Northern Rockies URISA GISP information page

GISCI Invites Comment on Proposed Examination Requirement

Press Release

January 28, 2011: The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) today made public a proposal to update requirements for GIS Professional (GISP) certification. Key among the proposed updates is the addition of a required examination. The Working Group that prepared the proposal recommends that the exam be based on the U.S. Department of Labor's new Geospatial Technology Competency Model and related resources.

The "GISP Certification Update" proposal is available for public review at http://www.gisci.org , along with instructions on how individuals can share their views about proposed changes. As part of its deliberations the GISCI Board of Directors will consider comments received between February 1 and February 28, 2011. A Board decision about proposed changes is expected in April, 2011.

GISCI has certified nearly 5,000 GISPs since its founding in 2004. The purpose of GISP certification is to advance the GIS profession by promoting competent and ethical practice. The goal of the GISP Certification Update Initiative is to strengthen GISP certification by increasing its value to individual GISPs, to the profession, and to society.

For more information about GISCI and GISP certification, visit http://www.gisci.org.

From GIS Certification Institute Newsletter: January 28, 2011

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 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.

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

Currently, an examination is NOT part of the program.

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.

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

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