INCOSE Certification of Systems Engineers

INCOSE Certification ofSystems Engineers Certification Program Briefing for Chapters CB0102 Karl C. Geist, CSEP 28 September 2005 SE Certification

Table of Contents • Background • Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Requirements • Certification Program Features • Program Status • Communications

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. What is Certification?

Certification – 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

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

SE Experience - 5 years minimum in multiple SE disciplines 2. Education – Bachelor’s degree/equivalent in technical field (Additional experience must be substituted for non-technical degree) 5 more years of engineering for non-technical Bachelor’s (total 10 years) 10 more years of engineering if no Bachelor’s degree (total 15 years) 3. Recommendations from at least 3 Colleagues/Peers/Managers who are knowledgeable in Systems Engineering Pass Certification Exam * Application and Fee Submittals Required Application requires copy of degree transcript or diploma Application fee is $400 – discounted to $300 for INCOSE members Test fee is $80 payable to Testing organization when scheduling exam Requirements for CertifiedSystems Engineering Professional (CSEP)* INCOSE membership not required to participate in program

INCOSE Application Center Completed Application And Fee Study Notify Applicant $ Application Development INCOSE Evaluation Pay test fee Take Cert Exam (Prometrics Test Center) 1. Verifiable Education Pass 2. Verifiable Experience ISO 15288 INCOSE SE Handbook Version 2a 3 year Certification 3. Applicant’s Advocates (three references knowledgeable about SE) Four to six weeks Two weeks Timeline Certification Process Diagram Applicant’s own pace Applicant has up to one year to pass the test (three tries 3 months apart). Test is scheduled directly with Thompson-Prometrics.

SE Disciplines 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

Exam Information • Exam is based on current INCOSE SE Handbook Version 2A which is available on INCOSE web site • Exam cost is $80 per exam • Current exam is 120 questions (98 scored, 22 Beta questions) • Current exam is 2 hours in length • Pass/Fail results provided immediately upon exam completion • Candidates eligible for two re-tests within the year • SE Handbook version 3 is in development. Expected release is in 2006 • Exam will be updated for SE Handbook Version 3

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 SEHv2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission. Exam Question Format with Sample Content

Which three of the following are methods to express functional behavior? (Choose three) Allocated requirement diagram Functional flow diagram Pgs 133 - 136 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 SEHv2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission. Exam Question Format with Sample Content

Which are three justifications for Configuration Management? (Choose three) Facilitates communication Encourages changes Prevents changes Forces comprehensive change evaluation Maintain control over requirements This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission. Exam Question Format with Sample Content

Which are three justifications for Configuration Management? (Choose three) Facilitates communication Pg 48, ¶1 Encourages changes Prevents changes Forces comprehensive change evaluation Pg 48,¶ 1 Maintain control over requirements Pg 46, ¶2 This question IS NOT from the INCOSE Certification Exam. The format and content are similar (based on SEHv2a), however it was created by CSM and Thompson-Prometrics, and is used with permission. Exam Question Format with Sample Content

Continuing Education during Prior 3 Years - 120 PDUs * Renewal Application and Fee Submittals Must be submitted before current certification period ends Continuing education log submittal required Renewal Fee is $100 – discounted to $50 for INCOSE members Requirements for CSEP 3-Year Renewal* INCOSE membership not required to participate in program

Continuing Education Credits for Certification Renewal

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 Certification Program Features

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 Certification Program Milestones

Where Do I Find More Information? • INCOSE Certification Web Area at • http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/certification/index.aspx • Introduction and Overview Briefing • Certification Requirements • Certification Renewal Requirements • Certification Fees • Online Payment • Certification Exam • Continuing Education • Experience Applicable to Certification • Colleagues/Peers Used for References • Certification Forms • Ethics Statement • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs - 47) • Possible Future Levels of Certification • Certification Reconsideration Appeal • Certified Systems Engineering Professionals (53)

How Long Will It Take Me to Become Certified? There is no one answer. Much depends on the applicant. • Applicant • Downloads information from INCOSE web page • Collects information • Fills out and submits forms via e-mail • Pays fee on-line • Applicant • Schedules exam with test organization • Takes exam at test site • Receives results immediately • Schedules another exam if needed References submit recommendations via e-mail to INCOSE. Applicant submits missing material. ?????? ?????? ?????? Time 1 month 2 weeks 2 weeks • INCOSE • Receives application & fee • Checks completeness of submittal • Requests recommendations from references identified by applicant • Notifies applicant by e-mail that application was received and is complete or has missing material • INCOSE • Receives recommendations from references and missing information • Evaluates education and experience • Notifies applicant of evaluation results. If minimum requirements are met, authorizes exam INCOSE sends CSEP certificate via postal mail to applicant Note: We will collect metrics to establish a better historical estimate.

Program Change Considerations • Selection of a Permanent Program Manager • Online Submission of Applications and Renewals • Update Exam After SE Handbook Version 3 is Introduced • Review of Exam Training Programs • Courseware • Knowledge Providers (List or Recommendations) http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/shortcourses.aspx • Internationalize the Program (Multiple Languages) • Multiple Levels of Certification • Systems Engineering Management • Systems Engineering Specialist • Systems Engineering Enterprise Processes • Systems Engineering Fellow

Questions?

Back-up Slides

CSEP Projected Potential Impact PMP Experience INCOSE Opportunity* * 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!

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

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

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

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

The 3-part program is $1,050. The course includes our 1-day application workshop (free) and includes: Application Workshop 2-day Handbook Review complete with pre and post test exams with exam questions included in each module Course materials Study Guide INCOSE Handbook Thompson Prometric Exam Fee Follow-up and Coaching after the exam Our guarantee! Clients can recycle through the program up to 3 times without additional charge The $80 exam fee is refundable upon receipt of a self mailer, (currently in production), which is handed out during the Handbook review sessions. The mailer will include questions regarding our program, and applicant’s experience taking the exam. Example Commercial Knowledge Provider’s Prep course – ASE/CSM

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

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. INCOSE Certification Program Abstract

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. INCOSE Certification Program Abstract (Cont)

INCOSE Certification of Systems Engineers