Frequently asked Questions
In 2021 INCOSE re-launched their Certification Blog, they will be posting every Friday with frequently asked questions – please click here to view.
Q: I have CPEng certification, which CASE Pathway should I choose to get CSEP?
A: CASE Pathway 1 ensuring that you have satisfied the entry requirements. Applicant will be required to complete the CSEP application process and the INCOSE SE Handbook Knowledge Exam.
Q: I do not have CPEng certification, which pathway should I choose to get CSEP?
A: CASE Pathway 2 ensuring that you have satisfied the entry requirements. Applicant will be required to complete the CSEP application process and the INCOSE SE Handbook Knowledge Exam. Once you have obtained CSEP you are able to apply for CPEng (SE Area of Practice) using this pathway.
Q: I have CPEng (non-Systems Engineering) and CSEP certifications, which CASE Pathway should I choose to get CPEng (Systems Engineering Area of Practice)?
A: Please click here and scroll down to ‘Guidance for applying for Chartered in specific Areas of Practice’ > ‘1. Systems Engineering’ for more information.
Q: How long do I have to complete my certification process?
A: You have one year from the time your application fee is received by SESA to complete your certification. The one-year period includes the time used by the applicant to submit additional information not contained in the initial submittal, by references to submit their inputs, by the CASE review committee (usually less than one month), and by the applicant to schedule and take (and retake if necessary) the exam. If the process is not completed within the one-year time period, the applicant will have to restart the process from the beginning, including paying another application fee.
Q: How long does the review process take?
A: Our review and processing typically takes four to six weeks. The review starts once all of an applicant’s materials are received.
Q: Is there a roster of Certified Systems Engineering Professionals available for distribution?
A: INCOSE maintains a list of the names, geographic areas (city, state, and country), and certification time periods of those recognized as Expert System Engineering Professionals, Certified System Engineering Professionals, and Associate System Engineering Professionals. That list is posted monthly on the INCOSE main Certification page. EA formally recognise Chartered Engineers, in the Systems Engineering area of practice, via the National Engineering Register (NER). That list is posted on the Engineers Australias National Engineering Register.
Q: For how long is a certification valid?
A: A Systems Engineering Professional Certification is valid for a period of three years for CSEP and five years for ASEP. The date of the renewal period starts on the same month and day of the week as the original certification.
Q: For how long is a renewal valid?
A: Renewed certifications are valid for the same number of years as their original certifications. So, a renewed CSEP certification is valid for three years and a renewed ASEP application is valid for 5 years. The date of the renewal period starts on the same month and day of the week as the original certification.
Q: Do I have to be a member of SESA/INCOSE to get CSEP?
A: Yes, you do need to be SESA/INCOSE member to apply for certification as an ASEP or CSEP and you need to maintain your membership for the duration of your certification. With regards to CPEng, you also need to be a member of Engineers Australia.
Q: Does INCOSE certification as a Systems Engineering Professional authorise me to practice systems engineering in my city/state/province/country?
A: INCOSE Certification as a Systems Engineering Professional does not authorise an individual to practice systems engineering. Certification is a confirmation that an individual has demonstrated the requisite knowledge, education, and experience associated with the certification. Only legally empowered government organisations, through licenses, authorise individuals to practice a skill or profession.
Further INCOSE Certification Program FAQs are available here and if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly.