Personal Software Process (PSP) Instructor Authorization Process
Becoming an SEI-Authorized PSP Instructor
Requirements
To become an SEI-authorized PSP Instructor, candidates must:
- complete the PSP for Engineers course from either the SEI or from an SEI-authorized instructor
- be recommended by your SEI authorized instructor
- be an SEI Certified PSP Developer
- have signed the Code of Professional Conduct for SEI service
- have previous teaching or public speaking experience
- have proficiency in the English language, both spoken and written English
Process Steps
- Register for the PSP Instructor Training course. Upon receipt of your registration request, you will receive a registration packet containing registration instructions and a data submission form. Your completed registration materials, including your PSP student data, must be received by the SEI no later than 60 days prior to the start of instructor training. (If you are currently enrolled in the SEI PSP for Engineers course, the registration materials will be distributed to you on the first day of class.)
- The SEI will review your registration materials to ensure that you have basic understanding of PSP concepts and are qualified to attend the instructor training course. You will receive email notification of the results of the pre-course screening.
- Attend the PSP Instructor Training course.
- Pass the qualification exam. The qualification exam is offered on the last day of instructor training. If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam at a later time for an additional fee. The qualification exam will be offered at the SEI twice a year (in conjunction with PSP Instructor Training). In addition, the exam will be offered at the the SEPG national conference.
- Candidates who pass the qualification exam will receive authorization materials, including a Certificate of Authorization to teach PSP courses, a permission letter granting copyright release for the instructor to use SEI copyrighted materials within their organization, and instructions for downloading materials from the Customer Resource Center.
Note: Instructors who are interested in teaching PSP courses to third parties must sign a license agreement with the SEI. For form information on license agreements, send e-mail to tsp-tp-info@sei.cmu.edu.
Maintaining Authorization
To maintain authorization for existing and new versions of PSP instructional materials, each authorized instructor must:
- Teach the PSP for Engineers at least once within each two year authorization period and submit student data to the SEI within 90 days of the course end date. For more information about submitting student data, see Submitting PSP Course Data.
- Provide the SEI with an attendee list for all PSP courses started each quarter and satisfactory course evaluations for all courses completed each quarter.
- Successfully complete any SEI-required course upgrades and exams, not to exceed one per year.
- Accept and use upgraded materials when available.
Instructors who meet the criteria for maintaining their authorization will automatically have their authorization reinstated for an additional two year period. A new permission letter will be distributed.
If an instructor's authorization lapses, the instructor must take a refresher training course and/or retake and pass the qualification exam.
Instructors who leave their current organization must inform the SEI and obtain an updated permission letter allowing them to use copyrighted materials in their new organization for the remainder of their authorization period.