SED certification
Gain industry certification to enhance your degree
The University of Michigan (U-M) Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) provides an opportunity for students to earn International Council of System Engineering (INCOSE) certification through coursework.
Any U-M student who earns a B+ or better in the two required courses, ISD 520 and ISD 521, is eligible to bypass the INCOSE certification exam and receive the certification appropriate to their experience. These courses are also core requirements of the Systems Engineering and Design (SED) master’s program, meaning students in the SED program automatically fulfill the certification requirements as part of their degree.
Two INCOSE certification options:
Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)
- The INCOSE ASEP certification is achieved by possession of systems engineering knowledge typical of a junior systems engineer, as evidenced by passing the knowledge exam.
- To achieve INCOSE ASEP certification as a U-M student you must earn a B+ or better on both ISD 520 and ISD 521.
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
- The INCOSE CSEP certification recognizes systems engineering practitioners who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in many aspects of systems engineering. The qualifications for this level include education, systems engineering knowledge and systems engineering experience that serve various job profiles of an experienced systems engineer.
- To achieve INCOSE CSEP certification as a U-M student you must have five or more years of professional experience as a systems engineer and earn a B+ or better in both ISD 520 and ISD 521.
What is INCOSE?
INCOSE is a not-for-profit membership organization founded to develop and disseminate transdisciplinary principles and practices to enable the realization of successful systems. INCOSE connects systems engineering professionals with educational, networking and career advancement opportunities in the interest of developing a global community of systems engineers.
What is an INCOSE certification?
INCOSE certification is a formal process whereby a community of knowledgeable, experienced and skilled representatives provides confirmation of an individual’s competency based on demonstrated knowledge, education and experience. Certification differs from licensing in that licenses are permissions granted by a government entity for a person to practice within its regulatory boundaries.
How do I apply for an INCOSE certification?
Students who have completed the requirements are automatically considered for the INCOSE nomination. After all grades are posted for ISD 520 and 521, a graduate coordinator will contact eligible students to confirm if they would like to apply for this certification.
If the student accepts this nomination, the graduate coordinator will put them in touch with INCOSE to complete the application. Once admitted by INCOSE, students must pay an annual membership fee and a certificate application fee to receive certification.