©2005 CSM Slide 1

Certification for Systems Engineering Professionals

Overview

CSEP Preparation Program

©2005 CSM Slide 2

What is Certification?

Certification is a formal process whereby a community of performing, skilled representatives, such as INCOSE, warrant that a person has achieved competency in certain skills.

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.

The objective for the INCOSE Professional Certification Program is to provide a formal method for recognizing the knowledge and experience of systems engineers

The objective for the INCOSE Professional Certification Program is to provide a formal method for recognizing the knowledge and experience of systems engineers

©2005 CSM Slide 3

INCOSE CSEP Background

Systems Engineering Certification

2001 – Survey of need for and interest in SE Certification 2002 – Exam created 2003 – Beta test (300 questions, 167 retained) 2004 – First 50 people certified as CSEP 2005 – CSEP program open for public enrollment

©2005 CSM Slide 4

CSEP Designation

What is the designation for a Certified Systems Engineering Professional? CSEP

–For example on a business card–John Doe CSEP, PMP . . –Jane Doe CSEP, PMP, PE . . .

What Organization certifies me as a CSEP? International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

What proof will be given to me that I am a CSEP? Wallet Card, Certificate, and Lapel Pin INCOSE Certification Letter INCOSE Database

©2005 CSM Slide 5

Fun CSEP Facts: What are these numbers?

84

50

34

40%

45

Number of CSEPS

Number of CSEPS – Pilot Program

Number of CSEPS – Post Pilot

Percent through CSM Prep Program

In the pipeline

Numbers are approximate as of end of June, 2006

©2005 CSM Slide 6

Requirements for CertifiedSystems Engineering Professional (CSEP)*

INCOSE membership not required to participate in programINCOSE membership not required to participate in program

SE Experience - 5 years minimum in multiple SE disciplinesEducation – 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)

Recommendations from at least 3 Colleagues/Peers/Managers who are knowledgeable in Systems Engineering

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 at time of exam.

©2005 CSM Slide 7

What are the criteria for earning Systems Engineering Certification?

1. Applicant’s education Determines the extent of required experience Supported by copies of college transcripts or degrees

2. Applicant’s verifiable experience At least five years of experience in systems engineering (technical degree) Additional 5 years engineering experience if non-technical degree Additional 10 years engineering experience if no degree

3. Applicant’s advocates At least three references are to be selected by the applicant References must know and understand Systems Engineering References must provide written endorsement verifying applicant’s systems

engineering skills and experience

4. Successful completion of an exam based on: INCOSE Handbook Version 2a, and ISO 15288 Systems Engineering — System Life Cycle Processes

©2005 CSM Slide 8

CSEP Exam Information

The CSEP Exam is based on current INCOSE SE Handbook Version 2A which is available on INCOSE’s web site.

Exam cost is $80 per exam

Consists of 120 questions

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 released in 2006.

Certification is good for 3 years

©2005 CSM Slide 9

Application Development

1. VerifiableEducation

2. VerifiableExperience

3. Applicant’sAdvocates (three

references knowledgeable about SE)

ISO 15288INCOSE SE Handbook

Version 2a

StudyINCOSEApplication

Center

INCOSEEvaluation

$

CompletedApplicationAnd Fee

Applicant’s own pace

Take Cert Exam(Prometrics Test Center)

Pay test fee

Pass

3 yearCertification

Four to six weeks

NotifyApplicant

Two weeks

Timeline

Applicant has up to one year to pass the test (three tries 3 months apart). Test is scheduled directly with Thompson-Prometrics.

