The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) offers a comprehensive certification for GIS professionals (GISP), which involves a rigorous exam, a portfolio of at least four years of work experience, and an ethics declaration. This certification is the only recognized credential for GIS professionals, apart from state licensure for surveying engineers. Currently, no standardized exam exists for graduates of GIS programs in the United States. In response, the American Association of Geographers (AAG), the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and GISCI have collaborated to develop a pre-GISP exam. This initiative aims to help students graduating from GIS programs progress toward GISP certification, providing a crucial step in their career development.
For academic programs, it offers a nationally recognized form of external assessment, while also helping students gain professional recognition and creating a pathway for expanding the GISP pool.
This session will introduce attendees to the development of the PreGISP exam blueprint, a comprehensive body of knowledge that educators can teach, regardless of their disciplinary background, ensuring the content aligns with industry needs. We will discuss key knowledge areas and the administration of the exam, which GISCI plans to launch in Spring 2025.
Presented by: Tony Spicci, GISP CGMP, Executive Director of the GIS Certification Institute