Lecture 1: Understanding The INCOSE Certification Process

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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Lecture 1: Understanding the


INCOSE Certification Process

Tutorial on the
INCOSE SE Handbook V4.0 in
Preparation for SEP Certification Exam

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 1


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Webinar Agenda
• Why Systems Engineering?
• What is INCOSE?
• What is the INCOSE SEP Certification?
• Review the INCOSE SEP Certification
Application Process
• Review the Key Requirements of Certification
– Education – Application
– Experience
– Knowledge – Exam

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 2


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Your Instructor

Paul Martin, • But enough about me,


ESEP, CTT+ what about you?
– Working as an Engineer since – Using the Chat
late ‘70’s
function. Tell us:
– GE  NAVSEA  NIMA 
• Where do you live
Army  DoD
• Are you going after the
– UMBC Adjunct Professor
ASEP/CSEP or ESEP?
– Involved with local INCOSE
• Are you new to
Chapter (Chesapeake)
INCOSE?
• I’ve been teaching the
INCOSE SEP Exam Prep
Course since 2009

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 3


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The INCOSE Certification


Process

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 4


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The need for Systems Engineers

"Another factor contributing to program failure is


the shortage of technically trained people,
especially systems engineers. A systems
engineer translates technical needs into an
overall system architecture that creates the best
operational capability at the most affordable cost.
As a project proceeds and goals or needs shift,
systems engineers have to determine the difficult
but necessary cost, schedule, and performance
trade-offs to keep everything on track. As
programs get bigger and more complex, the need
for rigorous systems engineering increases."
IEEE Spectrum, Volume 45, Issue 11,
November 2008 Page(s):33 - 39

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 5


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

SEs are Problem-solvers


Across an organization’s products or
services, systems engineers also provide
critical leadership for integrating the
technical activities. They have skills to
influence multidisciplinary teams to reach
consensus on how the system solution
should come together. As problem-solvers,
they focus on outcome, not process.
~ John Thomas, INCOSE President
Why Systems Engineers are Essential to Your Organization

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 6


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

What is INCOSE?

• The International Council on Systems


Engineering (INCOSE) is a not-for-profit
membership organization founded in 1990 to
develop and disseminate the interdisciplinary
principles and practices that enable the
realization of successful systems.
• MISSION: Share, promote and advance the best of systems
engineering from across the globe for the benefit of humanity and
the planet.
• VISION: The world's authority on Systems Engineering.
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 7
Subject to the restrictions on Copyright Page
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

INCOSE Products
• Annual INCOSE International
Symposium
• Journal of Systems Engineering
• INSIGHT Magazine
• Systems Engineering Body of
Knowledge (SEBoK)
• OMG Systems Modeling Language
(OMG SysML™)
• INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 8


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

INCOSE Certification Program

INCOSE has established a multi-level Professional SEP


Certification Program to provide a formal method for
recognizing the knowledge and experience of systems
engineers, regardless of where they may be in their career.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 9


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The INCOSE certification program has been developed as the highest quality,
independent assessment of system engineering professionals.
Purpose and Design (benefits)
• Systems engineering community:
– Creates the standard to identify and develop systems engineering
professionals .
– Establishes a formal, recognized body of knowledge for the systems
engineering community.
• System engineering professionals:
– Provides a portable standard of recognition for attainment of knowledge,
education, and experience.
– Its recertification requirements serve as a mechanism for continued
professional development.
• Organizations/institutions:
– A universal, industry-approved measure of a professional’s knowledge –
achieved through the independent evaluation of relevant tasks, projects,
and programs.

Certifications have been offered by INCOSE since 2004

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 10


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

What Is Certification?
• It’s NOT a Certificate: a document attesting to the fact
that a person has completed an educational course
• It’s NOT a License: formal permission by the State to
carry on some business or profession.
• Certification is:
– Confirmation of an individual's competency
(demonstrated education, experience, and knowledge)
in a specified profession or occupational specialty
– A formal process Issued by an organization
– Voluntary
• It is neither a barrier nor a gate to entering a job
• However, it may be used as a qualifier in placement
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 11
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Professional Societies and


Certifications
• Project Management Institute
– PMP Project Management Professional
– PgMP Program Management Professional
– CAPM Certified Associate in Project
Management
– ACP Agile Certified Practitioner
• International Information Systems
Security Certification Consortium
– CISSP Certified Information Systems Security
Professional
• IEEE Computer Society
– CSDP Certified Software Development
Professional

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 12


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

INCOSE Multi-Level Certification

The base ASEP, CSEP, and ESEP


credentials cover the breadth of systems
engineering at increasing levels of
leadership accomplishments
and experience.

Multi-Level Base Credentials - For


every stage of your career

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 13


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Why is Certification Important?


For organizations…
• Formally recognizes the Systems
Engineering capabilities of an
organization’s professional staff
• Can be a discriminator a discriminator for
an organization’s proposals
• Can be used as part of the hiring and
promotion process
• Provides an independent internal and
external assessment
• Encourages employee participation in
continuing education

INCOSE Certification sets an organization apart!

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 14


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Successful Systems Engineering


Organizational ISO & CMMI
Systems Engineering Certify SE
Processes Processes

INCOSE SEP
Certifies SE
Experienced, Experience,
Knowledgeable Knowledge and
Systems Engineers Education

INCOSE Certification focuses on the company’s people.


It complements an organizational initiatives.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 15


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Change in Focus

Certification focuses on the company’s people.


It complements an organizational initiatives.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 16


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Why is Certification Important?

For individuals…
• Formally recognizes your Systems
Engineering capabilities
• Provides a discriminator for job applicants
• Provides a competitive advantage in your
career
• Provides a portable Systems Engineering
designation that is recognized across
industry domains.
• Participation in continuing education
indicates your commitment to personal
development
INCOSE Certification sets you apart!

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 17


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Why is Certification Important?


For your teams…
• Allows the team to level-set on
Systems Engineering concepts and
activities
• Helps establish a common Systems
Engineering language for your team
• This can help break down …
– geographic boundaries
– organizational boundaries
– cultural boundaries

INCOSE Certification is particularly useful for multi-


organization, geographically distributed teams.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 18


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Ways to Leverage Certification

• Individuals
– Recognition
• Designation on business card,
resume, signature, etc
– Performance objective
• Organizations
– Performance expectation
– Career ladder alignment
– Job advertisement
– Proposal discriminator
– Supplier qualification
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 19
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification by the numbers

As of 31 August 2018:

3044 Total SEPs


1956 CSEPs
793 ASEPs
295 ESEPs

The INCOSE certification program has experienced impressive growth


and increased recognition since its introduction in 2004

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 20


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Organizations with streamlined


Certification processes
• Airbus Group • Lockheed Martin
• Drexel University • ManTech
• SAIC • MITRE
• Roche Diagnostics • OPS Consulting
• ASTER TE • Raytheon
• AVIC IT • Stevens
• Booz Allen Hamilton • Thales
• École Polytechnique • University of New
• Engility South Wales
• ISAE • UTEP
• Jacobs • Perspecta
• LinQuest • WPI
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 21
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The SEP Aligns with the Typical Levels of


a Systems Engineering Career
ESEP focused on:
• Leadership
• SE Accomplishments
• Significant SE Experience

ESEP focused on:


• SE Experience
• Applied SE Knowledge

ASEP focused on:


• SE Knowledge

SEP Candidates

You can enter at whatever SEP level is appropriate and can


seamlessly transition between levels when ready.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 22


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Entry Level
Associate Systems
Engineering Professional

• Targeted towards junior/maturing Systems Engineers


and recent college graduates with limited Systems
Engineering work experience
• ASEPs are certified against knowledge requirements
through an exam based on the INCOSE SE Handbook
• ASEPs must be, and remain, INCOSE members
($145/year)
• Renewal every 5 years through on-going professional
development, maximum duration of 15 years
• Available since 2008
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 23
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

ASEP Certification Process


Study INCOSE SE
Handbook

Application
Development

Pass
Notify Notify 5 year
Applicant Applicant Certification

Submit Pay test fee


1. Applicant
Application
Two $80 Schedule & Take Two
Information
And Fee weeks Exam weeks
(Prometric Test
$150 Center)

Applicant’s own pace Applicant’s own pace

Timeline

Applicant has up to one year to pass the test. Test is


scheduled directly with Prometric.
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 24
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Foundation Level
Certified Systems
Engineering Professional
• Targeted towards Systems Engineers with five or more
years of Systems Engineering work experience
• CSEPs are certified against substantiated experience,
education, and knowledge requirements
• Experience must be substantiated by 3-5 work-related
references
• Knowledge certified through an exam based on the
INCOSE SE Handbook
• INCOSE membership is required ($145/Year)
• Renewal every 3 years through ongoing professional
development
• Available since 2004
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 25
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

