Who We Are

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization established in 2002 to support and advance excellence in the geospatial profession. Through our internationally recognized certification programs—GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) and GISP-E® (Emerging GIS Professional)—we set and uphold high standards of competency, integrity, and service in the GIS field.

GISCI is committed to promoting ethical practices, fostering professional development, and building a strong, connected GIS community. We champion mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning to help professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

What We Do

The GISCI provides the geospatial community with an internationally recognized certification program: the GISP® Certification. We offer participants at any stage of their career a positive method of developing value for their professional experience in the GIS profession.

The GISP certification program has received accreditation from The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

Since our founding, more than 11,000 individuals from all over the world have earned their GISP® credential.

The Certification

The current GISP® Certification process consists of a portfolio-based application and exam that illustrates an applicant's background in education, professional experience, and contributions to the profession. All new applicants must successfully pass the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® along with the portfolio review process. The GISP certification program has received accreditation from The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

The GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® was developed in 2015. Selected GISPs performed groundbreaking work in the process of creating the exam based on job analysis, the Geospatial Technical Competency Model (GTCM) approved by the Department of Labor in 2010, and the GIS&T Body of Knowledge.

All new GISPs are certified for a period of 3 years, and all recertifying GISPs are certified for the same 3-year period. Experienced GISPs may apply for the GISP-R (GISP-Retired) designation when they leave the industry.

Get In Touch

Have questions? Contact the GISCI staff using the following information:

Email: info@gisci.org

Phone: 847-824-7768

Fax: 847-824-6363

Mailing Address:

GIS Certification Institute
503 E. Nifong Blvd. #338
Columbia, MO 65201-3717