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0 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
This brief is intended for use in briefing INCOSE chapters and other groups interested in the status of the INCOSE Certification Program. It is recommended that a member of the INCOSE Certification Program Office CAG (Certification Advisory Group) present this brief in order to more accurately answer questions. This briefing is best shown in slide show format to focus the viewers attention to the speaker’s message. Some of the charts may be eliminated if a shorter briefing is desired. A note to this effect is included in the speaker’s notes as to good candidates for elimination. Certification of Systems Engineers INCOSE-TD Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

1 INCOSE Copyright Notice
Copyright (c) 2007 by INCOSE, subject to the following restrictions: Author Use. Authors have full rights to use their contributions in a totally unfettered way. Abstraction is permitted with credit to the source. INCOSE Use. Permission to reproduce and use this document or parts thereof by members of INCOSE and to prepare derivative works from this document for INCOSE use is granted, with attribution to INCOSE and the original author(s) where practical, provided this copyright notice is included with all reproductions and derivative works. External Use. This document may be shared or distributed to non-INCOSE third parties. Requests for permission to reproduce this document in whole are granted, provided it is not altered in any way. Requests for permission to prepare derivative works of this document for external and/or commercial use will be denied unless covered by other formal agreements with INCOSE. Copying, scanning, retyping, or any other form of reproduction of the content of whole pages or source documents is prohibited except as approved by the INCOSE Central Office, 2150 N.107th St., Suite 205, Seattle, WA Electronic Version Use. Any electronic version of this document is to be used for personal use only and is not to be placed on a non-INCOSE sponsored server for general use. Any additional use of these materials must have written approval from INCOSE Central. Permissions. INCOSE has granted permission to member companies of the INCOSE Corporate Advisory Board to post and use this document internally, subject to the external use restriction. Technical Data. This data was prepared by the Hampton Roads Area and Southern Maryland Chapters of INCOSE for information only. It is has been released by those Chapters as INCOSE Technical Data. It is subject to change without notice and may not be referred to as an INCOSE Technical Product. Send comments to and This briefing is copyrighted by INCOSE. Please observe the copyright provisions. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

2 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Acknowledgement This presentation was extracted and updated from: INCOSE Certification of Systems Engineers, Certification Program Briefing for Chapters, CB0104, Karl C. Geist, CSEP, 9 November 2005 and CB0607, Karl C. Geist, CSEP, 6 Jun 2007 Presentation to INCOSE IW06, Kenneth J. Kepchar, 28 Jan 2006 Certification Status Report, INCOSE IS, July 2006 New Member Introduction & Orientation, INCOSE IS 2006, Bruce Shelton, 10 July 2006 INCOSE Certification of Systems Engineers Program, Program Status Report, John Muehlbauer, January 2007 This brief is a composite of material selected from these references. The last reference is currently on the INCOSE CSEP site. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

3 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits & Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications This briefing agenda is a result of the work completed at the INCOSE 2005 International Symposium in Rochester, NY from 9-15 July. The contents are a brief synopsis of each topic area. Additional information is available from INCOSE and is sighted later in the brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

4 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
What Is 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. The definition of Certification is important for the understanding of the topic. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

5 What Is Certification? (cont)
Certification is a formal process whereby a community of performing skilled representatives, such as INCOSE, warrants that a person has achieved competency in certain skills. Certification differs from licensing in that licenses are permissions granted by a government entity for a person to practice within its regulatory boundaries. Certification also differs from a "certificate" that documents the successful completion of a training or education program. Certification is a formal process to warrant that a person has achieved competency in certain skills. Certification is not a license which is a government granted permission to practice a skill within the government’s boundaries. A certificate is a document that confirms successfully completing a training or education program. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

6 What Does It Mean To Be Certified?
Individual has basic skills to perform fundamental SE tasks and is able to make a productive contribution in most work situations. Initial certification is at the SE foundation level. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

7 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits & Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications The Benefits emphasize the importance and value of certification. The Background emphasizes salient points of the Program’s history and reasons why the Program was established for the audience’s basic understanding. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

