The 5th edition of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook reflects current best practices in systems engineering, updating content every 5-8 years to include new principles, methods, and standards. Key changes include a shift from a process-centric to a core handbook format, an increased focus on foundational concepts, and the addition of new topics like digital engineering and big data. INCOSE certification recognizes systems engineering competencies and supports academic equivalency, providing benefits for organizations, individuals, and educational institutions.

1. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook, 5th Edition : Novel aspects and its
impact on SEPcertification & academic programs worldwide
Dr. Bernardo A. Delicado​, ESEP - Certification Advisory Group
Incose.org/certification
INCOSE LATAM Webinar 6
24th August 2023

2. Dr. Bernardo A. Delicado, ESEP
Academic Equivalency Coordinator
Systems Engineering Handbook 5th Edition Editor

3. Contents
INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook update
INCOSE Certification
Knowledge Exam
Academic Equivalency
 Questions

4. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update - Motivation
Motivation behind handbook update:
Since INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook reflects the state-of-the-good-
practice of Systems Engineering, it generally is updated every 5-8 years
to capture/incorporate:
• Changes in Systems Engineering due to improved principles,
processes, methods and tools.
• New topics.
• Updated versions of systems engineering standards (ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288).​
• New challenges and Vision in Systems Engineering
https://incose.org/sehandbook

5. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update - History

6. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update – Editorial Team

7. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update – Schedule

8. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update - Structure
Differences between 5th and 4th Edition:
• The 5th edition is a “Core handbook” compared to the
4th edition being a “Process-centric handbook”
• Change in structure between 4th Edition and 5th Edition​
• Additional information on Systems Engineering
Concepts provided in the 5th edition
Pros of studying the 5th Edition of the handbook
• Refreshed and additional content reflecting the evolution of
“state-of-the-good-practice”in SE
• It includes references to new INCOSE products related to
domains of application

9. INCOSE Systems Engineering
Handbook update – Major Changes
Major Changes for the SEH 5th Edition:
• Significantly restructured the handbook due to the changes and
new topics, the SEH5E now has six parts (previously, the
4th Edition had ten chapters)​
• Moved to single-column format for improved
readability/accessibility​
• Provided more focus on foundational concepts, to provide
reader with overview perspectives​
• Updated to reflect the latest version of ISO/IEC/IEEE
15288:2023 - kept alignment with the 15288 processes
• Updated the IPO diagrams to be more “model and information
centric”​
• Added new topics ( highlighted in yellow ) such as Uncertainty,
Cognitive Bias, Brownfield, COTS, IoT/Big Data, Cyber-Physical
Systems (CPS), Natural Systems, Digital Engineering, etc. based
on stakeholder inputs​
• Elaborated more on the practices of SE in terms of
competencies/soft skills and relationship to other domains
• Engaged a graphic designer for key “impactful” figures
• Added additional domain-specific applications and support for
future domain annexes

10. incose.org/certification | 10
incose.org | 10

11. What is INCOSE Certification?
• INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification formally
recognizes progress through a career as someone develops and applies
systems engineering knowledge and practices.
• INCOSE offer three levels of certification ASEP, CSEP and ESEP.
• One of the requirements for ASEP and CSEP certification is knowledge
of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook. This can be
demonstrated through INCOSE's knowledge exam or through Academic
Equivalency based on INCOSE Learning Objectives ( LO ).

12. Why is SEP Certification Important?
For Organizations….
• Formally recognizes the Systems
Engineering competencies of your professional staff​
• Can provide a discriminator for your proposals​
• Can be used as part of the hiring and promotion process
• Provides an independent external assessment
• Encourages employee participation
in continuing education
For Individuals….
• Formally recognizes your Systems
Engineering competencies
• Provides a discriminator for job applicants
• Provides a competitive advantage in your career​
• Provides a portable Systems Engineering
designation that is recognized across industry domains​
• Participation in continuing education indicates
your commitment to personal development
For your Teams….
• Allows the team to level-set on Systems
Engineering concepts and activities
• Helps establish a common Systems
Engineering language for your team​
• Helps break down…​
o geographic boundaries​
o organizational boundaries​
o cultural boundaries

13. LO published in July 2023
• 23 hybrid learning
objectives (apply to both 4th and
5th, additional content in 5th )​
• 1 new learning objective (applies
to 5th only)
https://www.incose.org/docs/default-
source/certification/01-index-core-learning-
objectives-screen.pdf?sfvrsn=6c7f91c6_2
INCOSE Learning Objectives

14. What is Knowledge Exam?
INCOSE’s knowledge exam is a multiple-choice test based
on the content of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook

15. Timeline and transition for
knowledge exam ( E4 to E5 )
NET Aug 2024
Until the current SEH4E
translations are updated
with SEH5E translations,
we’ll keep testing on the
hybrid exam

16. What is Academic Equivalency?
University course using INCOSE Systems Engineering handbook
as textbook

17. Academic Equivalency Benefits for
University
• Provide value to students
o Free textbook using associate membership
o Course completion waives SEP exam for students
• Educate non systems engineering students about systems engineering
practices when used as elective
• Academic Equivalency course can be stand-alone alternative to SEP
exam

18. How Does Academic Equivalency
Work?
University Requirements to Apply:
• CAB/Academic Council membership
• CSEP or ESEP as POC
University Application:
• Identify assessment type for each
INCOSE learning objective
• Provide syllabus for equivalent course(s)
• Show INCOSE SE Handbook is a required
textbook
University Effort after AcEq Award:
• Submit list of students after course completion
• Renew application every 3 years
Student Effort for ASEP/CSEP:
• Join INCOSE as an individual member
• Submit 1-page ASEP application with fee within
1 year of course completion

19. For more information visit
www.incose.org
AnyQuestions?
Bernardo.Delicado@incose.net