If you pass the exam but do not pass the experience review, you may appeal for cause or you may choose to become an ASEP
CSEP Certification Steps
There are 4 basic steps to becoming certified at this level.
- Create an INCOSE Profile.
- Meet the SEP Knowledge Requirement through one of the approved pathways.
- Apply for CSEP via INCOSE portal (link below) by selecting the “Certification” tab at the top menu.
- Complete the application form and document your work experience following our requirements (at least 60 months of direct SE professional experience, including at least 12 months in 3 experience areas).
- Pay the application fee (valid for 12 months; non-refundable).
- INCOSE members receive discounted fees.
- Send out requests for references to confirm the documented experience.
The application materials will then be reviewed by trained Certification Application Reviewers.
Upon Certification
Once you have completed all the required steps, the INCOSE Certification Office will send you a congratulatory email, and your e-certificate will become available in your INCOSE Portal profile.
CSEP certification is valid for three years. To maintain an active certification status, you must submit the required renewal documentation and pay the renewal fee every three years.
CSEP FAQs
How long do I have to complete my certification process?
You have one year from the time your application or payment is received initially in the INCOSE Certification Office to complete your certification. The one-year period includes the time to schedule and pass (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. Individuals are limited to 3 attempts at the exam per 12-month calendar period.
How long does the CSEP review process take?
Our review and processing typically takes four to six weeks. The review starts once all of an applicant’s materials, including references, 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.
During busy times of year, particularly when our volunteers are unavailable due to holidays, reviews may take more than one month. Candidates concerned about delays in their review should check their INCOSE profile at incose.org to see if all references have been received.
Do I have to submit my knowledge exam results to INCOSE?
No action is required for you to get exam results to us; those come to us automatically from our exam providers or from your academic equivalency institution.
How do I complete and submit my application form?
You must complete and submit your application directly through the INCOSE Portal by navigating to Certification > Apply for Certification, selecting your desired SEP certification level (CSEP), and clicking “Click here to begin a new submission.”
You may save your application as a draft and take as much time as needed to complete it. Once you are satisfied with the information you have provided, you can pay the application fee and submit your application through the INCOSE Portal.
How should my references submit their reference letters?
Once you have paid and submitted your application through the INCOSE Portal, you will be directed to a page where you can enter the names and email addresses of your references. After you send the requests, your references will be granted access to your application and asked to verify the information you have provided.
You will be able to track the status of each reference letter within the Portal. Once all reference letters have been completed, you must click “Save and Submit” in the Work Experience References tab to officially submit the reference package so that INCOSE can begin the review process.
I started my application before the new Portal went live. Can I continue using the previous Form 4B template (FORM 4B: Reference for CSEP/ESEP) or the PDF version?
Yes. If you started your application before the INCOSE Portal migration and it is still in progress, the Certification Office will continue to accept the previous Form 4B template, including the PDF version. Applicants who use the older forms for these in-progress applications will not be adversely affected
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]
For specific instructions on certification application, renewal, or reinstatement processes and forms, please check our Help Guides at Start Your Certification – INCOSE