Systems Engineering Certification

Demonstrating knowledge and experience in the practice of Systems Engineering

Applying for ESEP

The Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) certification is for those system engineers who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating both substantial experience and technical leadership. The ESEP has a broader and deeper experience in performing and leading systems engineering than the CSEP. The ESEP has at least twenty years of systems engineering experience and is the person others seek with specific, challenging, technical questions. He or she is not an expert in all aspects of systems engineering but is the expert for some aspects of SE and could perform adequately in many. Most CSEPs do not become ESEPs, rather they maintain at the CSEP individual-contributor level or they transition toward a non-technical, managerial role. Though some program managers qualify as ESEPs, this title is more commonly a fit for those with the job title of chief systems engineer.

ESEP Certification Steps

There are 4 basic steps to becoming certified at this level. All must occur in this order. The application materials are reviewed by trained Certification Application Reviewers. 

  • Be an INCOSE individual member
  • Submit application materials
  • Pay the ESEP application fee
    • Payment is valid for 12 months
    • Fee is non-refundable and not a guarantee that you will be certified
  • Pass the leadership interview
    • You will be invited to respond to written questions about your technical leadership experience
    • You may be invited to participate in a one-hour phone interview to discuss your technical leadership
    • Your references may also be asked to participate in phone interviews
CertificationProcessGraphics_Approved_ESEP
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Upon Certification

Once you complete all these steps, the INCOSE Certification Office will send you a congratulatory email. Your e-certificate will come from Accredible. You may also check your certification status through your member profile on the INCOSE web page.   

The ESEP certification is valid so long as you maintain your INCOSE individual membership. You are expected to continue your professional development but are not required to submit documentation of it to INCOSE. 

 

ESEP FAQs:

How long does the ESEP review process take? 

Our review and processing typically takes two to three months. The review starts once all of an applicant’s materials, including references and proof of degree, are received. If the review team have questions, you may be emailed to provide clarification. In this case the review team waits until the candidate submits an update. The longest delay in an ESEP review is the scheduling of interview with the applicant and, if necessary, references.

During busy times of year, particularly when our volunteers are unavailable due to holidays, reviews may take longer. Candidates concerned about delays in their review should check their member profile at incose.org to see if all references have been received.

For how long is an ESEP certification valid? 

An Expert Systems Engineering Professional Certification is valid for the duration of an individual’s INCOSE membership. No certification renewal is required. 

Are the interview questions for ESEP similar to the exam questions for ASEP and CSEP? 

No, the interview is about an individual’s technical leadership experience, not a knowledge check of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook. 

Where should the reference forms be submitted ?

You have to provide information to your References on where to find the reference form (Form 4B). Once the form is filled, please have your References submit Form 4B directly to [email protected]

FOR APPLICANTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

If you are located in the UK, please apply directly through the UK site below. For general inquiries regarding Certification in the UK, email [email protected]
INCOSE UK Certification

FOR APPLICANTS IN AUSTRALIA

For certification inquiries in Australia, please email [email protected]
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