Written by Raiana Kelly
For both emerging GIS (Geographic Information Systems or Science) professionals eager to capitalize on their education and seasoned geospatial experts aiming for career advancement, increased income, and community contribution, the GISP (Certified GIS Professional) certification from GISCI (GIS Certification Institute) may be the right path for you to reach your career goals.
This guide will detail the GISP certification process, the advantages of certification, and firsthand accounts from and challenges faced by certified GISPs.
A GISP is an individual who has demonstrated expertise in the field of GIS and has met the standards for ethics, educational achievement, and professional experience in the industry.
The GISP certification can be started at any point in your career, but the minimum qualifications include:
It is not required for applicants to have a complete, qualifying portfolio at the time of their exam. Once the exam has been passed, applicants have up to 6 years to build their professional portfolio before being required to start the process over again. Certification requirements can change over time - stay up to date with the most recent requirements for GISP applicants by visiting the GISCI website at gisci.org.
Preparing for the GISP exam requires a comprehensive review of GIS principles and it is not recommended to attempt the exam without studying or after only studying for a few hours. The complete list of exam topics listed on the GISCI website include:
While the GISCI states that they “do not endorse any particular preparation materials,” they do include a packet of study materials on their website, including official and retired practice exams, unofficial and official study guides, assessment tools, podcasts, and more. You can find all of these materials on the GISCI Exam Preparation Info page.
Benefits of becoming a GIS Professional include professional recognition, increased salary potential, a better chance at landing leadership positions, and more networking opportunities.
Since its inception 20 years ago, the GISP certification has become an internationally recognized achievement that serves as an indicator that the holder demonstrates a high level of competency across a range of GIS topics and a high standard of ethical conduct.
Recipients may gain further recognition by the GISCI if their company has recognized their achievement in a press release, company email or newsletter, social media post, or other method. These acknowledgements can be shared to the GISCI to be posted online, which could boost your professional reputation.
Salaries for GISPs can vary widely depending on experience, location, and industry. However, GISP certification often leads to increased earning potential. Professionals with a GISP certification may command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts due to their demonstrated expertise and commitment to the field.
In the United States, the typical salary range for a GISP is $97,500 to $146,000, with the average making $120,872 and top earners making $159,000 annually. Your specific area of expertise, such as remote sensing, data analysis, or web development can influence your earning potential.
In addition to the potential for greater annual earnings, a GISP may be a more attractive candidate to hiring recruiters. While a GISP certification is not required for most entry-level positions, it’s becoming increasingly expected for senior and director-level positions. Holding a GISP certification can enhance your credibility and open doors to new career opportunities.
Companies with multiple GISPs on staff are perceived as more authoritative, and an organization that supports professional growth and development is more desirable to potential candidates. GISP certification demonstrates that both the company and the employee are committed to professional development. GISPs often find opportunities in government, consulting, environmental management, and urban planning.
Chad Rupert, the founder of GIS1.net and a GISP with 30 years of experience, reported that the certification played a large role in the promotion process during his time as a faculty member at the University of Georgia (UGA). Rupert highlighted the increased potential for career advancement and noted that the most difficult part of earning and maintaining the certification is acquiring enough portfolio points while managing his business and projects.
Nearly a decade into his career in GIS, Rupert was among the first 29 people to receive the GISP certification in 2003 after participating in the pilot program. When asked to share any advice for emerging GISPs, Rupert said “While I always encourage people to challenge themselves and earn whatever credentials and certifications they can, don’t assume there will be an immediate reward as it relates to increased pay or promotions. It will NEVER hurt you, but it might help you, so I encourage GIS workers to go for it. With some employers and in certain situations, it might be the one thing that separates you from the competition, especially when changing jobs."
Wilfred Waters, the founder and host of the Geospatial FM podcast (available to listen on various platforms), achieved the GISP certification to make his career profile more appealing to US employers and because he believed that it was a superior choice to a comparable certification in the UK that did not include an examination. Waters highlighted that while compiling his professional portfolio was an excellent exercise to recognize his personal accomplishments, documenting his 15-year career across 5 countries was one of the most challenging aspects of the certification. With the time spent on exam preparation, Waters estimates that it took him a full week of effort.
For those considering the certification, Waters recommends completing the practice exam multiple times with the help of an LLM (large language model) for tougher questions you can’t find answers to in textbooks or to review basic concepts. He also warned that while the available practice exams are 70 questions, the exam itself is 240.
When asked about how the GISP has benefited his career and what advice he has to share with emerging GISPS, Waters noted that its utility is highly debated and suggested that the shift toward a computer science-driven geospatial industry calls for a new or updated certification that more accurately reflects the evolving industry.
“The adoption of geometry and geography datatypes by Iceberg and Parquet mean that spatial is now something regular data analysts can do. It is important to recognise the risk of not becoming a data analyst in light of this. Data analysts earn a lot more than geospatial analysts. They solve a far broader set of problems.”
Waters urges emerging geospatial professionals at the start of their career to think carefully about choosing a career path that focuses on just a single aspect of what a data analyst can now do. He recommends prioritizing Academy Accreditation, such as Databricks Fundamentals or the Professional Data Engineer Certification from Google Cloud. He also recommends joining the Cloud Native Geospatial Forum, where industry members and experts discuss the certification and other relevant topics.
The value of a GISP certification is a frequent topic of debate in online forums, and whether it's the right choice for your career is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. While not typically required for entry-level GIS roles, the GISP certification is increasingly becoming an expectation for senior and director-level positions within the industry. It's advisable to discuss potential incentives with your employer, such as salary increases or reimbursement for exam and/or recertification fees. Additionally, consider pursuing further education in data analysis, as strong analytical skills are increasingly crucial for the future of GIS, and the changing industry may require a broader skillset than technical GIS knowledge alone.
Ultimately, the GISP certification can be a valuable credential for GIS professionals aiming to advance their careers. Despite the demanding process, the advantages of enhanced recognition, expanded career opportunities, and increased earning potential make it a worthwhile endeavor. Through thorough preparation and diligent documentation of their experience, GIS professionals can successfully attain GISP certification and propel their careers forward.
The GISP certification is valid for up to 3 years.
If you have a valid GISP certificate, then you are eligible to recertify at any time before its expiration date. The 2025 recertification rate is a payment of $285, or $110 for each year of the 3-year recertification ($330).
Like the GIS industry, the GISP certification is constantly evolving. The best place to stay up to date on the certification process, review exam preparation materials, discover professional GIS associations, find resources as an employer, browse internships, and more, is by visiting the GISCI website at gisci.org.
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