CSEP Certification Process


INCOSE SE
Handbook
Study

Application Notify Pay test fee Pass Notify 3 year


Development
Application Applicant Schedule & Applicant Certification
Development $80 Take Exam
(Prometric
Two Test Center) Two
1. Verifiable Submit weeks weeks
Education
Applicant’s own pace
Application
2. Verifiable Or wait until
Experience And Fee INCOSE
Review is done.
Application
$300 Center
Reference Applicant has up to
Submittal
3. Applicant’s
one year to pass
Advocates (three the test. Test is
Applicant’s own references knowledgeable
pace about SE) INCOSE scheduled directly
Evaluation with Prometric.
References’
own pace
Four to
six weeks
Timeline

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 26


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

ASEP to CSEP Certification Process


Applicant’s own
pace Application
Development

1. Verifiable
Education
2. Verifiable Submit
Experience
3. Applicant’s
Application
Advocates (three And Fee
references knowledgeable
about SE) $200
Application
Development

INCOSE

• Many Students apply for ASEP Application


Center
3 year
and Pass the Exam FIRST. Notify Certification
• Then they take their time filling Applicant

out the CSEP Application


correctly and finding three
INCOSE
references. Evaluation
Two
weeks
Four to
six weeks

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 27


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Senior Level
Expert Systems Engineering
Professional
• Targeted towards senior Systems Engineering leaders with
recognized systems accomplishments, who have many years of
Systems Engineering work experience
• ESEPs are certified against substantiated professional leadership,
systems engineering accomplishments, experience, and education
requirements
• At least 10 years of experience must be substantiated by 3-5 work-
related references
• Interviews used to validate leadership and significant systems
accomplishments
• ESEPs must be, and remain, INCOSE members
• No renewal requirements other than INCOSE membership
• Available since 2010
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 28
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

ESEP Certification Process


Application
Development
Application INCOSE
Development Application
Center Pass
1. Verifiable Notify Notify Certification
Education
Applicant Applicant
2. Verifiable
Experience
3. Applicant’s
Advocates (three
references knowledgeable
about SE) Submit
Application Conduct Oral Review
And Fee with Applicant and
Up to Two References
4. Verifiable
$550 INCOSE (Via telephone conference) Applicant has up to
Professional Evaluation
Development
one year to
Mutual complete the
Applicant’s own Four to Two
weeks Agreement entire process.
pace six weeks

Timeline

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 29


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Key Requirements of Certification

These elements of the INCOSE certifications are measurable tangible


parameters consistent with ISO guidelines for a certification program.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 30


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Education Requirements

These elements of the INCOSE certifications are measurable tangible


parameters consistent with ISO guidelines for a certification program.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 31


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Education
Requirements
• Technical Bachelor’s Degree (or international
equivalent)
– Acceptable engineering fields of study include: aeronautics,
biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical,
environmental, mechanical, nuclear, software, systems
– Acceptable other fields of study include: chemistry, computer
science, mathematics, physics
– If the Bachelor’s degree does not come from the above
fields, then a Masters or Doctorate degree (or international
equivalent) in those fields is acceptable
– INCOSE is the final authority on degree applicability

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 32


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Additional Experience Can


be Substituted
• Minimum of 5 additional years of general engineering
experience for non-technical Bachelor’s degree
– Minimum of 10 years (with at least 5 in SE) for CSEP
– Minimum of 25 years (with at least 20 in SE) for ESEP w/ CSEP
– Minimum of 30 years (with at least 25 in SE) for ESEP w/o CSEP
• Minimum of 10 additional years of general engineering
experience if no Bachelor’s degree
– Minimum of 15 years (with at least 5 in SE) for CSEP
– Minimum of 30 years (with at least 20 in SE) for ESEP w/ CSEP
– Minimum of 35 years (with at least 25 in SE) for ESEP w/o CSEP

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 33


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Experience Requirements

These elements of the INCOSE certifications are measurable tangible


parameters consistent with ISO guidelines for a certification program.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 34


