GIS Professional Certification

URISA is the founding member of the GIS Certification Institute, the organization that administers professional certification for the field and is dedicated to advancing the industry.

URISA created a Certification Committee in 1998. Following several years of discussion and thousands of hours of work, the Committee finalized its portfolio-based certification program for GIS professionals (GISPs) 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 independent certifying body that was created to manage the program.

The purpose of the GIS Certification Institute is to provide GIS professionals with a formal process that will:

• Allow them to be recognized by their colleagues and peers as having demonstrated professional competence and integrity in the field
• Establish and maintain high standards of both professional practice and ethical conduct
• Encourage aspiring GIS professionals to work towards certification for the purpose of professional development and advancement
• Encourage established GIS professionals to continue to sharpen their professional skills and ethical performance even as GIS technology changes

URISA is committed to providing its members with ample educational resources and opportunities for contribution to help its members achieve and retain their GIS Professional Certification. Presenting papers at or attending URISA conferences; teaching or attending URISA workshops; volunteering on a URISA committee; and simply being a member of URISA earns education and contribution points towards GISCI Certification. For examples of how you can earn GISCI points, click here.

Visit www.gisci.org for complete program details.