The following general trainer qualifications apply to Levels C and B.

Table 1: Trainer qualification requirements by module.

Holders of a valid SE ZERT® Level A certificate are qualified to teach all modules. For Module 9, collaboration with a trainer specializing in interpersonal competencies is recommended.

If no Level A certified trainer is available, the following requirements apply:

• At least one trainer must hold a valid INCOSE CSEP certificate or, alternatively, an SE ZERT® Level B certificate.
• All additional trainers must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in the broader field of Systems Engineering.
• Trainers responsible for interpersonal and social competencies must provide evidence of appropriate additional qualifications.
• At least one trainer must demonstrate a minimum of five years of active Project Management experience and provide a valid GPM IPMA Project Management certificate or a PMI Project Management Professional certification.
• Ideally, at least one trainer should also have a minimum of five years of practical experience in Quality Management.

When approving a training provider, the SE ZERT® Assessors evaluate the content of the training program.

The following requirements apply:

• The course must fully comply with the applicable curriculum and supporting documents.
• The training must comprehensively cover the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook or the defined module content.
• Knowledge transfer must be supported by suitable practical exercises that reflect the learning objectives of the respective certification levels and modules.
• The training may be designed either for multiple industries or tailored to a specific industry, provided this is clearly communicated by the training provider.
• At least one suitable practical case study is required for Level B.
• Approval of the course and all training materials is granted by the SE ZERT® Assessors.

The primary objective of Level C training is to provide participants with a solid theoretical understanding of Systems Engineering. Practical exercises are intended to illustrate and reinforce the theoretical content.

The primary objective of Level B training is to develop practical and application oriented Systems Engineering competencies. Practical exercises are intended to train participants in Systems Engineering methods and processes.

For Level B training, practical exercises are mandatory for Modules 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. Module 9 content may, where appropriate, be integrated into other modules.

Practical exercises are recommended for Modules 2, 7, and 8.

Some topics appear in multiple modules. This does not indicate duplicated content. Instead, it gives trainers the flexibility to place different emphasis depending on the training context. Participants should nevertheless be able to recognize how all modules and topics relate within the overall Systems Engineering framework.

• • Training providers are required to notify GfSE immediately of any changes to training materials or training personnel. Such notifications must be submitted at least four weeks before the next scheduled course.
  • An annual licensing fee applies.
  • Applicants must hold Corporate Membership in GfSE e.V.
  • Approval as a licensed training provider is granted on the basis of a compliance sheet for each certification level.

• • Applicants should receive support when completing the required application forms.
  • Questions regarding qualifications and examinations should primarily be directed to SE TREC GmbH.
  • Individual examination dates can be arranged directly with SE TREC GmbH.
  • Throughout the year, SE TREC GmbH also offers scheduled public examination sessions in Germany that individuals may attend.
  • All required documentation must be submitted to SE TREC GmbH before the examination.
  • The examination registration form and proof of successful completion of the required training must be submitted before the examination date.
  • As the certification is issued to an individual, applicants are required to provide their personal contact information.

• • Training providers may offer customized programs for companies, provided that the required curriculum content remains clearly identifiable.
  • The training provider is responsible for the quality and completeness of the course content.
  • If SE ZERT® training forms part of a broader Systems Engineering education program and participants also receive additional specialized training, for example in SysML or Model Based Systems Engineering, the amount of module specific content may be reduced where appropriate. The training provider is responsible for ensuring that all SE ZERT® module requirements remain fully covered.
  • Exercises may be adapted to reflect company specific processes and practices.

Universities offering master's degree programs may become approved training providers for Levels D and C, thereby demonstrating equivalence with internationally recognized Systems Engineering education. This also applies to institutes that provide professional development seminars for companies.

Students without professional experience are eligible to take the Level D examination. Students who already satisfy the requirements for Level C may apply directly for that certification level.

The admission requirements and curriculum for Levels D and C apply accordingly and are described in the Trainer Qualifications section.

If suitable lecturers with Systems Engineering expertise are not available, GfSE can provide assistance in identifying qualified instructors.

The institution must become a Corporate Member of GfSE e.V. in order to be approved as a training provider.

The master's degree program should include appropriate references to the SE ZERT® modules. Since the modules must be covered in full and may not always correspond directly to the structure of the degree program, it is only necessary to ensure that candidates have fulfilled all examination requirements before applying for certification.

For further information, please use the contact form.