|
|
|
SpatialNews.com Press Release
GIS Certification Program Roll-out
 Printer Friendly
Park Ridge, IL - The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI,
www.gisci.org) is pleased to announce that the GIS Certification Program will "go live" on January 1, 2004. At that time, professionals will be able to download application materials and begin preparations for submitting their qualifications for recognition as Certified GIS Professionals and earn the designation, "GISP".
History
URISA's Certification Committee was formed in 1999 and following several years of discussion and thousands of hours of work, including a comprehensive Pilot Program, the Committee members finalized its portfolio-based certification program in the summer of 2003. Along with a GIS Code of Ethics, the program was adopted by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) and is the basis for GIS Professional Certification. GISCI is the certifying body that was created to manage the program.
The Program
The portfolio-based program requires minimum levels of achievement in three
areas:
1. Educational Achievement
2. Professional Experience
3. Contributions to the Profession
An examination is NOT part of the program.
Note that during the first five years of the program, applicants may be "grandfathered" into the program by meeting specific requirements in the Professional Experience category only.
The Process
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the program and begin collecting necessary documentation for their portfolios. Visit www.gisci.org for information about documentation and other requirements. A "how-to" slideshow will soon be available on the website to assist potential applicants with the submission process. Complete applications and portfolios must be submitted to GISCI, along with payment of $250, to be reviewed. An administrative staff and the GISCI Review Team will review portfolios and substantiate claims made. Upon notification of a successful application, an applicant will be required to sign the GIS Code of Ethics to complete the certification process and earn the "GISP" credential.
GISPs
The first individuals to meet the minimum standards for ethical conduct and professional practice as established by the GIS Certification Institute for recognition as Certified GIS Professionals (GISPs) were presented during URISA's 2003 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Twenty-nine individuals, who took part in the Pilot Program, were recognized by GISCI as Certified GIS Professionals. During the ceremony in Atlanta, each GISP publicly signed the Code of Ethics, thus completing the certification process.
Art Kalinski, GIS Manager at the Atlanta Regional Commission, was part of this group. About the importance of GIS Certification, he says, "For many of us, the certification is not needed to get a job. What the certification does, is underscore our experience and permit us to speak with greater credibility regarding GIS issues."
Re-Certification
As continuing education and professional development are key to the GISCI Certification Program, GISPs must submit new portfolios every five years that specify the additional work experience gained during the five-year period, along with education obtained and contributions made to the profession. Minimum levels of achievement in all three areas must be met to achieve re-certification.
For more information about GISCI Certification, visit www.gisci.org or call
(847) 824-7768.
|
|
Sponsored by:
For information
regarding
advertising rates
Click Here!
|
