I receive inquiries often about qualifications for a GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional). This is a summary of the GISP requirements for first time applicants, but be sure to review www.gisci.org for further details. You can start the GISP process at any time in your career, but all requirements must be met before the GISP will be awarded!

1st Time Applicant Requirements:

1. Four Years Full Time Geospatial Experience
   a. Parts of your job experience contribute to this even it was not full time, but the points are scaled accordingly
2. Create a Portfolio to be Reviewed & Approved (an online process - www.gisci.org) = $100
   a. Educational Achievement = 30 points
         Degrees and/or Certificates
         Coursework: Accredited Institution and Non-Accredited Institution
         Conferences & Webinars
   b. Professional Experience = 60 points
         Tier I: Analyst, System Design, Programming = 25 Points Per Year
         Tier II: Data Compilation, Data Maintenance, Teaching = 15 Points Per Year
         Tier III: GIS User = 10 Points Per Year
         Supervisory Bonus = +10 Points Per Year
   c. Contributions to the Profession = 8 points
         GIS Publications
         GIS Professional Association Involvement
         GIS Conference Participation
         GIS Workshop Instruction
         GIS Conference Presentation
         GIS Awards Received
         GIS Volunteer Efforts
         Other GIS Contributions -It must be emphasized that work-related publications             and sales presentations are elements of work experience and NOT contributions             to the profession
   d. Supplemental Points = 52 points
         Can come from any of the three categories
         The web site will automatically assign surplus points in each category to the             supplemental category
   e. Minimum number of points to qualify = 150 points
3. Take and Pass the GISCI Exam
   a. Currently offered twice a year ($250 = US & Canada $300 = International)
   b. Exam Candidate Manual
4. Sign the Ethics Statement

Once the requirements are met, you are ready to apply for a GISP.

1. Register or log back in at www.gisci.org
2. You will need a transcript of courses
3. The signed Ethics Statement
4. A letter from your current supervisor
5. All documents must be uploaded to the application
6. Application Fee = $100

The Exam and Portfolio Review are offered independently of one another, but both must be completed in order to receive GISP Certification.

Total Cost = $450 (Application Fee $100 + Exam Fee US & Canada $250 + Portfolio Review $100)

Certification is for a 3 Year period

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