New on 1 April 2022 ...

INCOSE's Certification Program is proud to announce an additional certification level, the BiSEP! 

The INCOSE Certification Program first started with just the CSEP certification. A few years later, it added the ASEP and ESEP levels to recognize the earlier and later points in an SE career path. Over time, the perspective of systems engineering has transitioned from talking about T-shaped expertise, with SE on top of a traditional engineering discipline of depth, to Π-shaped, with SE as one of many pillars of expertise alongside a traditional discipline and also alongside domain expertise. The BiSEP is the natural evolution for the Π-shaped model.

BiSEP looks not at knowledge or expertise but rather at strength. It measures effectiveness, not just effort. Rather than participating in remote, individual testing or phone interview, the BiSEP review process will take place in groups, with a preference for in-person activities. It will rely more on demonstration than on references and use of SE terminology. It will not require any particular degree or educational background.

The first round of the BiSEP application process will be the Feat of Strength. Applicants may submit a video of themselves doing 10 or more pull-ups without releasing the bar. Or, they may perform an in-person curl demonstration using weights provided by the INCOSE Certification Program. We cannot accept videos or remotely proctored curls.

The second round of the BiSEP application process is only for those who have completed the Feat of Strength. This is the Unmute Challenge. In this activity, five people (at least 2 of whom are BiSEP candidates; the others may be actors) get on a Zoom call and all try to make a point at the same time. The challenge starts with all participants muted, and they must unmute themselves and then yell over the others to be heard. Extra credit will be given when a candidate loudly and vehemently agrees with the point someone else just made, but translates into their own vernacular. The Zoom calls are recorded and scored afterward, with results sent out via email.

The third round of the BiSEP is confidential. It involves a tractor tire. Further information will be shared to those who succeed at the Unmute Challenge. Anyone who divulges information about the third round will have their BiSEP removed.

The BiSEP logo will be posted at the Lands End store soon. Recommended products for BiSEPs include resistance bands, hand grip exercisers, and nutrition shake bottles.