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

14 Functional Areas Recognized for


Systems Engineering Experience
• SE Technical Competencies • SE Support Competencies
– Requirements Engineering – Lifecycle Process Definition
– System and Decision Analysis and Management
– Architecture/ Design Development – Specialty Engineering
– Systems Integration – Organizational Project
Enabling Activities
– Verification and Validation
• Plus “Other”
– System Operation and Maintenance
– To allow for the variety of SE
• SE Management Competencies across domains
– Technical Planning – Applicants should describe
– Technical Monitoring and Control what they are claiming as
– Acquisition and Supply other experience
– Information and CM
– Risk and Opportunity Management

Successful candidates must have balanced


experience across multiple areas
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 35
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

SE Disciplines/Functional Areas
Qualifying for SE Experience (1 of 2)
Attachment A - Experience Applicable for Certification
• Requirements Engineering: Preparing for or managing a Business or Mission analysis; Defining a Problem or
opportunity space; Characterizing a solution space; Evaluating alternative solution classes; Preparing for
Stakeholder Needs & Requirements Definition; Defining stakeholder needs; Developing Operational Concept
and other Life Cycle concepts; Transforming needs into stakeholder requirements; Analyzing Stakeholder
Requirements; Managing Stakeholder needs and requirements definition; Preparing for System Requirements
Definition; Defining System Requirements; Analyzing System Requirements; Managing System Requirements.
• System and Decision Analysis: Preparing, performing and managing a system analysis; Decision
Management, including Preparing for System Engineering Decisions; Analyzing decision information; Making
and managing SE decisions.
• Architecture/ Design Development: Preparing for architecture definition; Developing architecture viewpoints;
Developing models and views of candidate architectures; Relating architecture to design; Assessing candidate
architectures; Managing the selected architecture; Preparing for design definition; Assessing alternatives for
obtaining system elements; Establishing design characteristics and design enablers; Managing a system
design;
• Systems Integration: Preparing, performing and managing system element implementation; Identifying,
agreeing and managing system-level interfaces; Preparing and performing Integration; Managing integration
results.
• Verification and Validation: Preparing and performing Verification; Managing verification results; Preparing
and performing Validation; Managing Validation results; Preparing for, and performing System Transition;
Managing results of System Transition; Obtaining Qualification, Certification and Acceptance.
• System Operation and Maintenance: Preparing for Operation; Managing results of Operation; Performing and
supporting System/ Product Operation; Preparing for and performing Maintenance; Performing Logistics
Support; Managing results of maintenance and logistics; Preparing for, performing and finalizing system
disposal. 36
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

SE Disciplines/Functional Areas
Qualifying for SE Experience (2 of 2)
Attachment A - Experience Applicable for Certification
• Technical Planning: Defining an SE project; Planning an SE project and its technical management; Activating an
SE project; Identifying and recording tailoring influences and mandated structures; Obtaining input from parties
affected by the tailoring strategy; Making Tailoring decisions and selecting life cycle processes.
• Technical Monitoring and Control: Planning for SE project assessment and control; Assessing SE projects;
Controlling projects from an SE perspective; Preparing for and performing System Measurement; Preparing for
system Quality Assurance; Performing system product or service evaluations;
• Acquisition and Supply: Acquisition, including: Preparing for system/element acquisition; Advertising the
acquisition and selecting the supplier; Establishing, maintaining and monitoring an acquisition agreement;
Accepting a product or service from a supplier; Supply, including: Preparing for supply; Responding to a tender;
Establishing, maintaining and executing a supply agreement; Delivering and supporting a product or service.
• Planning Information and CM: CM; Performing Configuration Identification; Performing Configuration Change
Management; Performing Configuration Status Accounting; Performing Configuration Evaluation; Performing
Release Control; Information Management, including Preparing for and performing information management
• Risk and Opportunity Management: Planning technical risk and opportunity management; Managing the
technical risk profile; Analyzing, Treating and Monitoring technical risks and opportunities
• Lifecycle Process Definition and Management: Establishing Lifecycle Processes including defining and
implementing Lifecycle Models; Assessing Lifecycle Processes and Models; Improving Lifecycle Processes and
Models.
• Specialty Engineering: Performing professional-level systems engineering activities associated with one or more
Specialty Engineering area(s).
• Organizational Project Enabling Activities: Infrastructure Management, including establishing and maintaining
the Infrastructure; HR Management; Quality Management; Knowledge Management; Project Portfolio
Management at Organizational level.
• Other: Other functions and activities performed that you can justify as Systems Engineering activities.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 37