Current Certification Process

©2005 CSM Slide 10

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 10 PDU

1 hour of participation in professional and technical society working groups/management

1 PDU

Patents                                                        10 PDU

1 hour of professional development in coursework, seminars, or professional or technical presentation made at meetings, conventions, conferences, or exam preparation

1 PDU

Continuing Education Credits for Certification Renewal

INCOSE requires 120 PDUs during the three-year certification period

©2005 CSM Slide 11

The Opportunity

Based on the success experienced from PMI’s PMP certification program, CSEP can drive the same success for INCOSE, and our industry

Qualify the value proposition for the industry

We get to invent a NEW acronym! CSEP

INCOSE has an opportunity to advance the industry, increase memberships and create broad visibility through its certification program

The Bureau of Labor & Statistics (May 18, 2004), forecasts employment growth in the systems design and related service industry to be one of the

fastest growing occupations thru 2012.

©2005 CSM Slide 12

CSEP Potential Impact

PMI/PMP Growth Chart

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

1 3 5 7 9 11

Years

PM

I/PM

P's Year

Members

Certified

PMP Experience INCOSE Opportunity*

*Based on CSM’s projected forecast

Based on historical data provided by PMI, the number of PMP’s today exceeds more than 116,000 or 78% of total members. CSM’s CSEP forecast using current market indicators suggests similar success!

INCOSE/CSEP Growth Chart

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

1 3 5 7 9 11

Years

Mem

bers

/CS

EP

Year

Members

Certified

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Market Trends

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Government Agencies

Aerospace Manufacturers

Communications Manufacturing

Colleges and Universities

Consulting Services

Software Development

Other

Market Analysis (Bar)

0.00%

2.00%

4.00%

6.00%

8.00%

Market Analysis (C.A.G.R)

$Billions

A vertical view of CSM’s client base shows strong compounded annual growth rates (C.A.G.R.) with the largest coming from the aerospace manufacturing industry.

Market Analysis Market Analysis (C.A.G.R.)

©2005 CSM Slide 14

Concentration of CSEP’s (as of 6/05/06)

0

5

10

15

20

No. of CSEP's

VA CA MD CO NJ

State

Concentration of CSEP's

Number of CSEPs

Percent

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

VA CA MD CO NJ

Percent

Percent

©2005 CSM Slide 15

CSEP Application

Discussion of the CSEP Application

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Use additional pages as needed.

Describe at least five years of systems engineering experience

performing tasks defined in Appendix A of the INCOSE application

instructions (next chart).

Under “Your Duties and Responsibilities” include the depth of detail

typically provided on a job resume about the SE tasks/functions you

performed.

If you do not have a technical degree, describe your additional years

of engineering experience required to qualify for certification.

Reverse chronological order is preferred.

Use the checklist at the end of this section as a summary of your SE

experience.

Use additional pages as needed.

Describe at least five years of systems engineering experience

performing tasks defined in Appendix A of the INCOSE application

instructions (next chart).

Under “Your Duties and Responsibilities” include the depth of detail

typically provided on a job resume about the SE tasks/functions you

performed.

If you do not have a technical degree, describe your additional years

of engineering experience required to qualify for certification.

Reverse chronological order is preferred.

Use the checklist at the end of this section as a summary of your SE

experience.

CSEP Application – SE Experience

Section 5: Experience

©2005 CSM Slide 17

Experience Summary Table

Systems Engineering areas of work - See Application Instructions for Detailed Definitions

Total Months of Experience

1. Technical Planning  

2. Requirements Engineering

3. Baseline Control

4. Technical Effort Assessment

5. Design Development

6. Qualification, Verification, and Validation

7. Process Definition

8. Tool Support

9. Training

10. Systems Integration

11. Risk and Opportunity Management

12. Quality Assurance

13. Specialty Engineering

14. Other

©2005 CSM Slide 18

Depth and Breadth of Experience and Education

Note:

Additional engineering experience must be substituted if you are lacking a technical Bachelor’s degree or equivalent:

• A minimum of 5 additional years of engineering experience with Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a non-technical field (total minimum of 10 years)

• A minimum of 10 additional years of engineering experience with no degree (total

minimum of 15 years)

Distribution of Experience in the Systems Engineering Areas

Amount of SE ExperienceRequired

Maximum Depth

MaximumBreadth

Intermediate

5 years with Bachelor’sdegree, or equivalent, in technical field

3 years in any 1 areaand 2 years in other areas

1 year in each of 3 areas and 2 years in other areas

Any combinationbetween maximumdepth and maximum width

Experience requirement is only satisfied by RELEVANT Systems Engineering experience ACCEPTED by INCOSE

Experience requirement is only satisfied by RELEVANT Systems Engineering experience ACCEPTED by INCOSE

©2005 CSM Slide 19

Depth and Breadth Examples

0

1

2

3

4

5

Too Deep Max Deep Max Broad Too Broad

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

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Description Of Experience Must Be Clear And Direct.

