Dear Members and Friends,
The Los Angeles and San Diego chapters are hosting two ONLINE independent study groups (‘Cohorts’) for the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification starting Thursday, 9 April 2026, and Friday, 10 April 2026.
Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks to help prepare for the SEP knowledge exam, with an optional 11th week for exam question review.
Two options are available: the Los Angeles Cohort meets Thursday evenings, and the San Diego Cohort meets Friday mornings (Pacific Time). See links below for details and registration.
Southern California participants are especially encouraged, as two in-person SEP paper exams are planned in Los Angeles and San Diego shortly after the Cohorts conclude.
Non-INCOSE members are also welcome.
Questions? Contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org.
Registration Pages
THURSDAY Evening SEP Cohort, 7:00-8:30 PM Pacific Time, 9 April – 11 June, 2026
FRIDAY Morning SEP Cohort, 8-10 AM Pacific Time, 10 April – 12 June, 2026
Important Information
Each Cohort runs for 10 weeks, meeting weekly via Zoom. There will be an optional extra 11th meeting to discuss exam questions.
Thursday evening sessions: 7:00–8:30 PM PT (1.5 hours); Friday morning sessions: 8:00–10:00 AM PT (2 hours).
Content is based on the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook v5, which forms the basis for the knowledge exam.
The LA and San Diego chapters plan to hostin-person paper exams about three weeks after the Cohorts conclude. Locations are TBD, but will be within Los Angeles and San Diego.
Paper exam cost is TBD, but we aim to keep it low for Cohort participants.
The Thursday evenings Cohort will be hosted by the INCOSE LA chapter, the Friday mornings Cohort by INCOSE San Diego.
We may limit each class to 50 students. Please sign up immediately if you are interested, and only if you are serious about attending! Please be serious about taking the INCOSE SEP exam as well.
Both Cohorts will cover the same material each week. Please choose the Cohort that works for you. You are also welcome to join the other Cohort to listen in / make up a missed session.
The registration fee is $125. However, participants are eligible for up to an 80% refund:
- 40% Refund for fulfilling your participation responsibilities, including creating a presentation deck and presenting to the Cohort. Note: Every participant must present to receive this refund — no exceptions! Presentations may be done in small teams depending on the number of students.
- Additional 40% Refund upon providing proof of having taken the SEP exam (pass or fail) by December 31, 2026.
INCOSE Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) discounts apply:
- PPP2: 25% off ($93.75)
- PPP3: 50% off ($62.50)
Please see your country’s PPP rating HERE.
Payment is via PayPal (credit cards are also accepted through PayPal).
All registered and paid students will receive the curriculum and meeting link a few days before the first session.
About the Cohort Structure
Cohorts are largely student-led learning experiences! Each participant will be part of a small team responsible for presenting a section of the INCOSE Handbook Version 5 to the entire Cohort. To support these sessions, the LA and SD chapters will supply team leaders (typically two per meeting) to facilitate the presentations, answer questions, help with IT issues, etc.
Preparation and Materials
- You must have your own copy of the Handbook v5: free for INCOSE members (via the INCOSE Store), or purchase if not a member.
- Review assigned material in advance. NOTE – this Cohort is supplemental to reading the Handbook! Please do not believe that by taking the Cohort that you will not need to read the Handbook. It is strongly encouraged to read the Handbook from beginning to end (twice is recommended).
Before the First Session
- Read Chapter 1: Systems Engineering Introduction of the Handbook.
- Review the key Terms and Definitions in Appendix C
Technical Requirements
Please ensure your computer or network does not block access to Zoom, as this will be our primary platforms. You will also need to access Google Drive to see the class material, upload documents, etc.
Schedules
See the Thursday and Friday Cohort registration pages (links above) for detailed schedules.
About SEP Certification
What is SEP certification?
It is a formal validation by INCOSE that an individual demonstrates competency (knowledge, education, and experience) in systems engineering. It differs from licensing (government authorization to practice) and from a certificate (proof of course completion). INCOSE offers three SEP levels: ASEP, CSEP, and ESEP. Learn more HERE.
What is the SEP exam?
A 2-hour exam that tests knowledge of INCOSE systems engineering practices and processes. Learn more HERE.
What Each Student Will Need for the Cohort
Each Cohort participant will need:
A copy of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, Version 5 (PDF free for members; non-members must purchase. See the INCOSE Store). Version 5 is required.
Ability to join weekly Zoom sessions and access Google Drive (ensure your system/network does not block either).
Commitment to help build and present a slide deck (often as part of a small team). Presenting earns a 40% registration refund.
You should also have interest in taking the SEP exam (not required). Proof of taking the exam by Dec 31, 2026 earns an additional 40% refund.
Payment and refunds are handled via PayPal (credit cards accepted without a PayPal account).
Thank you!
Please contact us at info@sdincose.org and/or info@incose-la.org if you have any questions, and we look forward to meeting you in April!
The INCOSE LA and San Diego Chapters