may be
required to gain access to the VASCIC facility.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Available today with more information on our website.

CSEP
 INCOSE Certification Program Abstract
SE Certification

Program Managers throughout industry frequently request some number of systems

engineers to perform “Systems Engineering (SE) tasks or jobs.” Too often in
their hurry to get someone now, the program fails to define what capabilities or
skills are required of the requested systems engineers. The other aspect of the
personnel problem is the large number of people who are called, or who call
themselves “Systems Engineers” without there being any standardization in
what the title means in terms of: What “SE tasks” are they really capable of
performing?
 
This problem requires a twofold solution:
Define SE task terms that can be used by Program Managers to specify SE
tasks or jobs that need to be done, and
Recognize SE personnel who have the knowledge and experience capabilities
to perform the SE task or job assignments.
 
The Board of Directors of the International Council on Systems Engineering
(INCOSE) recognized this industry-wide void, and conducted a member survey.
The detailed responses of the survey showed a perception that certification
would increase the credibility, marketability, and professional status of systems
engineers. Respondents also believed that a certification program would benefit
employers by providing an objective means for selecting candidates and
assessing skills. Individuals viewed attainment of certification as an
accomplishment, and more than half indicated that they would participate in a
certification program, notwithstanding a lack of conviction that certification would
influence employment. So in response to this members' request, INCOSE
commissioned a working group to develop and implement a plan for certifying
Systems Engineers who have demonstrated a fundamental level of knowledge
and experience in the SE discipline. CSEP
 INCOSE Certification Program Abstract (Cont)
This presentation briefly describes the background that led to the development of
SE Certification

the operational concept and procedures that INCOSE is following for certifying
systems engineering professionals by covering the following topics: Program
Background, Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements,
Certification Program Features, Program Status, and Program Communications.
It also defines the objectives and initial scope of the certification program.
Initially, this certification program will recognize only one level of SE Certification
– a foundations level. After gaining experience in operating the program,
INCOSE plans to expand the program to accommodate more global SE
applications and to recognize multiple levels of SE capability.
 
The program initially intends to achieve three goals defined in “INCOSE Strategic
Directions,” January 2000, and to respond to its members’ needs. The potential
contributions of an INCOSE Systems Engineering Certification Program to each
of the three INCOSE strategic goals are as follows:
 
 Strengthen INCOSE’s influence: A professional SE certification program will increase the
awareness among professionals, their employers, and their educators of the discipline of Systems
Engineering and of INCOSE as the responsible SE professional association.
 
 Advance the state of the art and practice of systems engineering: A professional SE certification
program will make a significant contribution to the promulgation of existing discipline knowledge,
and will broaden the base for knowledge flow in the learning-codification-dissemination loop.
 
 Promote growth of the INCOSE organization: SE professional certification may promote
membership in INCOSE as the corresponding professional association that provides the best source
of SE contacts and professional expertise.

CSEP