Experience must convey your direct systems engineering involvement in tasks

Avoid terms like – Participated on a team that …

– Led an effort to develop …

– Was involved with the planning of …

The following pages provide a reference of areas of Systems Engineering activities defined by the certification program and examples of direct language explanations

©2005 CSM Slide 21

Relating Life Cycle Phases to Vee Icon

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1. Technical Planning

Identify: User needs Program objectives Technical development strategy Program metrics including product

technical performance measures and key performance parameters

Program resource needs in terms of equipment, facilities, and personnel capabilities

Prepare Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP)

Define Product Breakdown StructuresPrepare Integrated Master PlansPrepare Integrated Master SchedulesPrepare program Work Breakdown Structures

©2005 CSM Slide 23

2. Requirements Engineering

Analyze customer and stakeholder needs

Develop Requirements Management Plan

At each level (for selected concept) Generate/develop requirements Develop measures of effectiveness and

performance Perform functional analyses Develop architectural concept Allocate or derive requirements (for next

level) Implement Requirements Management Plans Ensure requirements quality Control requirements Maintain requirements database

©2005 CSM Slide 24

3. Baseline Control

Planning Develop Configuration Management Plans

Defining Establish change control processes Establish and update baselines for

requirements and evolving configurations/products

Performing Implement Configuration Management

Plans, including change control process Participate in configuration item

identification and status accounting Approve technical changes prior to

presentation to CCB Participate in CCB Participate in functional and physical

configuration audits

Performing

CCB = Configuration Control Board

Defining

Planning

©2005 CSM Slide 25

4. Technical Effort Assessment

Planning Actions for all program metrics,

including product technical performance measures and key performance parameters:

– Collect – Analyze– Report– Status (track)

Planning

Actions

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4. Technical Effort Assessment (Cont’d)

Actions Conduct audits and reviews Assess process and tool usage

compliance Conduct capability assessments Recommend process and

product improvements Implement approved process

and product improvements

Planning

Actions

©2005 CSM Slide 27

5. Design (Concept Architecture) Development

Prepare Trade Study Plans

At each level and as appropriate Identify alternate candidate concepts

and architectures Evaluate concepts and architectures Select and optimize baseline

candidate concept and architecture Conduct trade studies Document trade studies Prepare system/solution description

documents

©2005 CSM Slide 28

6. Qualification, Verification, and Validation

Planning Develop Qualification, Verification,

and Validation Plans Implement Qualification, Verification,

and Validation Plans

Defining Develop verification requirements Prepare requirements verification

matrix and qualification certificates Develop pass/fail criteria

Performing Conduct qualification, verification,

and validation efforts and corrective actions

Record results of qualification, verification, and validation efforts, and corrective actions

Defining

Planning

Performing

©2005 CSM Slide 29

7. Process Definition

Enterprise Level Define enterprise processes Define enterprise best practices

Project/Program Level Tailor enterprise processes for

program/project applications

Enterprise

Project/Program Level

©2005 CSM Slide 30

8. Tool Support

Specify requirements

Evaluate candidates

Select appropriate choice

Configure for use

Actions for Systems Engineering computer programs and tools:

