There are several community colleges that focus on the applied uses of the Geographic Information System. Programs properly educates students in order to place then into GIS positions. Outside of GIS degrees and certificates that colleges provide, the GIS Certification Institute offers a professional certification in GIS. Standards and requirements are outlined by the GISCI to give adequate recognition to those who comply with the requirements.

Although many colleges provides quality degree and certificate programs, there is a need to inform student about the GIS professional certification. Many GIS students have never heard of a certified GIS professional. They are being taught the fundamentals of the industry but not how to develop a GIS career. Through developing a career, students will learn the importance of continuing education and networking beyond just acquiring a job.

Informing students about the certified GIS professional is essential when they begin college. With the aspects of career planning, the introduction of this certification will inspire student to think long-term. In addition, goals are instilled in the thought process of the students. Students will be able to see past graduation and build objectives that they will desire to fulfill. Furthermore, the ethics of the GIS industry will be presented to the student. Preparing students for a job is one thing, but preparing students who will do what is right within a job is another.

As the GIS industry grows, students must be informed about the areas important to a GIS career. Students must have set goals, networking abilities, and ethical training. Teaching students early about the GIS Professional Certification will help to produce quality GIS graduates.

Download the discussed research paper….Proposal to Inform Students About GIS Certification

Note: The above paper was never submitted to Central Piedmont Community College; however, I feel that it presents a good example of most GIS Colleges.

Want to know when you should start on your GISP? Read GISP Certification – Start Now!

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!

The site that ESRI has created is called ESRI Training and Education.  On this site you can find and register for courses, get recommended courses, look through GIS literature and conference proceedings, and so much more.

The first thing I would recommend is to create a free user account.  There are many uses for this account outside of training, but those are topics for another post.  To create an account:

1.  Click Login at the top right.
2. On the login page, click Create New Account at the bottom right.
3. Enter the requested information on the Create A New ESRI Global Account page and click Create My ESRI Global Account.

After you have created an account, you can login and begin browsing the available resources.  A great beginning link to learn more about what is offered is the First Time Visitors link (see graphic).

Under this link you will find the following information categories:

1.  What is offered…
a.  Types of Courses
b.  Training Seminars
c.  Books
d.  GIS Library
2.  How to get started…
a.  Course Catalog
b.  Course Recommendations
3.  Track Personal Training
a.  My Training
b.  Learning Pathways
4.  Virtual Campus Course Tutorial

Once you have reviewed this page, you are ready to expand your learning.  I am sure that a particular course style has jumped out to your liking may it be by video, virtual campus, or instructor-led class.  Also, I am sure that you are interested in all of the free courses you can find.  The training website makes it very easy to find those free or low priced courses.  Whether you pay for a course or just take free courses, some will provide you with certificates of completion.

These certificates will compile under your user name and can be accessed at any time.  There will also be a transcript as well.  This information will be important to keep up with as you can add it to you resume.  Additionally, the training can also be applied to the requirements for GIS Professional Certification.  For more information about the GISP Certification go the the GIS Certification Institute.

No matter what type of training you are looking for, the ESRI Training and Education website has provided an excellent source for you to expand your pathway for success.

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