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

CSEP Certification Experience


Requirements
• Systems Engineering Experience
– Minimum 5 years of professional level experience in multiple SE
functional areas (and any additional general years of experience
necessary due to education status)
– Minimum of at least 1 year of professional level SE experience in
each of 3 or more of the 14 SE functional areas
– Must be documented on the INCOSE application form
• Experience Confirmation
– Recommendations from at least 3 colleagues / peers / managers
– References must cover at least 5 years and 3 areas of SE
experience claimed by the applicant (including any additional years)
– References must be knowledgeable in Systems Engineering (or
general engineering for any additional years)
– Must be documented on the INCOSE reference form
CSEPs should have experience in performing some,
but not necessarily all, of the SE functional areas
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 38
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Distribution of Systems
Engineering Experience for CSEP
• The CSEP candidate must have at least 1 year of SE experience in
each of 3 or more of the 15 systems engineering functional areas

CSEPs should
have
experience in
performing
some, but not
all, SE areas

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 39


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The Application

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 40


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

All of the Application Material is Available On-line

Download the forms from INCOSE website


Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 41
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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

• Application for CSEP Certification


(separate form for ASEP)

• Instructions for Filling out CSEP


Application

• Instruction Letter to
References

• Certification
Reference
Endorsement
Form

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 42


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Suggestions
• E-Mail prospective references – At least 5
– All your references be SEs or at least someone
able to “describe their knowledge of Systems
Engineering that qualifies them to serve as
references.”
– Confirm their interest
– Explain that they will need to describe their
number of years and types of systems
engineering experience they have had.
• Not just their Job Titles but they need to
explain what work they performed within the 15
Systems Engineering Experience Areas.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 43


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

E-mails
Dear so and so,

I’m applying for certification as a Systems Engineering Professional


with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Part
of the certification process requires three references who can
attest to my systems engineering acumen. So I thought of you and how
you can explain my work in [place here Systems engineering
function(s) i.e. Requirements Engineering] for [place here the
activity you did i.e. the SpaceAge contract where I analyzed the
customer comments against the system spec and went through the CM
process in order to incorporate the changes.]

They need a two week turn around so before I submit my application


and start the clock I wanted to make sure my references where
agreeable and available to help me out. So let me know if you can.
No pressure if you’re uncomfortable with the request or, more
likely, too busy. Just let me know so I can keep looking around.
Attached are the instructions and form so you’ll know what you’ll be
asked to do.

Thanks for the consideration. Just let me know if you can or can’t.
If you can, I need the “reference’s information” (mailing address,
title, etc) so I can fill out the application. Don’t fill out the
forms until I send them to you again.

Let me know,

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 44


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Experience to Matrix
• Read and understand the 15 SE Work Areas or Functions or Roles
outlined in Attachment A - Experience Applicable for
Certification in the INCOSE Application Instructions.
– Even if you feel you were not doing Systems Engineering at the
time, it may still count if it falls into one of these 15 SE Work
Areas.
• Take each of your Work Experiences and break them up into these
SE Functions.
– Use the language provided in the descriptions of the SE
Functions in Attachment A when describing your experience.
• Estimate the amount of time, in months, you spend doing each SE
Function.
– If you find that during your assignments or positions you were
doing more than one SE Function, then figure out a percentage
of time you spent on each function

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 45


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Experience to Matrix
 Notice the form will calculate
the Total Numbers of Months.
The bottom cell of P1 in matrix
cannot exceed this.

 This is put into Experience Matrix

 This is put into Experience Matrix

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 46


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Experience to Matrix

Under P1 in
Matrix
• The form
transferred the
months I
worked in
Section 5:
Experience

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 47


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Experience to Matrix
Total Months of
Effort in Matrix
• The key is to
ensure you
have 12 months
or more of SE
experience in
each of 3 or
more of the 15
systems
engineering
functional areas
• (I could have stopped
after P4)

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 48


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Knowledge Requirements

These elements of the INCOSE certifications are measurable tangible


parameters consistent with ISO guidelines for a certification program.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 49


