THE PROGRAM

• Why should I get certified?
  In the Systems Engineering occupational environment, supervisors count on the skills and knowledge of their staff, and clients rely on the ability of the contractors they hire, to design high-quality systems that fulfill all of their stakeholder requirements. In this environment, holders of a credential such as OCSMP Certification stand out - they made the extra effort to not only learn SysML, but also to round out their knowledge and follow through by taking and passing the required OCSMP examination, written by experts including many co-authors of the SysML specification itself. If you're a Systems Engineer, your OCSMP credential shows your supervisor and your peers that you have the required knowledge and skills, making you a more attractive candidate for hiring and promotion. If you're a higher-level executive, your certified staff differentiates your company in the eyes of potential clients, telling them that you are well-prepared to design large, complex systems.

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• Why should I hire OCSMP Certified Professionals?
  Because the OCSMP Program is an objective, validated measurement of a candidate's knowledge and skills in SysML and MBSE. The examinations, designed and written by SysML experts including many co-authors of the SysML specification itself, cover the Systems Engineering domain with the breadth and depth that will let peers and prospective employers feel confident about a certified candidate's ability to participate in or lead real-world engineering analysis and design projects. For a general view of the topics covered within the OCSMP examinations, please review the coverage maps.
  
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• What OCSMP Exams are there?
  The OCSMP Certification Program includes four exams and certifications – the OCSMP Model User, and above it, OCSMP Model Builder - Fundamental, Intermediate and Advanced. Look here for a diagram showing how the tracks and levels relate.

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• Which Exams should I take? 
  The OCSMP exams form a single track with four levels - Every level above the first requires all of the lower as prerequisites for certification. (You may take the exams out of order if you insist, but won't award your certification for a level until you've passed all of its required prerequisites.) If you work with SysML models in any manner - a lot or a little, reading them or building them, beginner or advanced - you need to take and pass the OCSMP Model User exam and obtain the Model User Certification. If you're primarily or mostly a model user, this may be as far as you need to go; if you're a model builder, this level is the foundation for the advanced certifications you need to match your level of responsibility. For details on the skills and knowledge covered by the higher level exams, and the job tasks and roles that correspond, look here.

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• Do I have to take the exams in order?
  No, it is not required that you take the exams in order.  However, to be certified you must pass that level's exam plus all lower level exams.
   
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• What areas of study are most important for each Exam?
  Please refer to the Coverage Maps to see what is covered in each Exam.
  
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• What is the cost for each Exam? 
  In the United States, the cost to take an OCSMP examination is US$200; in many countries where English is not the first language, the testing time will be a half-hour longer and the price will be US$10 more (that is, US$210 or the approximate equivalent in local currency. Currency conversion does not track short-term fluctuations). You have to pay each time you take an examination, even if you're taking an examination over because you failed the first time. Payment is by major credit card. For exact pricing in your country, please look  on the Pearson VUE Testing Center website.
  
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• Can I get a discount on the fee for an Exam? 
  Yes! OMG offers pre-paid Certification Examination voucher bundles at discounts starting at 5% and ranging all the way up to 20% , depending on how many vouchers you buy. Each voucher lets you take any one of OMG's exams. Vouchers are non-refundable and expire one year from date of purchase. Discount is applied to the price in your country.  Minimum purchase for the 5% discount is 10 vouchers. These 5% vouchers may be purchased from the Pearson VUE voucher store through this link: www.vue.com/vouchers/pricelist/omg.asp.
  
  You can receive a substantially larger discount by purchasing a larger number of vouchers directly from OMG: 
  

  Package Designation	Bronze	Silver	Gold
  Number of Vouchers	50 Vouchers	100 Vouchers	150+  Vouchers
  Discount %	10%	15%	20%

  Discount is applied to the price in your country. For more information, or to purchase one of these voucher bundles, email <certificationinfo@omg.org> or directly to OMG's Director of Certification Jon Siegel at <siegel AT omg.org> . 
  
