SED Certification

The University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) Department offers students the opportunity to achieve INCOSE certification through their coursework in the Systems Engineering and Design master’s degree program. Students can bypass the INCOSE certification exam by completing two required core courses; ISD 520 and 521. U-M IOE students who meet these requirements are automatically eligible for the INCOSE certification that best fits their experience.

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 provide 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? 

U-M IOE 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.