June 2024 

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is excited to announce that The George Washington University (GWU) has courses recognized as equivalent to the certification knowledge exam for Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) and Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification. 

Students who do well in university courses assessed to have Academic Equivalence (AcEq) can bypass the certification knowledge exam when applying for ASEP and CSEP Certification. The INCOSE Certification Program's volunteer reviewers have recognized the assessments they complete through their coursework as an equivalent alternative to the standardized test developed by INCOSE.  

The George Washington University (GWU) is a private, federally chartered research university located in the capital city of the United States. Originally named Columbian College, it was chartered in 1821 as Washington, D.C.'s first university by the United States Congress. GWU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across numerous disciplines. Notably, the School of Engineering and Applied Science is recognized for its excellence in both research and education, preparing students to solve real-world problems and contribute meaningfully to society. 

Dr. Shahram Sarkani, Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering and Faculty Advisory and Academic Director of Online Engineering Programs at GWU, stated: "GWU has a distinguished history of preparing Systems Engineering professionals, particularly for roles in the defense industry, catering primarily to adult learners working with federal government contractors. We are pleased to enhance our educational offerings by enabling students to obtain INCOSE certifications as ASEP or CSEP alongside their degrees. This addition not only complements their graduate education but also significantly boosts their career prospects in the industry, a development that has been met with great enthusiasm by our students." 

Members of INCOSE’s Academic Council are eligible to offer Academic Equivalency upon recognition by the INCOSE Certification Program. Candidates who apply through AcEq must still meet all other INCOSE certification requirements, including individual membership and payment of application fees.  

Any university wishing to participate in this program must be a member of the INCOSE Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) or the local INCOSE chapter equivalent. There are no additional fees associated with securing Academic Equivalence for CAB members. Universities that are members of local chapter affiliates have a low-cost path to participate in the Academic Equivalency program.