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• What languages can I take the Exams in?
  All of the Exams are in English. In non-English-speaking countries, the time allowed to take the examination may be a half-hour longer; see two questions down.
  
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• What is the Exam format?
  The Exams are computer-based tests (CBTs) delivered at testing centers owned or licensed by Pearson VUE. Exams are multiple-choice.
  
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• How long is each Exam?
  In English-speaking countries, 105 minutes. When English-language Exams are delivered in a non-English speaking country, the test time may be up to 135 minutes; check with your testing center to be sure.
  
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• Where can I find a list of References to study from? 
  All of the documents referred to in each exam - specifications, articles, and books - are listed on the Coverage Map for that exam. 
  
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• Where can I get a copy of OMG’s SysML specification, to study for the Exams? 
  You can download the SysML Specification from the OMG home page for free but we do not think it's a good reference to study - It's a very formal document, written from the point of view of a language developer or tool builder. Elements and diagrams are grouped according to the UML types they derive from, rather than by the way they're used, and there's no way to identify and study only the basic concepts. Fortunately, there are already several very good books on SysML (listed here), and we recommend that you consider studying from one of these, or another alternative source, instead. We're proud to point out that all of these authors participated in the writing of the OCSMP examinations.
  
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• Where can I get copies of the articles and white papers that are on the exams?
  All of the articles and white papers referred to may be downloaded and/or viewed free using the links on the Coverage Map. 
  
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• Where can I get a copy of the books that are used on the Exams?
  The books are listed on the Study Materials page, specifically detailed within that Exams Coverage Map.
  
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• How do I Register to take an OCSMP Exam?

    here.

  ATTENTION: OMG is not responsible for the scheduling or rescheduling of exams, or for exam refunds. These matters must be facilitated through our testing partner Pearson VUE. Furthermore, OMG strongly stresses the importance of carefully reviewing your confirmation letter sent by Pearson VUE upon scheduling an exam. Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of Pearson VUE immediately.

  Go to the OMG Exam Registration page at Pearson VUE: http://pearsonvue.com/omg. From here you can:

  1. Locate a Test Center
  2. Schedule a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)
  3. Reschedule a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)
  4. Cancel a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)
  5. Access Your Account
  6. View Available Tests
  7. Contact Pearson VUE Customer Service

  At the bottom of the page, you can:

  1. Schedule Online (requires a Pearson VUE web account)
  2. Schedule by Phone
  3. Schedule through a Test Center

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• Where can I take an Exam?
  The Exams will be available worldwide, exclusively at Pearson VUE Testing Centers. There are thousands of centers in over a hundred countries around the world. 
  
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• When can I schedule my Exam?
  Each test center sets its own hours and days of operation. You can schedule an Exam at any time when the center you choose is open and has an available testing slot. You will schedule your Exam as part of the registration process.
  
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• What information should I be prepared to provide when I schedule my appointment?
  When you schedule your Exam, you should be prepared to provide any of the following information: 
   
  • Your name (you may be asked to provide your name as you would like to have it appear on your certificate)
  • Your Social Security, Social Insurance or Pearson Vue Testing I.D. (SP#) Number 
  • Contact phone numbers - If there is a problem, we will use these numbers to reach you
  • Mailing address - Please provide the address to which you would like your certificate mailed
  • Exam number and title
  • Eligibility information (if required)
  • e-Mail address - Once again for contact purposes, this is often the fastest and most effective means of contact. Many test sponsors require e-mail contact information for registration method of payment

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• Can I cancel and/or reschedule my test appointment via the Pearson VUE Web site?
  Yes, you must cancel and/or reschedule your test through the Pearson VUE Web site. Please read the rescheduling policies in the confirmation letter for your appointment.
  
