Exam Preparation Information

**DISCLAIMER: GISCI does not endorse any particular preparation materials, but we have placed some materials available here.**

The Exam is fairly robust, and individuals cannot expect to do well with only a few hours of study. The Exam covers an extensive array of knowledge, fully described in the Exam Candidate Manual, and not all individuals will have come in contact with this during the course of their academic work or experience. However, the questions do come from those Knowledge Areas commonly encountered by active GISPs, and it is this minimal level of knowledge that a prospective GISP is expected to demonstrate in order to be approved for GISP Certification.

The most important document to start with for preparing for the exam is the Exam Blueprint.  This contains the 45 KSAs from which every question on the exam comes.

GISCI PRACTICE EXAM

NEW GISCI produced an official practice exam, available online for prospective candidates.  The exam has been updated with new questions.

official practice examRETIRED PRACTICE EXAM

UNOFFICIAL EXAM STUDY GUIDES

The Google Docs is an open-edit document updated by the contributing geospatial community. 

Unofficial Exam Study Guide

GEOTECH CENTER

The GeoTech Center produces a free, online, personal-assessment survey as well as an online practice exam for further assessment of several Knowledge Areas on the Exam.

Personal Assessment SurveyConcept ModulesA STUDENT PERSPECTIVE RECORDING

TEACHMEGIS PREP COURSE

TeachMeGIS provides preparation classes for the Exam. Preparation classes take place in Houston and Oklahoma City, and online and evening online classes are available as well.

Overview Document

VIDEOS & PODCASTS

The following videos/podcasts may be helpful in your preparations for taking the GISP exam.

GISCI Youtube channelGISp:  What you need to knowMAGIC WebinarMapScaping Podcast

URISA PREP WORKSHOP

URISA offers workshops and webinars specifically for the Exam.

URISA websiteGETTING STARTED ON YOUR GISP

OTHER RESOURCES

Some folks have found these useful. The GISCI does not endorse any of these resources. They are informational only.

Quizlet Flashcard (275 Items)Quizlet Flashcard (612 Items) Learn About Mapping and Geographic Information Systems

GIS Literature

Some folks have found these useful. The GISCI does not endorse any of these resources. They are informational only.

GIS Fundamentals, 6th EditionA to Z GIS: An Illustrated Dictionary of Geographic Information Systems