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Knowledge Requirements


• CSEP/ASEP Exam Basis
– “We recommend study of the current version of the INCOSE Systems
Engineering Handbook which is the reference document for the certification
examination.” Taken from INCOSE Certification Program FAQs
• Exam is
– 2 hours in length
– 120 questions
– Administered electronically at world-wide Prometric
locations
– Pass/Fail results provided immediately upon exam
completion
• Candidates are eligible for two re-tests within one
year of application submittal

The INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook


is the basis for the CSEP & ASEP exams.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 50


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Representative Exam Questions


“The certification examination questions are currently multiple-choice
questions. All correct answers must be selected from the possible answers
given to receive credit for answering a question. A typical question may have
five possible answers listed of which three are correct. Partial credit is not
given for a question..” Taken from INCOSE Certification Program FAQs

• Which three of the following are • Which are three justifications for
methods to express functional CM? (Choose three)
behavior? (Choose three) 
 A. facilitates communication
 A. Network Tree (NT) 
 B. forces change evaluations

 B. Behavior Diagram (BD)  C. prevents requirements
 C. Allocated Requirement changes
Diagram (ARD) 
 D. controls requirements

 E. Functional Flow Block changes
Diagram (FFBD)  E. encourages requirements

 F. Integrated Definition for changes
Functional Modeling (IDEF) Note: These questions ARE NOT from the INCOSE
Diagram Certification Exam. The format and content are similar
(based on SEH v2A). They were created by CSM and
Prometric to show question structure.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 51


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Representative Exam Questions

• Sample Questions
from INCOSE
– https://www.incose.org/docs/defa
ult-source/certification/sample-
questions.pdf

• Performed poorly in
the 2014 beta exams.
• Representative of the
format and content on
the actual exam
• Assist in
understanding how
the INCOSE exam is
structured.
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 52
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Getting the Handbook


• The INCOSE SE Handbook Fourth Edition digital
copy is available for download from the INCOSE
Store
– INCOSE member
– employees of CAB organizations,
– students of Academic Council members.
• Member Log In at the INCOSE website.
• Proceed to the INCOSE Store
– You will be required to "purchase" the item.
– File will then be located in your Profile Home in
your Digital Library
• The hard copy is only available at the Wiley Store.
– The Individual Member Discount Code is
available in the INCOSE Store as a digital
download purchase.
– 55% off
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 53
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Go to your Profile Home for your Digital Library

To access what you purchased

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 54


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Getting the Handbook


• Here's a suggestion, take the pdf version of the Handbook and get
a spiral bound double sided copy made at Office Depot or Staples
(~ $45).

• Suggest getting a
spiral bound
double sided
copy made at
Office Depot or
Staples (~ $30)

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 55


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Preparing for the Exam


• Study the INCOSE SE Handbook
• Sign-up for my On-Line Class
– Learn the framework of the 31 Processes
within the INCOSE SE Handbook vs 4.0.
– Have access to dozens of practice Quizzes.
– Start to appreciate the context of Systems
Engineering

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 56


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The on-line class takes place in a open, easy-to-use,


cloud-native Learning Management System

Content Access 24/7

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 57


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Over 14 Hours of recordings of previous on-line classes are


available for you to watch at your convenience. Learn the
material at your pace and in your time frame.

RECORDED CLASSES

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 58


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

We use a Comprehensive Process Flow diagram of


all 31 Processes from Handbook

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 59


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

To get a sense of what the Exam is like, we provide numerous


Quizzes as well as a 120 Question practice Exam.

Check out the Sample Quiz from my Course

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 60


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The 7 Classes cover the entire Handbook

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 61


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INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Sign-up at SE Scholar Website

www.se-scholar.com

Use the Discount Code:


ENCHANTED19
for a $150 off regular price

Good until March 31st

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 62


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Key Requirements of Certification

These elements of the INCOSE certifications are measurable tangible


parameters consistent with ISO guidelines for a certification program.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 63


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

So What Level of Certification is


Right for You?
• If you have just started (or plan to start) practicing systems
engineering or have recently graduated and are interested in
systems engineering

• If you are a practicing Systems Engineer with more than five years
of systems engineering professional work experience

• If you are a systems engineering leader with recognized systems


accomplishments and have many years of systems engineering
professional work experience

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 64


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

The Key Elements of INCOSE Certification


(What is Certified?)

