GISP Certification – Start Now!

My employer was the first to tell me about GIS Professional Certification provided through the GIS Certification Institute.  Since I was new to the GIS industry, I knew nothing about GISP; but the information that he provided challenged me to learn more about what it could do for me and how I could earn it.  I went to the GISCI website to learn what the certification was, who recognized it, and how I could earn this title.

Through the things that I learned, I was eager to get started gathering the necessary documentation required.  Although I had only been in the GIS industry for a few months, I was already thinking about placing “GISP” after my name.

I found that I would need a minimum of 4 years of GIS work experience in addition to education and professional contribution requirements.  It seemed like a far way off, but I wanted to be prepared for when I had met all the requirements.  I went to the GISCI website and printed off the application.  I placed this application in a folder and began recording every aspect of my new GIS career.

As I took classes from the ESRI Training website and at the local college, I documented each class to help build my application portfolio.  I also knew what was required for documentation as I went to local and region conferences.  I found that if I participated in the conferences and events (map poster, topic presentation, committee or board), I could earn additional points towards my certification.  I also began keeping a yearly job description along with the tasks that I performed so that I knew how to accurately document my experience points.  In addition to the portfolio, I also created a simple excel spreadsheet to calculate all of my points so I would know my point status.  With these elements, I can easily see which areas are lacking the minimum requirements and also keep myself encouraged that I am closer now than when I first started.

Although I am still working on my GISP Certification, I would recommend the following:

• Start Preparing Now (It is easier to start sooner than later.)
• Keep a GIS Portfolio (That conference registration letter will disappear.)
• Understand the Application (You will find points that you may not of thought were beneficial.)
• Find a Mentor (There is a mentor program through the GISCI.)
• Keep Your Focus and Do Not Give Up (You Will Eventually Reach Your Goal.)

Whether you are just taking your first GIS college course or if you have been in the industry for a while now is the time to begin preparing for your GIS Professional Certification.  This recognition will be very valuable in both the early and later years of your career.  Start Today!