NEW! Space systems security engineering professional certification program...by parallax cyber academy

Space Systems Security Engineering Professional (S3EP) Certification

by Parallax Cyber Academy

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 cyber resilience as a first principle. 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.

Cyber threats to space systems are greater than ever. Expertise to effectively protect vulnerable supply chains, implement sophisticated security solutions, and effectively test cyber resiliency of space systems takes time to develop and should be preserved, publicized, and developed.

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 communications with other space systems and 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 securing the space domain. It's an economical way to showcase your space expertise.

S3EP Certification Benefits

For Professionals

For Employers

Verified/Credentialed expertise
Resume content in space domain
Recognition of expertise by other space systems security engineers
Closed community collaboration through certified members portal
Exclusive professional development opportunities
Simple maintenance procedures which doesn't require retest or completion of additional classes to maintain
Exclusive digital badge to display on social media profiles and email signature blocks (where permitted)

Visible and objective substantiation of space domain expertise by job candidates
External opportunity for employee engagement
Direct ability to support/sponsor employee professional development
Opportunity for employees to contribute to advancing community expertise as technologies, regulations, and procedures change
Professional development of employees through completion of required Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Network of professionals for potential future employment

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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.

Certification Levels

S3EP Certifications Overview

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