GIS Professional Requirements

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI, USA) has 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 US Department of Labor's new Geospatial Technology Competency Model and related resources.

The "GISP Certification Update" proposal is available for public review at the GISCI website, 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 1st February and 28th February 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.