8 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
What are the Benefits of Certification? Formally recognizes your systems engineering capabilities Distinguishes you from others within your professional field Provides competitive advantage to you and your company Furthers your professional development as a systems engineer Helps advance the state of the art and practice of systems engineering Certification provides a focus for many of the products that INCOSE produces. The impact of certification across INCOSE is becoming pervasive. The INCOSE Certification Program provides a formal method for recognizing a basic level of knowledge and experience of systems engineers for certification. This chart can be eliminated if pressed for time. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

9 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Who Is Certification For? Everyone interested in being recognized formally for their systems engineering capabilities Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

10 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Is Certification for INCOSE Members Only? No, certification is open to everyone. Participation is voluntary. INCOSE members receive reduced rates for initial certification and renewal. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

11 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Background Certification Intent – an Instrument for Realizing INCOSE Strategic Goals 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 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

12 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Background (cont) INCOSE Top Five Priorities 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 INCOSE has established a number of goals for the organization. These are the top five or most important, but have not been specifically prioritized. The Certification Program is one of them. This chart can be eliminated if pressed for time. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

13 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits & Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications Now to discuss the CSEP requirements. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

14 CSEP Requirements* 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. Experience confirmation and recommendations from at least 3 Colleagues/Peers/Managers who are knowledgeable in SE Pass Certification Exam * Application and non-refundable 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 Test Organization when scheduling exam Explain this chart slowly. Emphasize minimum 5 years of SE Experience. Explain degree variation effect on experience requirement. Point out reference details. On the application submittal, remind them that they must submit a COPY of their degree, transcript, or diploma. They can scan these in to electronic form for submittal. Warn them not to submit an actual diploma because we will not send it back. Note INCOSE cost advantage, and test payment is made at time of test. Be sure to emphasize INCOSE membership is not a requirement. INCOSE membership not required to participate in program Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

15 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
CSEP Requirements Compliance This chart shows how the requirements are verified. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

16 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
SE Disciplines/Functional Areas Qualifying for SE Experience 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 Other If you have experience you want counted, but it doesn’t fit into these 13 functional areas, YOU have to CONVINCE the reviewers that the experience is RELEVANT to SE CERTIFICATION These 13 areas are taken directly from the handbook, and give broad coverage to all aspects of SE. A minimum of three of these areas must be included in the applicant’s experience. Process Definition could include helping to review V2a or V3. Specialty Engineering could include an engineering discipline (e.g., Software Engineering, EE, CE, ME, IE, HSE, etc.). Note that the application contains another area called “Other.” This permits the applicants to explain their experience in an area that they can not fit into one of the other areas (e.g., Engineering Management). Each item on this list is addressed in the following 2 slides. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

17 SE Disciplines/Functional Areas Qualifying for SE Experience (cont)
Systems engineering functions include but are not limited to the following: Requirements Engineering: analyze customer and stakeholder needs, generate/develop requirements, perform functional analyses, derive requirements, ensure requirements quality, allocate requirements, control requirements, maintain requirements database, develop and implement Requirements Management Plans, develop measures of effectiveness and performance Risk and Opportunity Management: develop and implement Risk and Opportunity Management Plans, identify risk issues and opportunities, assess risk issues and opportunities, prioritize risks and opportunities, develop and implement risk mitigation and opportunity achievement plans, track risk reduction and opportunity achievement activities Baseline Control: develop and implement Configuration Management Plans, establish and update baselines for requirements and evolving configurations/products, establish and implement change control processes, maintain traceability of configurations, participate in Configuration Control Boards, participate in configuration item identification and status accounting, participate in functional and physical configuration audits Technical Planning: identify program objectives and technical development strategy; prepare Systems Engineering Management Plans, program Work Breakdown Structures, product Breakdown Structures, Integrated Master Plans, and Integrated Master Schedules; identify program metrics including product technical performance measures and key performance parameters, identify program resource needs in terms of equipment, facilities, and personnel capabilities Technical Effort Assessment: collect, analyze, track, and report program metrics including product technical performance measures and key performance parameters; conduct audits and reviews; assess process and tool usage compliance; conduct capability assessments; recommend and implement process and product improvements Self explanatory. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

