There are two types of GIS people in the world, those who have their GISP’s and those who don’t. (Technically a third group exists for those in the process of applying, but let’s include them in the latter.) Gaining your GISP certification is an invaluable way to advertise your talents and can set you ahead in the competitive GIS field . Surveys have shown that those with GISP’s have been able to gain promotions, raises, and better jobs because of this certification. A GISP certification can only be achieved through the application process with GISCI. According to their website, “The GIS Certification Institute(GISCI) provides the only industry-wide, internationally recognized, software agnostic certification available.”
In the spring of 2009 I was a GIS intern fresh from graduating with a Bachelors in Geography and an advisor/mentor suggested I should start compiling my GISP materials. So I went out and purchased a large binder, printed the massive application/information packet (sorry trees), and went through and filled out everything I could at the time. After including my relevant undergrad courses and the few MSGIC (Maryland State Geographic Information Committee) meetings I had attended as an intern I placed the well-organized binder in my desk drawer and did nothing with it until the summer of 2014. Now technically I didn’t do absolutely nothing, periodically I remembered to grab an agenda from a local GIS committee meeting, my receipt’s from TUGIS (Towson GIS Conference) or a description of courses taken during my Masters in GIS Management. I would throw these documents into the binder in my desk and assume some rainy day I would be able to organize them. Repeatedly throughout those years I would set calendar appointments or scribble on a sticky note to “organize GISP application” and “FILL OUT GISP.” Even with the all caps reminders I would find something else to do on these days and postpone the application. Finally though, a few of my coworkers mentioned that they were interested in filling out theirs and we should all do them together. Apparently this was all of the motivation I needed, just to know that someone else was going through the process and having them to share frustrations, ask questions, and celebrate with when the final approval comes in. Within a week of sending in my application I was sent an email letting me know it was received. The GISCI makes one announcement each month with all of the applications they have received and approved, so within a few weeks I was able to get an email letting me know that mine was accepted! A week later my certificate arrived and I was able to begin adding GISP to my name. It is absolutely an incredible feeling to know that my work with GIS is validated and I am now a member of this privileged group of professionals.
In addition to the application, you are asked to answer a survey based on your GISP experience in order to make the process better. One of the questions reads, “How long did it take you to complete the application: less than 2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-6 weeks, or longer than 6 weeks.” This question was tricky for me because technically it took almost 7 years to fully complete the application. However I needed at least 4 years experience in the field and by getting my Masters I had enough points to complete the application so I marked “less than 2 weeks.” The point I want to make with this is that when I forced myself to sit down and fill out the application it took less than a week, and if I had taken 2 days off of work my application could have been completed, printed, and mailed in 48 hours. Obviously this is an important step in your career and it should not be rushed, but by taking a few lunch breaks, evenings, or even a weekend afternoon (gasp) you should be able to complete the application and receive your certification relatively quickly. As of last check fewer than 200 people in MD have their GISP, which is surprising to me for the amount of GIS related individuals throughout the state. I can assume that most people are anxious about spending $250 for a non-mandatory certification, and this is a valid argument. However this certification fee might be something you can get your supervisors to pay for as a way to promote your skill level and advertise positively for your organization. I also would suggest talking to colleagues or others who have their GISP and let them explain how it has affected their career. Having your certification is undoubtedly becoming more widespread and could eventually become the industry standard so wouldn’t it be better for you to be the type of person who has their GISP?
Tips & Advice:
*Request your supervisor letter/college transcripts as soon as you decide to apply, they may take a week or so to arrive.
*For the Professional Experience/ Contributions requirements you do not necessarily need documentation for claims under 2pts. (ex. conference/ committee member, conference presentation, volunteer work, etc.) Although you do not need it officially, the GISCI will scrutinize undocumented claims, and reject anything that is false. In addition the GISCI suggests attempting to find documentation for at least 25% of claims with less than 2 pts. So in my opinion it will help keep your mind at ease to include attendance records for these meetings/opportunities if you are able to find them. Many committee’s and conferences post their agendas, attendance records on their website, and if not usually they are only an email away.
* Easy way to gain points and become involved. There are usually GIS committee meetings in your area, which you can attend. For the most part these meetings are free to join and will help you stay connected while getting you more GISP points. GIS day is held annually on the third Wednesday of November each year, and this is a great opportunity to help the GIS community while also gaining points. Other types of volunteer GIS work include doing projects pro bono for non-profit organizations.
* For those of you in MD and a member of the GIS community you should already be a member of MSGIC, which is a great resource for GIS individuals throughout the state. In the coming months there will be workshops to provide support for their members applying for their GISP’s.
*Have someone review your entire application, colleagues, friends, supervisors will all have different points of view and can help make sure your application is at its finest. As a final push for you to complete your GISP application, there is an exam expected to be required in 2015…so get that application filled out in 2014!
