More frequently than ever, software is used to control physical systems. These cyberphysical integrations must be executed with rigorous adherence to guiding principles and best practices that ensure reliable and secure systems.
The SSI certification program is designed for professionals engaged in the integration of software into physical systems. The certification exam covers four domains:
Technical areas covered include document and data management, version control, requirements specification, validation and verification, care and custody control, cybersecurity postures, and functional safety. Review the content outline for full details.
ANNOUNCING the SSI Pilot Release: Pilot testing is a crucial stage in the development of a certification program.
Pilot candidates receive 50% off the application fee. Become among the first to become recognized as SSI Certified.
To apply - Please log into your NICET account or if you are a first time applicant, create one here.
Once you have created and/or logged in to your NICET account, the first step is the click apply and then search for SSI in the search bar.
Please note that practice tests are currently under development for this program.
Requirements for Software Integrator certification include the following:
3 YEARS EXPERIENCE with Bachelor’s degree or higher
or
6 YEARS EXPERIENCE with high school diploma or equivalent
Qualified candidates must submit an application, complete a work history description that documents and meets specific industry related experience, and pass the certification exam.
The SSI exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Computer-based testing (CBT) allows NICET to extend several benefits to our candidates: more flexible exam dates and appointment times, immediate scheduling and confirmation, and quicker exam scoring.
We are excited to announce the Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification program is now available in the pilot phase. Participants in the pilot program have the unique opportunity to be among the first to become SSI certified while also helping to shape the future of the program. Pilot testing is a crucial stage in the development of a certification program. Input and performance is used to validate exam content calibrate and scoring to ensure the program meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Reduced Application Fee: Pilot testers will enjoy a significantly reduced application fee of $245, compared to the regular fee of $490.
TESTING WINDOW: The testing window is open now. Once your application is approved, you are encouraged to schedule your exam right away because exam appointments can be limited in some areas. This exam can be scheduled at a Pearson VUE testing center or via remote proctoring from your home or work.
RESULTS: As a pilot tester, you will not receive your exam results immediately. The pilot testing process includes a thorough analysis of all candidate performances and feedback, which takes additional time. Results will be communicated once the analysis is complete and the final exam is validated. This process will take an estimated three months from the completion of the pilot administration.
EXAM PREP: Certification exams are designed to assess your competency based on your current knowledge and ability. Exam prep courses and practice exams can be helpful in reinforcing content, but are not necessary to succeed on the exam. A practice exam is under development for the SSI but is not currently available.
Certification is awarded to individuals who meet a set of industry-specified requirements. The criteria fall into two main categories: written exams and work experience.
Pilot applicants receive 50% off the application fee.
Preparing for Certification — NICET tests are oriented toward job knowledge, ability, and skills. Most of what is needed to pass the exam should be acquired by an integrator from their work experience.
Just like NICET certification exam content, work experience requirements are established through a consensus of industry subject matter experts and practitioners.
Work experience must include tasks related to systems software integration. Relevant work experience must amount to at least:
On your application, you will complete an entry for each position held at each employer during your career . Each entry must include a description of how your job responsibilities align with each of the four SSI competency domains — Program Management, Quality Assurance, Systems Integration, Risk Mitigation.
When you apply for any NICET certification, all information is held in confidence. Your status, including approval or denial of application, exam scheduling, exam scores, and retake information is confidential and will not be shared. Only individuals you have identified for employment verification purposes will have knowledge that you have applied for certification.
For more details, visit www.nicet.org/about-us/policies/policy3.
Systems Software Integrator (SSI) Fees | |
Beta version - $245. |
The Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification exam includes 125 multiple choice questions. You will have 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes) to complete the exam, including the NDA (non disclosure agreement) and tutorial.
The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. These exams are normally closed book; any exception to this policy will be stated in the test information for that program. The content outline for the program will serve as the guide to what will be covered on the test. Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process.
Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process. During the test, you will see one question at a time, but can move forward or backwards to view or review other questions. Some questions include a graphic or document to be viewed by clicking on the exhibit button. Exhibits may be in color. Correct answers will usually be selected by clicking the boxes next to the answers. In a few questions, you may be presented a picture and asked to click on the part of the picture that correctly answers the question. Questions may have more than one correct answer, but in those cases, you will be told how many answers to choose. You will receive your score at the conclusion of your test session.
NOTE: You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your examination. Failure to accept will result in a failed score and fees will be forfeited. The NDA that will be displayed is:
You must accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) below in order to take this exam.
I understand that NICET tests and test questions are owned and copyrighted by NICET and affirm that I will not share the content of any NICET examination with any other person. I acknowledge that divulging the contents of this examination to others in any manner is expressly forbidden and may subject me to sanctions.”
Your appointment time will be 10 minutes longer to cover an introductory tutorial section before your exam begins. Any unused time will NOT extend the time allotted for answering exam questions.
A calculator is built into the exam. Please see the CBT Calculator Preview for information about the onscreen calculator. Candidates may not bring any additional calculators into the testing room.
Applicants with a disability as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act who may be placed at a disadvantage when taking a NICET certification examination may request a testing accommodation by contacting test@nicet.org prior to scheduling testing. Each request will be evaluated individually and every effort will be made to offer reasonable accommodations to qualifying applicants. There will be no additional charges to qualifying applicants for these accommodations. NICET will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually suitable accommodation.
Ademola Adejokun, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Alex Sharpe, Sharpe Management Consulting, LLC
Anthony Dezonno, The Boeing Company
Bill Scheible
Brad Wilcox, GHD Inc. and BCA Technology USA Inc.
Brandy Smith
Courtney Wright
Darren Crawford
David Schulze, Systems Integrations
Edward S. Pound, Operations Science Institute
Eric T. Kemp, US Space Force
Frank N. Kremm
Girija Subramaniam, Forcing Function LLC
John J Keane Jr
Jonathan Karakostas
Jonathan Chua
Jose Noriega
Jose Velez
Julie C. Chatman
Krista Krcmarik Kemper, Kemper Engineering Services, LLC
Larry Costin
Mike O’Neal, P.E., O’Neal International Consulting, PLLC
Najib K Nabi
William Scheible, Scheible Group
Parker Bauer, AFSC/Software
Patrick J. Burke SET, Columbia University in the City of New York
Robert Kalescky, Southern Methodist University
Spencer M. Cockrell
Steven Withrow, EDF Renewables North America
Susan E. Ronning, P.E., PMP, ASEP, ADCOMM Engineering LLC
Tim Austin, PE
Tony Turner
Bill Sheehan, Everon Solutions
Complete the form to receive sample questions and to stay updated on the latest SSI developments.