The SE-ZERT® Level A program covers the following topics:

• Practical knowledge of systems engineering and systems engineering management
• Knowing, understanding, and mastering technical terminology and jargon,
• Mastering subject-specific methods and procedures and using them to gain insights,
• Ability to manage a complex project with all its parameters and assume the corresponding technical responsibility within a project,
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team responsibly

The learning objective for Modules 1 through 9 is “mastery.”

Any person who holds a valid Level B certificate, has the above experience and degree, and has independently completed a term paper with self-reflection is eligible to take the exam.

For Level A, the fee must be received by SE-TREC GmbH prior to the exam. A refund (even in the case of partial passing) is not possible.

The examination to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities consists of a term paper that must be defended in a technical discussion. The term paper is evaluated by expert examiners appointed by SE-TREC GmbH.

The evaluation criteria are:

• The content demonstrates the value of systems engineering
• The content is substantial
• The line of reasoning follows a logical approach
• The content is effectively conveyed, and key concepts are integrated
• The self-reflection is coherent
• The GfSE-ZD-016 standard is adhered to

The evaluation is conducted similarly to that of a conference paper:

The term paper to be published must address a relevant systems engineering topic chosen by the applicant. Relevant topics are characterized by multidisciplinarity and/or a systems-based approach and consideration of system lifecycles. Proposed topics must be submitted to SE-TREC GmbH before the project begins, along with a consent form from the applicant authorizing the sharing of the work with the subject matter examiners (SE-ZERT® assessors). The term paper should be 15 to 30 DIN A4 pages in total, including a 1-page abstract. The term paper must include an appendix containing a 1- to 2-page self-reflection titled “Reflection on One’s Own Personality and Behavior in Interactions with Others.” The appendix serves to verify mastery of the content from Module 9 (soft skills). It will be incorporated into the technical discussion but will not be published.

The term paper will be returned in written form with notes and comments to help prepare for the oral examination. Based on the feedback from the examiners, term papers must be revised within 4 weeks (e.g., formatting) and resubmitted so that they are ready for publication. If the requirements for revision or the deadline are not met, the exam is considered failed. There is no entitlement to the oral examination.

An examination board from the certification body is convened for the subsequent technical interview. It consists of at least two technical examiners (SE-ZERT® assessors) and a chairperson appointed by SE-TREC GmbH.

The technical interview is evaluated by the technical examiners. The chairperson presides over the technical interview. The technical interview lasts 60 minutes and is primarily conducted virtually. If no travel expenses are incurred due to joint participation in workshops or conferences, the exam may also be conducted on-site by mutual agreement. If the candidate insists on an on-site exam, travel expenses must be covered.

The evaluation criteria are:

• Technical expertise in SE
• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Overall impression

Grading Scale:

The technical examination is considered passed if at least 60% of the available points were awarded by each examiner. Furthermore, no less than 33% of the possible points may have been awarded for any single evaluation criterion.

When applying, the INCOSE Code of Ethics and a brand usage code must be accepted. This is intended to protect the seal used, which has a unique personal ID for each graduate and is thus clearly associated with the high-quality training program.

The certificate is valid for 3 years. Recertification is required to renew the certificate.

If a participant fails the exam, they may, upon request, take a one-time retake exam at the next available opportunity, but no sooner than one month after the results are announced.