Why become an INCOSESEP? Need help?

Applying for SE certificationthrough INCOSEUK

What is Systems Engineeringcertification throughINCOSE UK?

Issue 2.0June 2020

@incoseukINCOSE UK Ltd

© 2020 INCOSEUK ltd.

U1

Issue 2.0 June 2020U1

TM TM TM

Becoming an INCOSE SEP is an important milestone foranyone who regards Systems Engineering as their homediscipline. As a systems engineer, SEP certificationprovides an industry recognised independent assessmentof knowledge, education and real-world experience by apanel of independent experts. Key benefits include:

■ Recognition as a professional system engineer■ A discriminator that can aid your career■ A demonstration of your commitment to continuing

professional development■ Connecting you with innovative, influential and

inspirational people■ An internationally recognised qualification awarded

by INCOSE, the professional home of SystemsEngineering

If you represent a business operating in the area ofSystems Engineering or which employs systems engineers,the SEP programme can support your business.

■ Provides evidence of your organisation’s SystemsEngineering capability: Certified systems engineerscan be a selling point and a discriminator in proposals

■ Supports the recruitment of systems engineers■ A visible mechanism to acknowledge the achievements

of your employees■ Encourages employee participation in CPD■ Promotes professional competence of your workforce

Certification as a Systems Engineering Professional(SEP) is a key step in your career development as asystems engineer.

Certification is the only mechanism recognised by theInternational Council on Systems Engineering(INCOSE), through which your Systems Engineeringknowledge, experience and leadership credentials canbe independently assessed.

You must be a member of INCOSE UK before applyingfor INCOSE certification. For more information onbecoming a member, please visit the INCOSE UKmembership page.

Once you are a member, you can apply for certificationthrough the INCOSE UK website. The first step wouldbe for you to study the supporting guidelines forcertification applications. It is also advisable to seek theadvice of a certification mentor. Often your employercan provide a mentor. If this is not possible, INCOSEUK may be able to help. Mentors understand therequirements for each level of certification and willensure that your application presents your experiencein an appropriate manner.

Current fees for certification through the UK Chapterare published on the INCOSE UK website.

This leaflet is intended only as a brief introduction toprofessional certification for systems engineers throughINCOSE UK.

For further information, on INCOSE certificationclick here.

Download copies of this leaflet and other SystemsEngineering resources online by clicking here.

For more information about the worldwide SystemsEngineering professional community, go to:www.incose.org

For information on all aspects of professionaldevelopment as a systems engineer through INCOSEUK, contact: profdev@incoseuk.org

Lead author: Ian Presland

https://incoseuk.org/Normal_Files/Professional_Development/Becoming_a_ASEP_CSep_ESephttps://incoseuk.org/Normal_Files/Professional_Development/U_Guideshttps://www.incose.orghttps://profdev@incoseuk.org

Who governs SystemsEngineering certification?

What do I have todemonstrate at each level?

Requirements EngineeringSystems and DecisionAnalysis

Systems IntegrationArchitecture / DesignDevelopment

Verification and ValidationSystem Operation andMaintenanceRisk and OpportunityManagement

Technical PlanningTechnicalMonitoring andControl

Acquisition and SupplyInformation andConfiguration Management

Specialty EngineeringOrganisational ProjectEnabling ActivitiesLifecycle ProcessDefinitionand Management

INCOSE recognises three levels of SEP certification, dependingon your knowledge, experience and leadership background:

■ Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)■ Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)■ Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP)

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)governs the SEP Certification Programme. Further details areavailable on the INCOSE website.

NOTES:(1) Exam is based upon INCOSE Systems Engineering

Handbook.(2) Additional years of experience can be presented

in lieu of a qualifying technical degree. For anon-technical degree, add five years. If you do nothave a degree, add 10 years. INCOSE determineswhat qualifies as a technical degree.

(3) Breadth and depth of SE Experience needs tobe demonstrated in multiple areas, in accordancewith prescribed limits.

Maintaining certification

15 AREAS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RECOGNISEDBY INCOSE

Exam

Education

Experience

Leadership

References

PanelInterview

N/A

Technical degree(Note 2)Minimum 25 years(20 if CSEP)SEexperience withbreadth and depth(Note 3)Minimum five yearsof professionaldevelopment credit

Accomplished andrecognised leaderin SystemsEngineering

Three references(cumulativecoverage of atleast the mostrecent 10 yearsof experience)

Panel interviewgenerally required

Yes (Note 1)

Technical degree(Note 2)Minimum five yearsSE experience withbreadth and depth(Note 3)

N/A

Three references(cumulativecoverage of theyears ofexperience)

N/A

Yes (Note 1)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Other specialist areas may also be acceptable

Get involvedDo something extraordinary and share your provenSystems Engineering knowledge and skills throughvolunteering. There are many ways to give back to theSystems Engineering community and shape our future,including:

■ Professional Development Mentors■ Certification Application Reviewers (CAR's)■ Outreach

What levels are on offer?

Which level is right for me?ASEP: For those who have just started (or want to start) practicingSystems Engineering, have a keen interest in Systems Engineeringor have recently graduated from university.

CSEP: For practicing systems engineers with typically five or moreyears of Systems Engineering professional work experience.Requires candidates to demonstrate breadth and depth of SystemsEngineering experience: including at least one year or greaterexperience in at least three or more of 15 recognised areas ofSystems Engineering, and at least five years of experience overall.

ESEP: For leaders with many years of Systems Engineering workexperience. Requires candidates to demonstrate depth and breadthright across Systems Engineering: including at least 25/20 years ofSystems Engineering experience, with at least two years or moreexperience in at least six of 15 recognised areas of SystemsEngineering.

Becoming a SEP confirms your commitment toremaining professionally competent through ContinuingProfessional Development (CPD).

As a SEP, in order to maintain certification you arerequired to undertake approved development activitieswhich gain “Professional Development Units”(PDUs). When you come to renew, you need todemonstrate you have acquired sufficient PDUs.

You can maintain a record of your activities with theINCOSE UK MyCareerPath® CPD tool.