18 SE Disciplines/Functional Areas Qualifying for SE Experience (cont)
Architecture/Design Development: identify baseline and alternate candidate concepts and architectures, prepare Trade Study Plans, conduct and document trade studies, evaluate and optimize candidate concepts and architectures, prepare system/solution description documents Qualification, Verification, and Validation: develop and implement Qualification, Verification, and Validation Plans; develop verification requirements and pass/fail criteria; conduct and record results of qualification, verification, and validation efforts, and corrective actions; prepare requirements verification matrix and qualification certificates Process Definition: define enterprise processes and best practices, tailor enterprise processes for program/project applications Tool Support: specify requirements for, evaluate, select, acquire, and install SE computer programs/tools Training: develop and implement Training Plans, develop and give training courses on processes and tools Systems Integration: define technical integration strategy, develop Integration Plans, develop integration test scripts, develop and implement integration test scenarios, conduct and document integration tests, track integration test results and retest status Quality Assurance: develop and implement a Quality Assurance Plan, perform quality audits, report quality audits, define and track quality corrective actions Specialty Engineering: develop and implement Specialty Plans as part of, or an addendum to, the Systems Engineering Management Plan to cover such specialties as reliability, maintainability, supportability, survivability, logistics support, security, safety, human factors, electromagnetic environmental effects, environmental engineering, packaging and handling, etc. Other: describe other functions that you have performed and can justify as system engineering activities. Self explanatory. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

19 Balanced SE Experience
Certification at the foundation level will indicate that the individual has a balance between the depth and breadth of systems engineering experience in performing some, but not all, SE functions. The following table provides guidelines on what constitutes balanced SE experience considering the 14 SE functional areas listed in the prior slide. Distribution of Experience in SE Functional Areas Listed in Prior Slide Amount of Experience Required Maximum Depth Width Intermediate 5 years with Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in technical field 3 years in any one area and 2 years in other areas 1 year in each of three areas and Any combination between maximum depth and maximum width INCOSE is looking for BALANCED SE experience, i.e., not all in one area. This chart shows the range of breadth and depth required. The acceptability of experience distributions outside the above guidelines is subject to the decision of the Certification Office. When describing your SE experience, link it to the 14 functional areas. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

20 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Exam Information Exam is based on current INCOSE SE Handbook V2a which is available on INCOSE web site, and is not open book Exam cost is $80 per exam paid directly to Test Organization when scheduling exam Current exam is 120 questions (98 scored, 22 Beta questions) and 2 hours in length Pass/Fail results provided immediately upon exam completion Candidates eligible for two re-tests within one year of application submittal (three exam total per application) Exam will be updated in July 2008 based on SEH V3.1 V3 = Substantial change from V2a, less detail, new semantics. Exam question bank changes required. V3.1 = Minor update plus new appendices with V2a info that is on the Exam. Explain this chart slowly. The SE Handbook is downloadable free to INCOSE members. Each candidate can take the exam up to three times in order to pass, however they must be at least 3 months apart, and all 3 exams must be taken within the maximum 1 year application/certification process. The applicant must also pay for each exam at the time it is taken. As the INCOSE SE Handbook is updated, the exam will be updated to match its contents. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

21 Exam Question Format with Sample Content (cont)
Which three of the following are methods to express functional behavior? (Choose three) Allocated requirement diagram Functional flow diagram Behavior diagram Integrated definition for functional modeling (IDEF) diagram Network Tree This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEH V2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometric, and is used with permission. These examples are similar to examples provided in a Certification Preparation Program. These are not actual exam questions. But they have been formulated from material in the INCOSE Handbook Version 2a (SEH V2a). They were composed by people who generated the actual exam questions to reflect the format, depth, and content of the exam. Pose this as a question, and get audience responses. Emphasize the format and style of the question and the number and choices of the answers. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