Actions

©2005 CSM Slide 31

9. Training

Develop Training Plans forApproved Systems Engineeringprocesses and tools

Implement Training Plans

Develop training courses on processes and tools

Give training courses on processes and tools

Enterprise

Project/Program Level

©2005 CSM Slide 32

10. Systems Integration

Planning Define technical integration strategy Develop Integration Plans

Defining Develop integration test scripts Develop and implement integration

test scenarios

Performing Develop integration procedures

(based on integration plans) Conduct and document integration

tests Track integration test results and

retest status

Defining

Planning

Performing

©2005 CSM Slide 33

11. Risk and Opportunity Management

Planning Develop Risk and Opportunity

Management Plan Create Risk mitigation and

Opportunity achievement plans Implement Risk and Opportunity

Management Plans

Performing Implement risk mitigation and

opportunity achievement plans – Identify risk issues and opportunities– Assess risk issues and opportunities– Prioritize risks and opportunities – Track risk reduction opportunity

achievement activities Performing

Planning

©2005 CSM Slide 34

12. Quality Assurance

Planning Develop a Quality Assurance

Plan

Performing Implement the Quality Assurance

Plan Perform quality audits Report quality audits

Defining Define quality corrective actions Track quality corrective actions

Performing

Defining

Planning

©2005 CSM Slide 35

13. Specialty Engineering

Planning: Develop Specialty Plans covering:

Reliability Maintainability Supportability Survivability

Security Safety

Electromagnetic environmental effects Environmental engineering Human engineering

Logistics support Packaging and handling

Implement Specialty Plans

Implement

Planning

©2005 CSM Slide 36

14. Other

Many domains practice systems engineering but use specialized jargon and activities; the following are examples: Intelligent Transportation Systems

– Regional Architecture – example of a framework that identifies User Services and Market Packages for one or more metropolitan areas

Highway Development – Civil engineering uses Plans, Specifications, and estimates to progress through a

design– Requirements come out of planning and long range forecast models

Medical – Clinical Trials – (process for developing a new drug)– Configuration management – that tracks every test performed without identification

of individuals (HIPAA requirement)

Etc.

If you use this category, show the relationship of your experience to the thirteen areas above, and justify your effort as systems engineering.

HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

©2005 CSM Slide 37

Section 6: References

An application shall contain the names of not less than three persons who have personal knowledge of the experience on which the applicant predicates his/her qualifications and who are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage

An application shall contain the reference endorsements of not less than three persons …

References will be contacted by you You will submit the list of references with the application The references will submit their endorsement DIRECTLY to INCOSE

It is YOUR responsibility to• Select appropriate ADVOCATES for your certification application.• Let your references know what experience and performance you are

citing as evidence of your qualifications for certification

It is YOUR responsibility to• Select appropriate ADVOCATES for your certification application.• Let your references know what experience and performance you are

citing as evidence of your qualifications for certification

CSEP Application: Section 6 - References

©2005 CSM Slide 38

Section 6: References(An application shall contain the names of and reference endorsements of not less than three persons, not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, who have personal knowledge of the

experience on which the applicant predicates his/her qualifications.)

Reference 1:Name: ______________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________Phone Number: ______________________________________________________

Reference 2: Name: ______________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________Phone Number: _______________________________________________________

Reference 3: Name: ______________________________________________________________

Let your ADVOCATES know that they may be contacted. Verify that each ADVOCATE’s contact information is current.

Let your ADVOCATES know that they may be contacted. Verify that each ADVOCATE’s contact information is current.

CSEP Application: Section 6 - References

Note: The correct INCOSE term is “References”; We are using the term “Advocates” to emphasize the proper role of your references.Note: The correct INCOSE term is “References”; We are using the term “Advocates” to emphasize the proper role of your references.

