Systems Engineering Certification

Demonstrating knowledge and experience in the practice of Systems Engineering

Renewing Certification

How do I renew? 


An INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification is valid for a specific cycle, which varies depending on the SEP level. The certification period begins on the date INCOSE issues the initial credential. On this page, you will find guidance on how often the certification must be renewed, what the renewal requirements are, and how to proceed with late renewals if a request is submitted after the expiration date.

Renewal Requirements by Certification Level 

The following table lists the renewal requirements for the Certification Levels: 

For a renewal application to be valid and processed, it must be dated in the system and paid no later than the expiration date of the current certification. For example, if the applicant received his/her CSEP certification on August 16, 2022, then his/her certification expires on August 15, 2025; and the renewal application must be dated in the system no later than August 15, 2025. Renewal applications that are dated after the expiration of the current certification will be subject to the late fees described in the next section of the page called “Late Renewals".

Renewal Fees & Requirements

MEMBERS
MemberASEP / CSEP Renewal fee and uploaded PDU Log with 120 PDUs.$100
NON-MEMBERS
Non-memberASEPSame as application fee and uploaded PDU Log with 120 PDUs.$950
CSEPSame as application fee and uploaded PDU Log with 120 PDUs.$1,100
ESEP$500 renewal fee and proof of active engagement requested by the system*.$500

* For ESEP non-members, a proof of active engagement with the systems engineering community will be requested every 10 years to keep the certification active.  For ESEP members, keeping an active membership can serve as proof of active engagement

Steps for INCOSE ASEP and CSEP Certification Renewal

INCOSE Systems Engineering Professionals (SEPs) should be tracking their professional development activities throughout their certification period.  They should keep a log of these activities and additional supporting information in case they are audited.  Upon completion of certification or renewal, SEPs should download the latest forms to assist with their next renewal activity. For a step-by-step guide for renewing, please click below. 

Step 1 -  Review the list of qualifying activities for earning Professional Development Units (PDUs).  Identify those you are doing already and those you can add to further your professional development. 

Step 2 - Download the Log of Continuing Education Credits and insert your personal information.  Record your professional development activities. 

Step 3  - As you approach the end of your certification or renewal period, download the Application for Renewal of SE Certification and Instructions for Renewing SE Certification.  Complete these forms with your personal information. 

Step 4  - Login to portal.incose.org. Click on "Certifications." Click on "View My Certification." Click on hyperlink for your SEP. Click on "Apply/Renew." Follow the prompts to upload Form 13 (PDU Log). 

Qualifying Activities for Earning PDUs 

The requirement for continuing professional development is intended to reinforce the need for lifelong learning in order to stay current with changing technology, equipment, procedures, processes, and established standards. Systems Engineering Professionals are encouraged to select meaningful courses/activities which will be of benefit in the pursuit of their chosen areas.

General Requirements

All activities for which PDU credits are claimed must be relevant to the practice of systems engineering and may include technical, ethical, or managerial content. These activities should advance the professional or technical competence of the professional. PDUs are earned for activities that exceed normal on-the-job experience.

Qualifying activities may be sponsored or presented by college or universities, by employers, by government agencies, by nationally affiliated engineering or professional societies (such as INCOSE), or by other organizations.

INCOSE's Professional Development Portal gathers links to educational training, webinars, and documents useful for learning more about systems engineering. It also produces a report of completed activities, which can be used to verify participation in those activities. 

INCOSE does not pre-approve courses for PDU credit. It is each individual's responsibility to assure that the activities in which you participate meet the requirements.

A PDU credit is roughly equivalent to one clock hour of instruction or volunteering and should be rounded to the nearest half hour.

Typical Qualifying Activities 

Typical Non-Qualifying Activities 

  • Completing or attending qualifying courses, seminars, instruction, in-house programs, or training;
  • Attending technical or professional society meetings when an engineering topic is presented as a principal part of the program and covers topics within your area of practice;
  • Preparing and teaching a course for the first time or if substantial time has been spent in updating material if previously taught;
  • Attending satellite video courses where attendance is verified and program material meets the requirements;
  • Attending language courses or software instructional courses which relate to improvement of one's business or profession. 
  • Regular employment;
  • Personal estate and financial planning;
  • Courses in self-study or personal self-improvement; service club meetings or activities;
  • Equipment demonstrations or trade shows;
  • Topics not relevant to engineering;
  • Enrollment without attendance in courses or seminars, etc.;
  • Repetitive teaching of the same course without updating the course material;
  • Attending committee and business meetings of any non-technical organization;
  • Attending conversational language courses for personal use. 

Documentation and Audits 

SEPs must submit the summary log of continuing education as part of their renewal documentation, prior to their certification expiration date. Material, such as detailed course descriptions and certificates of completion, may be requested to check the quality of the courses/activities on the log of continuing education.  

PDU Credits Carried Forward 

PDU credits for renewal must be earned during the certification period. If more than 120 PDU credits are earned in a period for re-certification, then a maximum of 30 PDUs may be carried forward into the next period. Activities completed before a certification period, such as certification exam prep courses taken prior to getting certified, are not eligible for renewal of that period. 

Upon transition from ASEP to CSEP the PDU count "resets" and the CSEP then has until their new certification expiration date to earn the required 120 PDUs. None of the PDUs earned while an ASEP can be carried forward. 

Instructor teaching class

Late Renewals 

The reinstatement fees and requirements for lapsed SEPs are based on how many months have passed since the certification expiration date. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Renewal Fees & Requirements

Members
ASEP/CSEP members: $100 renewal fee and 120 PDUs + the values below
Credential> 0–6 months late> 6–12 months late> 12 months late
(additional value on top of renewal fee)ASEP / CSEP$50$100$150
(additional PDUs)ASEP12 PDUs24 PDUs24 PDUs per expired year
(additional PDUs)CSEP20 PDUs40 PDUs40 PDUs per expired year
ESEP members: the values below in case of membership lapse
(value of fee)ESEP$50$100$150
Non-Members
ASEP/CSEP non-members: same as application fee + the values below
Credential> 0–6 months late> 6–12 months late> 12 months late
(additional value on top of renewal fee)ASEP / CSEP$50$100$150
(additional PDUs)ASEP12 PDUs24 PDUs24 PDUs per expired year
(additional PDUs)CSEP20 PDUs40 PDUs40 PDUs per expired year
ESEP non-members: $500 renewal fee + the values below
(additional value on top of renewal fee)ESEP$50$100$150

Reactivation Fee

Reactivation Fee is based on how many months after the certification expiration date. This fee is in addition to the certification renewal fee. Extra PDU requirements are based on how many months after the certification expiration date. These PDUs are in addition to the certification renewal requirements.

Renewal FAQs:

Can I get a renewal extension due to a family illness? 

Yes, deferments from the continuing education requirements for hardship reasons, such as extended periods of illness or family leave, must be submitted in writing to the Certification Program Office for a decision. If you apply for a hardship deferment, your supporting documentation must specify the time period for meeting the continuing education requirements, must be included with your renewal form, and is a part of the material covered by your signed affidavit. 

What forms are needed for renewal? 

Form 13 is the only form needed for certification renewal. Forms 6 and 7 have been retired.

For more FAQs click here
 
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