Space Systems Security Engineering Professional (S3EP) Certification

Mission Statement

The Parallax Cyber Academy (PCA) Space Systems Security Engineering Professional (S3EP)© Certification Program exists to identify, recognize, and develop professionals who possess verified knowledge, skills, and experience in the cybersecurity of space systems. The program advances national and international security by ensuring that a qualified, credentialed workforce is available to protect the space systems upon which modern society increasingly depends.

Space Systems Security Engineering

Designing, building, and operating space systems with cybersecurity in mind. NIST SP 800-160, Vol. 2, Rev. 1 identifies requirements for systems security engineering. We focus on applying this discipline to all aspects of space systems whether in Earth's Orbit, Cislunar Orbits, or beyond.

What is Space Systems Security Engineering?

Why get certified as a professional?

Too often professionals gain unique knowledge, skills, and abilities related to space systems only to have that expertise go unrecognized. Unique aspects of building systems for zero gravity and their communication with ground control demand expertise worth tracking and managing to improve the engineering workforce.

Our certification is modeled after the (ISC)2 certifications for cybersecurity--only we focus on the space domain.

Associate Space Systems Security Engineering Professional (AS3EP)

The entry-level S3EP credential is designed for students, early-career professionals, and individuals transitioning into space cybersecurity from adjacent fields. No prior experience in a space or cybersecurity role is required; successful completion of a PCA-hosted course or a PCA-certified vendor foundational course and the Basic Exam.

Associate Level

Deputy Space Segment Systems Security Engineering Professional (DSS3EP)

Deputy Ground Segment Space Systems Security Engineering Professional (DGS3EP)

Certified Systems Security Engineering Professional (CS3EP)

Expert Systems Security Engineering Professional (ES3EP)

Deputy Space Segment Level

Designed for professionals with demonstrated experience in the engineering, operation, or security of space segment systems (satellite bus, payload, on-board software, launch operations). Holders have completed both foundational and intermediate courses and can apply engineering principles to satellite cybersecurity challenges.

Deputy Ground Segment Level

Designed for professionals with experience in ground segment systems—including mission operations centers, ground stations, command and telemetry systems, and data processing infrastructure. Holders have completed both foundational and intermediate courses and can apply engineering principles to ground station cybersecurity challenges, recognize the distinct technical domain of ground segment security.

Certified Level

A practitioner-level credential for experienced professionals who design, implement, assess, or manage cybersecurity across integrated space systems. Requires five years of qualifying experience and passing an advanced exam. Completion of advanced PCA courses or certified vendor courses, including advanced offensive/defensive courses, support exam readiness.

Expert Level

The highest S3EP credential, is reserved for senior professionals with eight or more years of qualifying experience who demonstrate mastery across the full technical and leadership domains of space cybersecurity by passing the advanced exam. Expert holders are expected to contribute to the profession through research, publication, mentorship, or standards development, reflected in the increased CPE requirement. Completion of advanced PCA courses or certified vendor courses, including advanced offensive/defensive courses, support exam readiness.

S3EP Certifications Overview

Get Started Today

You didn’t come this far to stop

Get certified:

1. Review the PCA S3EP Candidate Handbook.

2. Register for a PCA-sponsored course. Soon there will be PCA-Certified Vendor Courses as well. This ensures coverage of topics needed to pass the Certification Exam, although specific courses are not required.

3. Register for a Certification Exam. Certification levels have a designated exam.

4. Submit your Certification Application.

Approvals generally complete within 30 days of submission. Read the PCA S3EP Candidate Handbook for details on how to prevent delays in processing.

Stay certified:

1. Submit annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits by certification anniversary.

2. Pay annual maintenance fee. See PCA S3EP Candidate Handbook for details.