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• How do I take the Exam?
  These are computer-based tests, which you take on a computer at a Pearson VUE test center. On the day of the test you go to the center, present (2) two forms of identification, and sign in. You will be escorted to a quiet room with one or more testing stations. You won't be allowed to bring anything into the room with you but your wits and (for some exams) a wipe-off note board. You'll sign on to the computer and the test will begin. You will be required to complete an agreement promising not to reveal the contents of the test. The questions themselves are variations of multiple choice formats. The Exams last 90 minutes.
  
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• When should I plan to arrive at the testing center?
  You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the test is scheduled to begin. During that time you will provide (2) two proper identifications and the test center administrator will give you a short orientation and then escort you to a workstation. If you do not provide appropriate identification, you will not be allowed to test for security reasons. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
  
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• What type of identification must I bring to the test center?
  You must have (2) two forms of ID, one with a photo and both with a signature.
  Acceptable forms of primary (photo) identification include:
   
  • Government issued driver’s license · 
  • Employee ID work badge
  • School ID
  • Military ID*
  • Passport*
  • Alien registration card
  • Permanent resident visas (Green Cards)
  • State/Country ID

  * Primary ID’s which contain an embedded signature are permitted as long as the Secondary ID presented has a visible signature.

  Acceptable forms of non-photo identification include:
   

  • Bank ATM card
  • Credit card
  • Any ID on the Primary list

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• Can my Exam be taken on my PC, or do I have to go to a test center?
  The Exams are administered only at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers, in their secure environment, on their secure equipment.
  
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• What items can I bring into the testing area?
  You may bring your identification, but not much else. No computers, PDAs, cell phones, pagers, books, notes, scratch pads, writing instruments, coats, jackets, backpacks, briefcases, purses, and so on.
  
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• Are there lockers?
  Some centers may have lockers, but they are usually small, and there may be none available when you take your Exam. Please do not bring personal items to the test center.
  
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• Will I test with only OCSMP Examination candidates?
  No. There may be candidates taking other professional exams at the same time using Pearson VUE's computer-based delivery system technology.
  
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• Do I have to agree to anything, like confidentiality, before I can take an Exam?
  Yes. When you sit down to take an Exam at the test center, you will be asked to agree to keep the contents of the Exam confidential and to accept some terms and conditions relating to the Exam and your certification. You will not be allowed to take the Exam if you do not agree to these requirements.
  
  You can review the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) here. You can review the Candidate Agreement here.
  
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• What is the format of the Exams?
  All questions are multiple choice. All Exams are closed book. No written materials or notebook computers will be allowed in the testing area.
  
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• During my exam, can I skip questions and answer them later in the Exam?
  Yes: As you take the exam, you may either mark questions that you feel are too difficult, or just skip them, to go back to after you reach the end. After you finish the last question, you will see a review screen that lets you jump back to any questions that you want to review.  On the review screen, different symbols will identify questions that you marked, and questions that you skipped.  Both marked and unmarked questions will be scored when you finally submit your exam. Unanswered questions will be scored as incorrect.
  
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• Is it OK to guess answers or are these tests marked negatively?
  The Exams are not scored negatively - that is, no points are deducted for incorrect answers. This means that you can safely - and should - guess an answer to every question that you don't know. It is best to check if you have actually answered ALL questions before completing the exam (and the Review Screen makes this easy). If you are running short on time, just click any answer and move on. This way, you will at least have a chance to get some of them right.
  
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• Do the Pearson VUE test centers provide special testing accommodations?
  Yes. Candidates with documented visual, physical, hearing, or learning disabilities, which would prevent them from taking an examination under standard conditions, may request special testing accommodations and arrangements. Please contact Pearson VUE directly.  
  
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• What training is required before I can take an Exam?
  No training is required, and you do not have to take or complete any training course before you take an Exam. Of course, we strongly advise that you prepare for the Exam by studying the subjects listed in the coverage map - the books or subject-matter equivalent, plus the freely-downloadable OMG specifications and other papers and framework documents. Training courses and material prepared specifically for the OCSMP examinations are available here.
  
