GITA and Your GISCI Certification

A GISP is a certified geographic information systems (GIS) professional who has met the minimum standards for ethical conduct and professional practice as established by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). For a full explanation of the program visit the GISCI page.

The minimum number of points needed to become a GISP as detailed in the three point schedules given below, is 150 points. You need a minimum of these many points in each catagory.

• Education: at least 30 Points
  
• Experience: at least 60 Points
  
• Contributions: at least 8 Points
  

As a nonprofit association for the geospatial industry, a GITA membership provides you with several ways to earn necessary points in the Contributions area to become a GISP. GITA’s geospatial industry network also connects you to companies, organizations, and educational institutions that provide you with the education and experience points you need. In addition, GITA conference attendance earns you points in the education component, and GITA half-day seminars offer continuing education units (CEUs), which can be used toward fulfilling your education points to become a GISP.

Here is a list of ways GITA can help you become a geospatial professional:

Education
Need at least 30 points in the category.

Conference Attendance
You earn 0.1 point for each day of GITA international and chapter events that you attend.
Example: For attending GITA’s 2010 Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference: April 25-29, 2010 (5 days), you earn .5 Conference points.

Continuing Education Credits
You earn .3 CEU per GITA half-day seminar, which is equal to 3 Student Activity Hours, which is equal to .75 Course point.
Example: For attending two GITA preconference Knowledge Immersion Seminars, you earn 1.50 Course points.

Contributions to the Profession
Need at least 8 points in the category.