What is the SE ZERT Program?
The SE ZERT® program is a part time professional training program leading to the Certified Systems Engineer (GfSE)® qualification. It provides participants with the opportunity to develop both process related and technical competencies in the field of Systems Engineering.
The program was developed by GfSE e.V. in cooperation with TÜV Rheinland as a personnel certification scheme. It is based on the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17024 for the certification of persons. Accredited training providers prepare participants independently and thoroughly for certification. The examination is conducted by the SE ZERT® Assessor Group examination committee of GfSE e.V., which evaluates candidates on their Systems Engineering knowledge. This approach ensures a consistently high standard of professional education. Holders of an SE ZERT® certificate are qualified to work as Systems Engineers across a wide range of industries. The program is offered worldwide in both German and English.
SE ZERT® is intended for individuals with technical qualifications ranging from master craftsperson and technician certifications to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and equivalent legacy university degrees. It also enables companies to qualify their employees through in house training programs or participation in public courses.
In accordance with the statutes of GfSE e.V., the objective is to establish a common Systems Engineering standard, a shared professional language, and a consistent professional profile for Systems Engineers.
Qualification Levels
SE-ZERT® Ebene A vermittelt umfassende Systems-Engineering-Kompetenzen auf höchstem Niveau. Die Teilnehmenden lernen, komplexe Projekte und multidisziplinäre Teams fachlich und technisch verantwortlich zu führen. Voraussetzung sind ein Zertifikat der Ebene B sowie eine eigenständig erstellte Studienarbeit mit Selbstreflexion. Die Prüfung besteht aus der Bewertung dieser Studienarbeit und einem 60-minütigen Fachgespräch. Das Zertifikat ist 3 Jahre gültig und kann durch Rezertifizierung verlängert werden.
SE-ZERT® Ebene B vermittelt die sichere Anwendung von Systems-Engineering-Methoden in moderat komplexen Projekten.
Die Teilnehmenden lernen, Teilprojekte oder begrenzt komplexe Projekte sowie kleine multidisziplinäre Teams zu führen.
Voraussetzung sind ein Zertifikat der Ebene C, ein zugelassenes Training und mindestens 80 % Anwesenheit.
Die Prüfung umfasst 50 Fragen in 120 Minuten und gilt ab 67 % als bestanden. Das Zertifikat ist 3 Jahre gültig und rezertifizierbar.
SE-ZERT® Ebene C vermittelt vertieftes Wissen über Systems Engineering und dessen Methoden. Ziel ist die qualifizierte Mitarbeit in Projekten und multidisziplinären Teams sowie die Übernahme technischer Verantwortung. Voraussetzung sind ein zugelassenes Training und mindestens 80 % Anwesenheit. Die Prüfung umfasst 50 Fragen in 120 Minuten und gilt ab 67 % als bestanden. Das Zertifikat ist 5 Jahre gültig und kann durch Rezertifizierung verlängert werden.
SE-ZERT® Ebene D richtet sich an Absolventinnen und Absolventen zugelassener Masterstudiengänge. Vermittelt werden vertiefte Grundlagen des Systems Engineering sowie die Fähigkeit, in Projekten und multidisziplinären Teams mitzuwirken. Voraussetzung ist der Nachweis der Teilnahme durch die Hochschule. Die Prüfung umfasst 50 Fragen in 120 Minuten und gilt ab 67 % als bestanden. Das Zertifikat ist 5 Jahre gültig und kann durch Nachweis entsprechender Berufserfahrung in Ebene C umgeschrieben werden.
Program Structure
The Certified Systems Engineer (GfSE)® training program is divided into nine modules.
The SE ZERT® module content is identical across all certification levels. However, the competency requirements differ depending on the selected certification level, whether A, B, C, or D.
Training courses with final examinations are available for Levels B and C. Level A requires the preparation of a written thesis followed by an oral examination to demonstrate competency. Supporting documentation is available for download for each certification level.
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Module |
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1 |
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering including an introduction |
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2 |
Cross project interfaces |
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3 |
Interfaces between Systems Engineering and Project Management |
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4 |
Systems Engineering Management |
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5 |
Requirements Management, Validation, and Verification |
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6 |
Realization processes |
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7 |
Cross functional activities within development projects |
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8 |
Consideration of operational aspects and decommissioning during system design |
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9 |
Conflict management and interpersonal skills |
The competency areas required for certification are based on the technical competencies that should be applied in every project, with the exception of a general introductory area covering Systems Engineering in context.
Additional competency areas include Project Management, cross functional topics, and soft skills.
Training in the technical competencies is primarily based on the relevant sections of ISO IEC IEEE 15288, the interpretation provided by ISO IEC 19760, the terminology defined in ISO IEC IEEE 24765:2010, and the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook.
ISO IEC IEEE 15288 is an internationally recognized process based standard that forms the foundation of Systems Engineering activities. Developing process related competencies is therefore a key objective of the training program.
These competencies include the methods, knowledge, skills, and practical abilities that participants are expected to understand and apply by the end of the course. This enables participants to transfer their knowledge directly into their daily professional work.
Since Systems Engineers typically work in interdisciplinary project teams, the development of interpersonal and social competencies is equally important. The program therefore also draws upon Project Management standards and established literature from facilitator training.
Further information
Would you like to become a certified systems engineer? Find out what qualification levels are available and how you can take the next step in your career.
The GfSE assessors are experienced systems engineers from industry and academia. They are responsible for the curriculum and exams, as well as for the accreditation of training providers.
Play an active role in shaping the future of systems engineering. As an accredited training provider, you’ll support professionals on their path to becoming Certified Systems Engineers® and benefit from an established, cross-industry certification standard. Learn more about the requirements, benefits, and the process for becoming an accredited training partner.
SE ZERT® Compared with INCOSE SEP
The SE ZERT® program fills an important gap in the certification market by providing a unified Systems Engineering perspective. INCOSE represents the world's largest international Systems Engineering network. Its Systems Engineering Professional certification follows a certification philosophy that is primarily aligned with practices in the United States, similar to the Project Management Institute in the field of Project Management. The European perspective is traditionally represented by GPM and IPMA. In Systems Engineering, both certification approaches originate from the same global professional community. SE ZERT® represents the European approach while remaining closely connected to the international Systems Engineering network.
The SE ZERT® program covers a broader range of topics than the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional certification. The audited training program places particular emphasis on cross functional topics and includes dedicated instruction in soft skills. Participation in a licensed training course is mandatory and combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises. This creates a high standard of professional education that is verified through examinations consisting of both multiple choice and open response questions. The INCOSE certification examination, by comparison, consists exclusively of multiple choice questions.
