Systems Software Integrator (SSI) Certification

More frequently than ever, software controls critical physical systems. These cyberphysical integrations must be executed with rigorous adherence to guiding principles and best practices that ensure reliable and secure systems. SSI professional certification can be a key part of the solution.

THREATS that Systems Software Integrators work to mitigate:

• Obsolescence of siloed systems.
  Software is increasingly incorporated into smart operational technology (OT) systems. An informed and qualified SSI guards against potential failure of services through a comprehensive testing plan that ensures all system components are thoroughly tested to meet security, performance, and compliance requirements before deployment.

• Decentralized source code.
  Open-source software (OSS) makes up much of the sub-components of large software systems. This creates incredible efficiencies and savings, but also potential vulnerabilities that an SSI is adept at managing. A certified SSI has the acumen to attest to a software bill of materials (SBOM) and to ensure zero trust architecture.

• Decentralized responsible-in-charge.
  More than two dozen SSI duties are being handled by nine different job titles according to NSPE research. In too many environments, no single person is responsible for secure integration of systems. The certified SSI professional becomes that single point of contact, with stop-work authority, for certifying compliance and securing the software supply chain end-to-end.

• Increased reliance on AI.
  AI serves as a powerful tool to advance industry faster than ever. But with that power comes questions about efficacy, safety, security, and ethics. SSI professionals demonstrate a commitment to stay current with the rapidly developing AI landscape.

• Exponential growth in cyber-attacks.
  Cybersecurity must be a consideration in any critical system. Attacks are now an everyday reality that threaten even the most highly secure systems across all sectors. SSIs are cyber-informed professionals who use proper methodologies to secure systems with proper fallback and recovery systems.

During the post-pilot period, leading up to the April 6 full program launch, applications are being accepted. Approved candidates will be able to schedule their exam for as early as April 6. The application fee during this period will remain at the discounted $75 (regularly $490).

Requirements for Systems 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.

Candidates must submit an application, where you will demonstrate how your work history description meets specific industry related experience.

Once your application is approved, you will schedule your certification exam.

For help completing your application, download the SSI Application Guidance document.

Your Privacy

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.

SSI Content Outline 2024

SSI References 2024

Rescheduling for all NICET tests more than 24 hours before your exam date is complimentary in the same testing window. Please contact Pearson to do so.

Within 24 hours after your scheduled date or for a new testing window, there is an additional fee equal to one half of the original testing fee. For more information on rescheduling, click here.

Rescheduling your NICET exam has never been easier, and in most cases, does not incur any additional fees. Additional fees may apply if rescheduling is attempted within 24 hours of the appointment time, the eligibility window expires, or there is less than 24 hours until the eligibility expires.

The best way to reschedule your exam is to login to your NICET account and click “Schedule" in the left side navigation, then “Schedule with Pearson VUE” for the exam you want to reschedule.

Click the exam name to view the appointment, then “Reschedule” on the right side of the screen.

Caution: Just like the original scheduling process, there are several screens, agreements, and confirmations. The process is not complete until you click the “Confirm Reschedule” button, see the notice “Your Appointment is Rescheduled”, and receive a confirmation email directly from Pearson. Taking a screenshot of this process is not acceptable. Failure to complete the process and missing your appointment does incur a rescheduling fee.

You may also call Pearson at 1-866-880-0048 to reschedule. However, significant wait times can occur.

Candidates who are testing using the online remote proctored (OnVue) option may reschedule their appointment date/time right up until their appointment without incurring additional fees. Just follow the same process as detailed above.

What is the Test Like?

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 backward 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. Answer options will usually be selected by clicking the boxes or circles next to the answers. For a few questions, you may be presented with 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 an unofficial score report at the conclusion of your test session.

To apply, click here.

NOTE:

You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your exam. 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.”

Test Time

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.

Exams with scheduled breaks will be marked with an asterisk in the list above. Outside of these scheduled breaks, candidates taking any exam at any level may take unscheduled breaks, but the exam clock will continue to run.

Calculators

A calculator is built into the exam. Please see the CBT Calculator Preview for information about the onscreen calculator. Candidates may not bring any personal calculators into the testing room.