22 Exam Question Format with Sample Content (cont)
Which three of the following are methods to express functional behavior? (Choose three) SEH V2a Ref. Allocated requirement diagram Functional flow diagram Pgs Behavior diagram Pg 125, ¶ last Integrated definition for functional modeling (IDEF) diagram Pg 127, ¶ 1 Network Tree This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEH V2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometric, and is used with permission. X X X The correct answers are emphasized in red. Answer B was changed from “functional flow block diagram” to “functional flow diagram” to be consistent with SEH V2a (which uses mostly “functional flow diagram,” but occasionally uses “functional block diagram.” Answer C is specifically called out in SEH V2a. Answer D was changed from “narrative description” to “IDEF” again to match SEH V2a. Answers = B, C, D Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

23 Exam Question Format with Sample Content (cont)
Which are three justifications for Configuration Management? (Choose three) Facilitates communication Encourages requirements changes Prevents requirements changes Forces change evaluations Control requirements changes This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEH V2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometric, and is used with permission. Again, these examples are similar to examples provided in a Certification Preparation Program. These are not actual exam questions. But they have been formulated from material in the INCOSE Handbook Version 2a (SEH V2a). They were composed by people who generated the actual exam questions to reflect the format, depth, and content of the exam. Pose this as a question, and get audience responses. Emphasize the format and style of the question and the number and choices of the answers. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

24 Exam Question Format with Sample Content (cont)
Which are three justifications for Configuration Management? (Choose three) SEH V2a Ref. Facilitates communication Pg 48, ¶ 1 Encourages requirements changes Prevents requirements changes Forces change evaluations Pg 48,¶ 1 Control requirements changes Pg 46, ¶2 This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEH V2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometric, and is used with permission. X X X The correct answers are emphasized in red. Answers A and D are specifically called out in SEHv2a. Answer E was changed from “facilitates system integrity” to “maintains control over baseline” to match text in SEH V2a. The term “system integrity” is not used in SEH V2a. Answers = A, D, E Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

25 Requirements for CSEP 3-Year Renewal*
Continuing Education during Prior 3 Years 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 Let them know that there is a prescribed log form online that can be downloaded for recording their continuing education. Highlight that they must initiate the renewal process prior to their existing Certification Expiration date. Again, point out INCOSE Membership is not required, however it does provide a cost savings. INCOSE membership not required to participate in program Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

26 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Continuing Education Credits for CSEP Renewal 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 the first time only. Not applicable to full-time faculty. 2 PDU Authoring published papers, articles or books in any area relevant to practice 1 hour of participation in professional and technical society working groups/management Patents                                                        1 hour of professional development in coursework, seminars, or professional or technical presentation made at meetings, conventions, conferences, or exam preparation Highlight that this is the current PDU table. The final breakout may be different as the differences between “American” and “Global” education requirements are considered, and evaluated. Point out this is a three year requirement, and that as many as 30 PDUs may be carried forward. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

27 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits & Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications This section outlines the Certification Process. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

28 Certification Process Diagram
ISO 15288 INCOSE SE Handbook Version 2a Study Notify Applicant Two weeks $ Submit completed application and fee INCOSE Application Center Evaluation Four to six weeks Pass 3 year Certification Notify Applicant Application Development Pay test fee Schedule & Take Exam (Prometric Test Center) Applicant’s own pace 1. Verifiable Education Walk the Class through the certification process – Talk to one Process Section at a time Develop Application Documented Systems Engineering experience (Specialize resume for SE experience) Applicants Education (Transcript of degree) Applicants’ Advocates recommendation (Choose carefully, and wisely, and find people who can communication your experience and qualifications) Payment to INCOSE Submit application and application fee to Certification Program Office. submittal and online payment preferred. INCOSE reviews Application and notifies applicant of its status Application approval Provides applicant with test authorization Provides test web site information Application disapproval What if the application is not accepted? – There is an appeal process! (Briefly describe) The applicant will be notified as to what areas need additional information, proof or may result in finding additional advocates. Study current INCOSE Handbook and ISO for the exam. Hopefully your study began before you prepared application. (Confirm correct version of Handbook) Schedule and take exam. Schedule appointment with the Prometrics test centers, pay, and take the exam (Approximately 2 hours) Pass/Fail Notification of the Exam will be immediate Certification Awarded. INCOSE will send the successful candidate a certificate and CSEP card – good for 3 years Renewal. Once the candidate has been awarded CSEP status – he/she must start accumulating PDUs for certification renewal within the 3-year period. 2. Verifiable Experience 3. Applicant’s Advocates (three references knowledgeable about SE) Applicant has up to one year to pass the test (three tries 3 months apart). Test is scheduled directly with Thompson-Prometric. Applicant’s own pace Timeline Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