These four elements (education knowledge experience education,


knowledge, experience, and leadership & accomplishments) allow for a
variety of SE certifications to be earned.

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 65


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

How Long Will It Take to Get Certified?


There is no one answer. Much depends on the applicant.
Applicant Applicant
• Downloads information • Schedules exam with test
from INCOSE web page References submit organization
• Collects information recommendations via • Takes exam at test site
• Fills out and submits forms e-mail to INCOSE. • Receives results immediately
via e-mail Applicant submits • Schedules another exam if
• Pays fee on-line missing material. needed

A. ?????? C. Averaging 50 days E. Averaging 62 days


Time B. < 2 weeks D. Averaging 21 days F. < 2 weeks

INCOSE INCOSE INCOSE sends


• Receives application & fee • Receives recommendations from CSEP certificate
• Checks completeness of submittal references and missing information via postal mail to
• Notifies applicant by e-mail that • Evaluates education and experience applicant
application was received and is • Notifies applicant of evaluation results.
complete or has missing material If minimum requirements are met,
authorizes exam
While the times vary, the average time for CSEP is ~200 days.
Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 66
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Certification Renewal
Requirements
• Certification is Valid for
– 3 Years for CSEP and must maintain INCOSE membership
– 5 Years for ASEP and must maintain INCOSE membership
– Indefinite for ESEP, but must maintain INCOSE membership
• Certification renewal requires
– Minimum of 120 Professional Development Units (PDUs)
– Renewal application
– Continuing education log submittal
– Must be submitted before current certification period ends
– Up to 30 “excess” PDUs can be “carried forward”

INCOSE Certified professionals have an ongoing


growth and learning obligation

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 67


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

PDUs for Certification Renewal (1 of 2)


Renewal
Professional Development Activities Credit Limit

Technical Society Participation Category


Be an INCOSE individual, senior, or student member 5 PDU/year 15 PDU
Attend Professional Technical Society local event/chapter
1 PDU/hour attendance 30 PDU
presentation/exhibit
1 PDU/hour attendance
Attend Professional Technical Society Conference/Symposium 72 PDU

Participate on Professional Technical Society working groups,


1 PDU/hour of effort No limit
committees, etc.
Perform Leadership Role in Professional Technical Society at
1 PDU/hour of effort No limit
local, national or international level
Volunteer activities with youth in schools or community related
1 PDU/hour of effort 72 PDU
to science, technology, engineering, and math(STEM)
Volunteer activities with community, school, or non-profit
1 PDU/hour of effort 30 PDU
organizations that help them accomplish their technical needs
Earn an SE-relevant, exam-based, professional certification
5 PDU/certification 10 PDU
other than INCOSE SEP

(all must be relevant to the practice of systems engineering) (Proof of all activities required if audited)

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 68


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

PDUs for Certification Renewal (2 of 2)


Renewal
Professional Development Activities Credit Limit

SE Course Work & Publication Category


Complete a technical graduate level course 2 PDU/class hour No limit
Attend educational course, tutorial, or seminar 1 PDU/hour No limit
Teach professional development coursework, including 2 PDU/hour (prep)
40 PDU
presentations not part of job function. 1 PDU/hour (teach)
Write & publish SE article 5 PDU/article No limit
30 PDU (primary author)/book
Write & publish SE book No limit
10 PDU (contributing author)/book
1 PDU/hour attendance
Attend vendor presentation with educational value 15 PDU
5 PDU/year limit
SE Job Function Participation Category
Receive Patent Award 10 PDU/award No limit
Serve as designated lead systems engineer for a system, product
15 PDU/year 45 PDU
or service
Lead organization to increase INCOSE systems engineering
5 PDU/year 15 PDU
certifications
Volunteer (i.e., non-compensated) activities within your 1 PDU/hour of effort (10 PDU/year
30 PDU
organization related to engineering and science limit)
(all must be relevant to the practice of systems engineering) (Proof of all activities required if audited)

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 69


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

All of the Renewal Material is Available On-line

Download the forms from INCOSE website


Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 70
Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

By the Way
• A lot of information in this brief came from
an INCOSE Overview Brief

• Can find the


original at the
INCOSE SEP
website:
INCOSE Certification
Resources

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 71


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Exam Preparation Course

Any Questions?

Understanding the INCOSE Certification Process 72


Copyright © 2018 by SE Scholar, LCC (except were noted)

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