{"id":670,"date":"2014-06-16T10:00:41","date_gmt":"2014-06-16T15:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=670"},"modified":"2025-03-26T20:25:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T01:25:14","slug":"gis-certification-is-it-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/gis-certification-is-it-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"GIS Certification: Is It Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"GIS<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What kind of GIS certification is available?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The three primary GIS certification<\/strong> types are the GIS Professional (GISP), Esri Technical certifications, and local GIS certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But is it worth your time, effort, and money to be GIS-certified?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, you’ve come to the right place because we show you step-by-step the programs available for GIS certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And best of all: Is it worth it to enroll in a GIS certificate program<\/strong>? Let’s dive right in.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Types of GIS certificates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The three primary GIS certifications that employers seek and the major differences are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certification Type<\/th>Requirements<\/th><\/tr>
1. Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)<\/td>Must pass an exam and fulfill requirements for work and volunteer experience.<\/td><\/tr>
2. Esri Technical Certification<\/td>Knowledge and test-based with Esri-related technology and products.<\/td><\/tr>
3. Local College or University GIS Certification<\/td>Learn from university and industry leaders while building proficiency working with Esri ArcGIS Software.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now, let’s look at the three types of GIS certifications in a bit more detail.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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1. GISP Certification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want a career in GIS<\/a>, GISP is probably the most recognized type of GIS certification. According to the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI)<\/a>, there are 10,500 individuals certified with a GISP designation throughout the world. Although the number may vary at this time, GISCI previously listed 5,500 individuals as active members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GISP application manual highlights all the requirements for attaining this GIS certification. For example, you need to meet the experience, education, and contribution requirements to be GISP certified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n