29 How Long Will It Take to Become Certified?
There is no one answer. Much depends on the applicant. Time Applicant Downloads information from INCOSE web page Collects information Fills out and submits forms via Pays fee on-line ?????? Applicant Schedules exam with test organization Takes exam at test site Receives results immediately Schedules another exam if needed Averaging 62 days References submit recommendations via to INCOSE. Applicant submits missing material. Averaging 50 days INCOSE Receives application & fee Checks completeness of submittal Notifies applicant by that application was received, appears complete, or has missing materials < 2 weeks INCOSE Receives recommendations from references and missing information Evaluates education and experience Notifies applicant of evaluation results. If requirements are met, authorizes exam Averaging 21 days INCOSE sends CSEP certificate via postal mail to applicant < 2 weeks Go through this slide very slowly. Emphasize that the applicant is the main pacer for most parts of the certification process, and thus the length of the process. INCOSE involvement for processing is restricted by procedure to approximately 2 months. We have collected metrics to establish a better historical estimate. Shortest is 37 days, Average is 147 days Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

30 complete the full application process to be a CSEP
Exam-First Certification Process Diagram Beta Test for Course Participants Only ISO 15288 INCOSE SE Handbook Version 2a Study Notify Applicant ? Pass Notify Applicant CAUTION! No Certificate and No CSEP Applicant must complete the full application process to be a CSEP Applicant has up to one year to pass the test (three tries 3 months apart) and complete the full application process. Test is scheduled directly with Thompson-Prometric. Full non-refundable application fee required up-front $ Submit completed application and full fee INCOSE Application Center Evaluation ? Exam-First Application Development Pay test fee Schedule & take exam (Prometric Test Center) Applicant’s own pace Walk the Class through the certification process – Talk to one Process Section at a time Develop Application Documented Systems Engineering experience (Specialize resume for SE experience) Applicants Education (Transcript of degree) Applicants’ Advocates recommendation (Choose carefully, and wisely, and find people who can communication your experience and qualifications) Payment to INCOSE Submit application and application fee to Certification Program Office. submittal and online payment preferred. INCOSE reviews Application and notifies applicant of its status Application approval Provides applicant with test authorization Provides test web site information Application disapproval What if the application is not accepted? – There is an appeal process! (Briefly describe) The applicant will be notified as to what areas need additional information, proof or may result in finding additional advocates. Study current INCOSE Handbook and ISO for the exam. Hopefully your study began before you prepared application. (Confirm correct version of Handbook) Schedule and take exam. Schedule appointment with the Prometrics test centers, pay, and take the exam (Approximately 2 hours) Pass/Fail Notification of the Exam will be immediate Certification Awarded. INCOSE will send the successful candidate a certificate and CSEP card – good for 3 years Renewal. Once the candidate has been awarded CSEP status – he/she must start accumulating PDUs for certification renewal within the 3-year period. Applicant’s own pace Timeline Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

31 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits/Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications This section provides the historical milestones associated with the Program, their status, and recent accomplishments. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

32 Certification Program Milestones
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 Exam-First Application Beta Test for Course Participants Only – April 2007 IS = International Symposium, IW = International Workshop If time limited, say that we began to develop the program in 2002 and that it is now available to the public. Explain IS means International Symposium and IW means International Workshop. Approximately 69 people took the Beta test, 54 (78%) passed, and 45 (65%) completed the process and became CSEPs. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

33 Recent Accomplishments
Full Processing & User-Friendly Forms 134 CSEPs as of 5/1/07 Group Discounts Offered Exam-First, Beta Test for course participants only Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

34 Certifications by Company*
Number Certified Company *54 Companies Have 1 CSEP as of 1 May 2007 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

35 Certifications by Region*
*12 States have 1 certified person as of 1 October 2006 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

36 7 Certifications Outside of USA
Australia Belgium Canada India Norway (2) Republic of Korea Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