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• Is there a guide to what I need to know to pass the Exam?
  Here is a link to our page with general information about all of the OCSMP exams, and here is a link to a page with links to the coverage maps and specific information about each examination individually.
  
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• Are there books or training courses to help me to prepare for an Exam?
  Yes! Several of the Subject-Matter Experts who wrote the exam questions have collected books and course information to prepare you for the OCSMP examinations. We have listed these materials on each exams coverage map page.
  
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• Are there any practice exams available?
  At this time, practice exams are not available.
  
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• What is the minimum passing score, and the pass rate?
  We do not release information on pass rates. The minimum passing scores are on the coverage map of each Exam, links to which can be found here.
  
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• When will I find out if I passed, and what my score is?
  In most cases, you will receive your score report immediately after the test is completed. At the same time, you will receive some diagnostic information, to show you how strong you were in various areas.
  
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• What happens after I pass an Exam?
  First, Congratulations! In most cases, you will received your score at the test center immediately after you finished your Exam. If you have passed all of the exams required for a certification level, we will send you (by mail) a certification kit, usually within one month after you pass the Exam. The kit will include a letter explaining the certification, the actual certificate (suitable for framing) and instructions for downloading the OCSMP logo for the level of Certification that you have passed.
  
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• What happens if I fail an Exam?
  If you fail an Exam, you can retake it after a minimum of 30 days, but you cannot take a particular Exam more than three times in a twelve-month period.  There is no discount price for re-taking an Exam. The fee is the same as for the initial Exam.
  The diagnostic feedback that you will receive with the test score report will indicate the areas that need further study.  
  
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• How do I use the OCSMP Certification logo, and what are my rights and responsibilities in using it?
  Candidates who qualify for OCSMP certification may use the OCSMP Certification Logo for their level (Model User, Model Builder - Fundamental, Intermediate, and Advanced) as a graphic symbol to demonstrate to clients their skill and knowledge in BPM. Please follow these guidelines to correctly promote your relationship with OMG and protect the integrity of the Logo:
  
  You may use the Logo on your business cards, letterhead stationery, resume, Web site, and marketing materials for individual service, to indicate that you have earned a credential in the OCSMP Program. You may not use the Logo on any product, book, or other material. You may not use it for any purpose other than to designate your OCSMP certification credential.
  
  You may use the OCSMP Certification Logo only as permitted by the OMG Trademark Usage Guidelines at http://www.omg.org/legal/tm_guidelines.htm.
  
  Some of these guidelines are:
   
  • You may not alter the Logo in any way.
  • Your name, trade name, or company name must appear on any materials where the Logo is used.
  • The Logo cannot appear larger or more prominent than your name, product or service name, trademark or service mark, logo, or trade or company name.
  • OMG may, in its sole discretion, terminate your right to use the Logo at any time.

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• I have lost my certification kit. Can you re-issue it?
  OMG will re-issue a lost certification kit for a pre-paid fee determined by location and shipping costs.  Please send an email to certificationinfo@omg.org with the following:
  
    1) full name
    2) current address
    3) candidate ID number
  
  Once we've determined shipping costs, we'll reply with an invoice and as soon as payment is received your kit will be shipped.
  
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• How can I check the status of my certification? Why haven't I received it yet?
  You should receive your certification kit within 4-6 weeks of passing an exam. If you have not received it within this period, please contact OMG by email at certificationinfo@omg.org. 
  
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• How long is the certification valid?
  Once you are certified at a certain level for a certain version of the OCSMP Exam, you are always certified for that level and version. Of course, as new versions of the Exam become available, you may want to get certified on the newest version.
  
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• What happens to my certification once I leave my company? Does it move with me?
  Certifications are associated with individuals, not companies. Your certification is granted to you and it will move with you wherever you go.
  
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• What if I still have a question?
  You can contact OMG by email at certificationinfo@omg.org. 
  
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