What is a GISP?

• A GISP is a certified geographic information systems (GIS) professional.
   
• A GISP has met the minimum standards for educational achievement, professional experience, and manner in which he or she contributes back to the profession.
   
• A GISP must abide by higher guidelines for ethical behavior.
   
• A GISP continues to educate and reeducate him or herself while preparing for recertification.
   
• A GISP has had their professional background scrutinized and reviewed by an independent third party organization. An Institute comprised of leading non-profit associations (AAG, NSGIC, UCGIS, and URISA) focused on the application of GIS and geospatial technology.
   
• A GISP lives in all 50 States and 25 foreign countries.
   
• A GISP is more than a practitioner of GIS technology.
   
• A GISP is a professional.

Before the Program is explained, it is important to discuss the difference between certificates, certification, licensure, and accreditation. GISCI offers a complete certification program.

Certificate: An award given to an individual recognizing completion of an academic or training program. A list of certificate programs at colleges and universities is available at:
http://www.urisa.org/career/colleges

Certification: A process, often voluntary, by which individuals who have demonstrated a level of expertise in the profession are identified to the public and other stakeholders by a third party. Designed to recognize expertise.

Licensure: The granting of a license to practice a profession. Often regulated by states and indoctrinated in legislation. Designed to guard against incompetence.

Accreditation: The process of evaluating the academic qualifications or standards of an institution or program of study in accordance with pre-established criteria.

Individuals looking for entry level or advanced training should contact a software provider, college or university, or educational association. The GISCI certification program is a professional recognition program for GIS professionals who have at least 48 months of experience.

Read the GISCI Policy Statement on GIS Professional Certification

Minimum Required Points for Initial Certification
Experience is the most important factor in applying skills to real world problems, and education plays a very important role in providing the knowledge and intellectual maturity required to approach problems and communicate solutions effectively.  In addition, professionals must contribute to the advancement of the profession by donating their skills in professional efforts not designed for individual compensation, but rather to maintain the fundamental health of the Profession.

This forms the basis for the minimum number of points required in each category.  The minimums are based upon a model GIS Professional who possess the following characteristics: a baccalaureate degree in any field supplemented with a number of courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and other documented educational activities whose subject matter relates directly to GIS and geospatial data technologies; at least four years of experience in a position that involves spatial data compilation, teaching, etc. (fewer years if in GIS analysis, design, or programming; and more years if in a GIS user position); and a modest record of participating in GIS conferences, publications, or GIS-related events (such as GIS-Day). 

Flexibility is important, of course. GISCI recognizes that there are many professionals who should qualify but do not have the formal background that is currently available to those who are now at the beginning of their careers, and that there are other professionals who have not yet built a record or do not have institutional support to contribute back to the profession.  As a result, points for a variety of different activities within the three categories of Education, Experience, and Contributions allow those non-typical professionals to qualify with different points that add up to equivalent levels. With this in mind, the minimum number of points needed to become a certified GIS Professional as detailed in the three point schedules given below is 150 points.  Thus, all applicants are expected to document achievements valued at a minimum of 150 points. To ensure that applicants have a broad foundation, specific minimums in each of the three achievement categories must be met or exceeded.  These minimums are as follows:

The additional 52 points can be counted from any of the three categories.  The applicant has complete flexibility in deciding how to make up this difference. In other words, the 52 points can be made up from any combination of points from any one (or more) of the categories.

Proceed to:

• The Grandfathering Provision
• The Educational Achievement Section
• The Professional Experience Section
• The Contributions to the Profession Section
• Documenting Additional Points