37 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Group Discounts Available to INCOSE Corporate Advisory Board Organizations Minimum of 10 Employee Names in Group Package Submittal with Fee Discount is 10% of Normal Application Fee Applies to Non-INCOSE Employees Only Not Applicable to Exam Fee Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

38 Certification Program Features
Certification Program Scope 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 CSEPs to review candidate qualifications Emphasis this is a “Foundation Level” certification. Highlight Certification Program Advance and Specialty area Levels may be added as separate Certifications. Ideas discussed later in the brief Operations consists of both Administration tasking, and Management tasking. Management tasking is divided between the BOD and various parts of the Certification Program Office. Back-up Slides offer more details about the Organization, PM, CAG and CARs. Slides were taken out for a more generalized audience. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

39 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Program Change Considerations Update Exam After SE Handbook V3.1 Appendices Completed Review of Exam Training Programs Courseware Knowledge Providers (List of Recommendations) Internationalize the Program (Multiple Languages) Multiple Levels of Certification Systems Engineering Management Systems Engineering Specialist Systems Engineering Enterprise Processes Systems Engineering Fellow These are highlights just let them know that these are possible topics for future changes. For future certification distinctions: SE Management extrapolates the breadth of the CSEP into job roles with increased responsibility and demand for leadership abilities, personnel and resource management skills, and systems engineering process expertise. SE Specialist recognizes in-depth knowledge and focused experience in engineering specialty areas. Actual subjects for speciality certifications will be allowed to emerge based on developments in the discipline and the INCOSE organization. Some possible subjects are Requirements Engineering, Systems Analysis, Modelling and Simulation,Verification & Validation, Reliability Engineering, Systems Integration, Architectural Framework. SE Enterprise Processes recognizes the unique capabilities of those whose job role is dedicated to developing systems engineering processes for an enterprise to use in product development. The SE Fellow recognizes senior systems engineers who have the added responsibility of directing the technical effort on a program, providing guidance on setting up and executing all program systems engineering processes, or acting as a systems engineering advisor to multiple programs. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

40 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Contents Introduction Benefits & Background Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements Certification Process Program Accomplishments Communications This sections provides an overview of the Program Communications. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

41 Forms & Processing via Email Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Where Do I Find More Information? This depicts the website with a screen view, some detail, and various sections of the Certification Website. Point out the website address, which is up and operational. Note an electronic process is being used, including an Online Application Preparation process. 134 CSEPs as of 1 May 2007 Forms & Processing via Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

42 Posted Certification Program Details
INCOSE Certification Web Area 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 - 51) Possible Future Levels of Certification Certification Reconsideration Appeal Certified Systems Engineering Professionals This detailed information is posted on the CSEP web site. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

43 Questions? This is more important if all questions are held to the end to help control brief timing, instead of interaction through the briefing. Visit the SE Certification website at or Contact the Certification Office at incose.org Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

44 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Back-up Slides These slides may provide some additional program background and details, and are included to help answer questions. It is not recommended that these be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

45 CSEP Projected Potential Impact
PMP Experience INCOSE Opportunity* Slide shows PMI’s success over the past 11 years, dating back to 1994. Early success was limited due to gating factors: volunteer staffing, long application review cycles, limited advertising, lack of proven value propositions. The very factors INCOSE is presently facing with respect to the Certification Program, which is why we feel this is a valuable comparison. Recent success based on: Full-time employees Reduced application approval times <11 days Word of mouth advertising Value propositions (business now require PMP certification) These are consideration the INCOSE Certification Program will need to consider to reach the projected value and impact. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. * 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! Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

46 Certification Organization
Board of Directors Corporate Advisory Board Member Board Certification Office Program Manager (PM) Certification Advisory Group (CAG) Certification Application Reviewers (CAR) Technical Board IV&V Handbook WG Inputs Admin Support Test Support Just visually point to the two parts of the Certification Program. On the right, the Certification Program Office, and to its right the Administrative Support. Briefly mention the various interfaces and their relationships. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

47 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Program Manager 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 Highlight the various Program Manager responsibilities. Do not dwell on the individual duties. Just say that this chart summarizes the duties of the PM. This chart can be dropped if short on time. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

