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Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) Certification: A Credential Tailored for Students and Junior Engineers

Abstract

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), the systems engineering professional society, recently initiated the Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification program. This credential is appropriate for systems engineering graduate students and junior systems engineers. It is designed to certify that an individual is knowledgeable about systems engineering fundamentals and standards of practice.

ASEP certification benefits both students and practicing engineers by verifying their understanding of systems engineering, furnishing a tangible professional development milestone, and providing a discriminator that can aid in career placement and advancement. Earning the ASEP credential requires that the candidate obtain an INCOSE membership and pass the INCOSE certification exam. No work experience is required to earn the ASEP certification. Maintaining the ASEP requires continuous membership in INCOSE and a documented record of participation in professional development activities. An ASEP-certified engineer can elevate their certification to the Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) after they have gained five years of professional systems engineering experience.

This certification advances the profession by endorsing and promoting a common framework for defining systems engineering best practices. The INCOSE certification exam is based on the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook V 3.21 which is based on ISO/IEC 15288: 2008, Systems and software engineering — System life cycle processes2. The certification also provides value in encouraging systems engineering practitioners to maintain a sustained commitment to continuing professional development.

Professional Certifications

Certifications are credentials awarded by professional organizations to distinguish members of their profession who have documented their knowledge, experience and proficiency. Certifications are common in many fields, especially where there are limited opportunities for individuals to earn academic degrees in their professional discipline. Some of the most widely earned certifications recognize knowledge, skill and experience in fields such as project management, information technology, construction, education and various medical specialties. In some of these fields, certification is necessary to obtain gainful employment.

Most certifications are valid for some pre-determined length of time, typically 1 to 5 years. In order to renew a certification, individuals are often required to document their participation in continuing education activities or service to the profession.

Certifications provide value to the profession, professional organization, certified individuals, the organizations for which the individuals work, and the public. For a sponsoring professional organization, certifications help develop and mature the professional standard of practice, encourage continuing education among its members and promote awareness and adherence to the

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Walter, S., & Walden, D. (2010, June), Associate Systems Engineering Professional (Asep) Certification: A Credential Tailored For Students And Junior Engineers Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16092