Northern Rockies URISA GISP information page

Park Ridge, IL (December 10, 2003) - The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI,
www.gisci.org) is pleased to announce that the GIS Certification Program
will "go live" on January 1, 2004. At that time, professionals will be able
to download application materials and begin preparations for submitting
their qualifications for recognition as Certified GIS Professionals and earn
the designation, "GISP".

History
URISA's Certification Committee was formed in 1999 and following several
years of discussion and thousands of hours of work, including a
comprehensive Pilot Program, the Committee members finalized its
portfolio-based certification program in the summer of 2003. Along with a
GIS Code of Ethics, the program was adopted by the GIS Certification
Institute (GISCI) and is the basis for GIS Professional Certification. GISCI
is the certifying body that was created to manage the program.

The Program
The portfolio-based program requires minimum levels of achievement in three
areas:
1. Educational Achievement
2. Professional Experience
3. Contributions to the Profession
An examination is NOT part of the program.
Note that during the first five years of the program, applicants may be
"grandfathered" into the program by meeting specific requirements in the
Professional Experience category only.

The Process
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the program and
begin collecting necessary documentation for their portfolios. Visit
www.gisci.org for information about documentation and other requirements. A
"how-to" slideshow will soon be available on the website to assist potential
applicants with the submission process. Complete applications and portfolios
must be submitted to GISCI, along with payment of $250, to be reviewed. An
administrative staff and the GISCI Review Team will review portfolios and
substantiate claims made. Upon notification of a successful application, an
applicant will be required to sign the GIS Code of Ethics to complete the
certification process and earn the "GISP" credential.
GISPs
The first individuals to meet the minimum standards for ethical conduct and
professional practice as established by the GIS Certification Institute for
recognition as Certified GIS Professionals (GISPs) were presented during
URISA's 2003 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Twenty-nine individuals,
who took part in the Pilot Program, were recognized by GISCI as Certified
GIS Professionals. During the ceremony in Atlanta, each GISP publicly signed
the Code of Ethics, thus completing the certification process.
Art Kalinski, GIS Manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission, was part of
this group. About the importance of GIS Certification, he says, "For many of
us, the certification is not needed to get a job. What the certification
does, is underscore our experience and permit us to speak with greater
credibility regarding GIS issues."

Re-Certification
As continuing education and professional development are key to the GISCI
Certification Program, GISPs must submit new portfolios every five years
that specify the additional work experience gained during the five-year
period, along with education obtained and contributions made to the
profession. Minimum levels of achievement in all three areas must be met to
achieve re-certification.
For more information about GISCI Certification, visit www.gisci.org or call
(847) 824-7768.

Wendy Francis
CEO/Director of Marketing
URISA - Urban and Regional Information Systems Association
1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite 305
Park Ridge, IL 60068 USA
847/824-6300, Fax 847/824-6363
wfrancis@urisa.org, www.urisa.org