48 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Certification Advisory Group (CAG) Provides INCOSE Oversight to Certification Program Office - Represents INCOSE perspective and interests - 9 Members appointed by BOD for 3 year terms (staggered, limited to six consecutive years of service) - 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 Highlight the various Certification Advisory Group (CAG) responsibilities. Do not dwell on the individual duties. Just say that this chart summarizes the duties of the CAG who are appointed by the BOD for three year terms. Also mention there are 3 sets of rotating terms, 1, 2, and 3 year terms initially. This chart can be dropped if short on time. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

49 Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007
Certification Application Reviewers (CARs) 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 INCOSE member in good standing Current CSEP status At least 20 years of engineering experience At least 10 years of systems engineering experience Some experience in hiring/managing engineering / technical personnel is desired, but not required Initial pool appointed by BOD Additional CARs selected by CAG Highlight the various CAR responsibilities. Do not dwell on the individual duties. Just say that this chart summarizes the duties of the CARs. Mention the minimum of 3 CARs review each application for certification. Touch on the qualifications to be a CAR, in case anyone is interested. Tell them, if interested in becoming a CAR, to include at least 20 years of experience including at least 10 years of SE experience in their applications for CSEP, because that provides us the information on whether to consider them. This chart can be dropped if short on time. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

50 Example INCOSE Knowledge Provider’s Prep Course – HRA Chapter
Who: INCOSE Hampton Roads Area (HRA) Chapter 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: Two Consecutive Days Each Fall - 8 AM to 5 PM Concept: This Seminar complements a Systems Engineer’s preparation for the SE Certification Examination by providing an overview of the each chapter of the INCOSE System Engineering Handbook (V2a) in a study group format. The program consists of two days covering the Certification of SEs and the Management Sections (Day 1, Sections 1-7) and Technical Sections (Day 2, Sections 8-12) of the Handbook. Application help is also provided. Location: Hampton Roads Area - INCOSE Chapter, at the Old Dominion University Cost: $100 for INCOSE Members, $150 for non-members Program Agenda: Day Day 2 Time Topic Time Topic 8-9 Certification of SEs Technical Chapters 9-12 Management Chapters Lunch - included in cost 12-1 Lunch - Included in Cost Technical Chapters 1-5 Management Chapters Application Help Online Registration: Available at Sponsorship Opportunities: Available today with more information on our website. This is provided to demonstrate that Certification Preparation Courses and Programs are available at varying costs. Highlight that there are various courses and programs offered from various other sources. This is an example which has had the inclusion of actual V2a reviewers (HRA Chapter) as part of the presentation team. The INCOSE Technical Leadership Team (TLT) has reviewed and approved the HRA Chapter course. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

51 Example Commercial Knowledge Provider’s Prep course – ASE/CSM
The 3-part program is $1,200. The course includes: 1-day 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 Guarantee! Clients can recycle through the program up to 3 times without additional charge Refundable $80 exam fee upon receipt of a self mailer which is handed out during the Handbook review sessions. The mailer will include questions regarding our program, and applicant’s experience taking the exam. This is provided to demonstrate that Certification Preparation Courses and Programs are available at varying costs. Highlight that there are various courses and programs offered from various other sources. This is just one example which has had the inclusion of both actual Certification preparers, and CAG/CARs member as part of the quality assurance team who reviewed and approved the course. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

52 INCOSE Certification Program Abstract
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. The Abstract has been include in the brief because usually it is a requirement or a request when advertising the presentation. Its intent is to help maintain consistency in the information being provided to INCOSE Members and the Public when discussing the Certification Program. This slide presents the problem and INCOSE’s response. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007

53 INCOSE Certification Program Abstract (Cont)
This presentation briefly describes the background that led to the development of 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. The Abstract has been include in the brief because usually it is a requirement or a request when advertising the presentation. Its intent is to help maintain consistency in the information being provided to INCOSE Members and the Public when discussing the Certification Program. This slide presents some background and INCOSE’s intended results. It is not recommended that this slide be included as part of the normal brief. Certification of SEs, 14 August 2007


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