The document discusses the history and current process of GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) certification through GISCI (GIS Certification Institute). It outlines the arguments both for and against pursuing GISP certification. Specifically, proponents argue certification validates GIS as a profession, while critics argue it primarily recognizes experience over expertise and offers little monetary value. The document also shares one applicant's perspective on deciding to pursue certification.

1. To be or not to be…
a certified GISP?
Panel from NEURISA Board of Directors:
Brian DuPont, President-Elect
Steve Sharp, GISP, Immediate Past President
Jeff Olson, At-Large Member

2. Outline
• History of Certification
• Current certification process
• Changes RE: exam and re-certification
• Arguments FOR certification
• Arguments AGAINST certification
• One applicant’s experience
• Questions / Discussion

3. What is certification?
Certification = a voluntary process by which
individuals who have demonstrated a level of
expertise in a profession are identified to the public
and other stakeholders by a third party. Certification
is designed to recognize expertise. (from GISCI Policy
Statement on Professional Certification, 2008)
• Other certification examples?... AICP, PMP
• Certification is NOT licensure… PE, PLS

4. History of GISP Certification
➢ 1993 – Prof. Nancy J. Olbermeyer article in URISA Journal
➢ 1997 – URISA Certification Committee
➢ 2002 – URISA establishes the independent GISCI
➢ AAG, NSGIC, and UCGIS later join as member organizations
➢ First certifications awarded in 2003
Today, there are over 7000 certified GISPs!

5. To be a certified GISP…
• Portfolio review for benchmarks as follows:
✓ 30 points - Educational Achievement
✓ 60 points - Professional Experience
✓ 9 points - Contributions to the Profession
✓ 52 points – additional to reach 150 total point minimum
• Acknowledge GISCI Code of Ethics
• $250 fee. Certification is good for 5 years.
• Recertification requirements ($115 fee, 5 years):
✓ 10 points – Educational Achievement
✓ 10 points – Contributions to the Profession
✓ 20 points – additional from Education, Experience, or Contributions

6. New process… Announced in Feb.
• Same portfolio review for Education, Experience, &
Contributions…
• Must pass the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge
Exam (still in development)
• Based on Tier 4 of the GTCM
• $450 application fee
• $95 annual renewal fee
• Recertification required after
3 years

7. +
The Argument for GISP Certification
• A profession arises when any trade or occupation
transforms itself through "the development of
formal qualifications based upon education,
apprenticeship, and examinations, the emergence of
regulatory bodies with powers to admit and
discipline members…”

8. +
The Argument for GISP Certification
• Certification and/or Licensure is a requirement or
characteristic of a profession.
• Validates “GIS as a profession” on par with other
professions (eg: Project Management Professionals -
PMP).
• Establishes a framework for maturing the GIS
Profession and industry.

9. +
Why should you be a GISP?
• Illustrates personal drive to further your credentials,
knowledge, and professional abilities.
• Recognition by peers that you have achieved a level
of experience, education, and professionalism.
• Helps to distinguish you from other GIS
“practitioners” in a competitive job market.

10. +
Why should you be a GISP?
• Provides additional justification for ongoing
education/training to maintain credentials.
• Help your company win business, making you more
valuable to your firm.
• Make more money!? URISA Salary Surveys suggest
that GISPs make more $?!
• …and the #1 reason - impress your friends at cocktail
parties!!

11. Why NOT certify?
1) Recognizes experience… Not expertise.

12. Education + Experience + Contributions ≠ Expertise
• So you attended a class… Did you learn anything?
• So you held a job… Were you a top performer?
• So you gave a presentation… Did your audience learn
anything?
The “Grandfathering” Provision
• 8 years in a GIS position of data analysis, system design,
programming, or similar.
• Rationale?... Education & Contribution standards tough to
meet.
• Expired at the end of 2008.

13. Why NOT certify?
1) Recognizes experience… Not expertise.
At least until July!
2) Being certified offers little value ($$$).

14. High cost… low rewards.
• It’s expensive!!!... If you were to maintain GISP for 25 years:
• $1,250 under the old fee and recertification structure
• Now $3,750 under the new model… A 300% increase!
• Many only apply because their employer pays.
• No guarantee of higher pay (as is the case in other
professions)
• Value to self may only be if you’re seeking employment
• Vast majority of jobs do not require GISP.
• May be value to the profession at large.
• Marketing value for businesses that hire GISPs.

15. Why NOT certify?
1) Recognizes experience… Not expertise.
At least until July!
2) Being certified offers little value ($$$).
1) GIS is a skill, not a profession.

16. What is your profession?
• Diverse range of applications, disciplines, technologies… and
skills required to perform different jobs.
• Are GIS jobs really any different from other “IS” jobs?
• A spatial database is still just a database…
• GIS Analyst = Analyst?
• GIS Manager = Project manager?
• GIS Programmer = Stuck in a world of computer / web languages…
• Technical certifications may ultimately be more valuable.

17. One applicant’s perspective…
• Factors for application
● Personal recognition
● Build professional resume
● Further employment opportunities
●More attractive as a candidate
● Helps obtain contracts as a consultant
● Satisfy employer performance goals
● Personal desire to contribute to the GIS profession

18. One applicant’s perspective…
• Application process
● New website application streamlines process
●Old process was all paper based
●Calculations were all done by hand
● Everything needs documentation
●Conferences, workshops, org memberships….
●Transcripts
● Employment history can be tedious and hard to fill out
●Website provides framework
● A large dedication of time

19. Thank you!
Questions? Discussion?
Relevant online materials on GISP certification:
GIS Certification Institute. The History of the GISCI Certification Program.
www.gisci.org/aboutus/history
DiBiase, D. (2012) “Strengthening the GIS Profession.” ArcNews.
Olbermeyer, N. (1993) “Certifying GIS Professionals: Challenges and Alternatives.” URISA Journal.
5(1) 67-75.
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Geospatial Technology
Competency Model. http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/competency-
models/geospatial-technology.aspx