An additional route is shown via purple arrows on the diagram. This route is to “Upgrade Certification.” This is when an ASEP or CSEP moves to a higher certification. They will follow the same path as someone starting without a certification except they do not need to repeat steps that are duplicated. An ASEP transitioning to CSEP will not retake the knowledge exam. A CSEP transitioning to ESEP will not resubmit educational proof and may be able to reuse references.
The right side of the diagram shows the three certification levels. INCOSE ASEP, at the top, is reached through all paths and has the description: “Knowledgeable individuals with 0-5 years of systems engineering experience.” INCOSE CSEP, the middle level on the diagram, has the description: “Practicing systems engineers with demonstrated expertise and 5+ years of experience.” ESEPs, listed on the lower right corner of the diagram, are described as: “Chief systems engineers with demonstrated technical expertise (verified by oral review) and leadership with 20+ years of experience.”