©2005 CSM Slide 39

Characteristics of a “Good” Advocate

Ensure the advocates you select can provide positive information about your Systems Engineering experience

Select advocates who have Systems Engineering knowledge sufficient to judge your skills –

An advocate needs to convince INCOSE evaluators that the advocate understands Systems Engineering

Your current or past supervisors may – or may not – be good advocates for you

IMPORTANT – Tell your advocates what Systems Engineering tasks you performed while you worked with them…

IMPORTANT – Tell your advocates what Systems Engineering tasks you performed while you worked with them…

©2005 CSM Slide 40

Next Steps

Finalize your application form

Be sure to communicate with your references

Submit the application to INCOSE

Upon acceptance from INCOSE, schedule you certification examination with Thomson Prometric (directions will be included in your acceptance letter)

©2005 CSM Slide 41

The Certification Examination

Computer-based examination

Given at Prometric testing centers

120 multiple choice questions from the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook and ISO 15288 Study Hard! You must understand these two documents to pass the test.

Two hour time limit

Immediate notification of results

CSM has also developed a set of illustrative questions.

.

The INCOSE website shows a question typical of what might be on the examination.

©2005 CSM Slide 42

CSEP Value Propositions

Business Value Propositions: Standardization drives predictable results that impact bottom line Reflects positive investment in staff--greater employee retention Increased competitiveness in pursuit of new business (key

differentiator)

Individual Value Propositions: Formal recognition of professional’s expertise and experience Higher compensation – PMP’s averaged more than 14% increase

in 2004 Enhanced employment prospects

Certification offers value to business and professionals!

©2005 CSM Slide 43

CSM’s CSEP Preparation Program

Three Point Program: One-day application workshop Two-day INCOSE handbook review Just-in-time support

Multiple Delivery Methods: Open enrollment On-site training CSM partners

Course Content: Guide professionals in organizing a strong application Handbook overview Assess individual strengths and weaknesses and together we

develop study guides with students Multiple practice tests

©2005 CSM Slide 44

CSM’s CSEP Preparation Program – Continued

Available Delivery Methods: On-site (dependent on class size) At CSM Headquarters (Vienna, VA)

Available Dates: Offered monthly Visit

http://www.csm.com/Pages/SitePage-client-impact-training.shtml

©2005 CSM Slide 45

CSM’s CSEP Preparation Program – Continued

What is Included: Application Workshop 2-day Handbook Review Practice exams (Pre & Post) Course Materials Study Guide INCOSE Handbook V.2a Follow-up and Coaching

©2005 CSM Slide 46

Pg 79, ¶ 5

Sample of Practice Test Questions

What are two aspects of the definition of concurrent engineering? (Choose two.) 

A. All technical disciplines are involved as requirements are developed.

B. Products and their related processes are developed simultaneously.

C. All technical disciplines are co-located during definition.

D. Ensure that system engineering staff are available throughout the development.

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

©2005 CSM Slide 47

Pg 79, ¶ 5

Question 1-10

What is a best practice for concurrent engineering? A. Ensure monthly meetings of technical staff.

B. Ensure continuous integration of the entire product team.

C. Ensure that the team fully understands all the user requirements.

D. Ensure the availability of state-of-the-art systems engineering tools.

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

©2005 CSM Slide 48

Pg 81, ¶ 1

Pg 88, Fig 7-6

Question 1-11

Which two factors are critical for Integrated Project Teams (IPT) implementation? (Choose two.) 

A. The team is co-located.

B. To be effective, team members must maintain a constant level of involvement during development.

C. The team should be empowered with the authority to match its responsibility.

D. Each team has at least 5 full time equivalent members (SE, design engineering, manufacturing, SW development, system test).

E. The team has cost, schedule, and performance responsibility.

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

©2005 CSM Slide 49

Next Steps

Prepare application carefully.Get application critiqued.Line up qualified references.Study Hard! Remember that you need to

understand the Systems Engineering Process as defined in the INCOSE Handbook, version 2a, and ISO15288.

Consider CSM’s CSEP Preparation Course

We wish you good luck and success in your CSEP journey!

©2005 CSM Slide 50

© 2005 Center for Systems Management, Inc.1951 Kidwell Drive, Suite 750

Vienna, VA 22182(800) 486-8090www.csm.com

Thank You!

For additional information of CSEP Preparation Courses contact:Kevin Mageekmagee@csm.com1-703-852-3341