News

From filing deeds in a county auditor’s office to routing school buses across 50 states, Seth Frame’s path through GIS has been anything but conventional. His adventures along the way included a road trip to Yellowstone that sparked a passion for mountains, archaeology, and anthropology. In addition, his talent for turning clay into cartography helped shape a career built as much on curiosity and creativity as it is on credentials. Read how Seth’s expressive side helps guide his technical side and why he calls the GISP® “a point of personal pride.” 

From Olympic gymnastics to a distinguished career in geospatial science, Karen Schuckman, GISP®, PLS, CP, CMS-Lidar, has built a career defined by leadership and service. As her term on the GISCI Board comes to an end, learn more about Karen’s remarkable career, her contributions to GISCI, and her lasting impact on the geospatial profession. 

GISCI is looking to expand its Exam Development Committee (EDC) and is seeking dedicated GIS professionals to help develop, review, and improve exam questions.

GIS in Local Government: Why GISP® Certification Matters

After 18+ years working in local, regional, and tribal government, Drew Jack has seen firsthand how the role of GIS has evolved, and how expectations for GIS professionals have grown along with it. In this article, Drew shares how GISP® certification helped validate the depth and breadth of skills required to thrive in local government, build professional credibility, and confidently take on the many challenges of being a GIS “jack-of-all-trades.”

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to share that 195 geospatial professionals have earned the GIS Professional (GISP®) certification as a result of the June 2026 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam®. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that Jeremy Mennis, PhD, GISP®, has been selected by UCGIS to serve on the GISCI Board of Directors.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that Captain Amilynn E. Adams, GISP®, has been elected as the second GISP®-Elected Director on the GISCI Board of Directors.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) proudly announces the successful induction of 53 new GISP-Es (Emerging GIS Professional). The completion of the program’s third cohort is another significant step in evolving professional development for the next generation of geographic information systems (GIS) practitioners.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that the Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) has been recognized as a GISCI Endorsing Employer, demonstrating its commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice, and the advancement of the geospatial profession.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce that Shannon Doyle, PhD GISP, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 GISP of the Year Award, GISCI’s highest individual honor recognizing distinguished and sustained contributions to the geospatial profession and the public interest.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce that Arup and JMT Technology Group have been selected as the 2025 GISCI Organizations of the Year, recognizing their exceptional support for GISP certification and their sustained commitment to ethical geospatial practice, professional development, and the public good.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that 207 geospatial professionals have earned the GIS Professional (GISP®) certification following the December 2025 administration of the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam®.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce the County of Lennox and Addington as its newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. This designation recognizes organizations committed to professional development and the advancement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) practices. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) proudly announces the successful completion of the second cohort of 45 new GISP-Es (Emerging GIS Professional).

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that InterDev, a long-standing technology services firm specializing in information technology, software development, and geospatial services, has been officially designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) announces an important policy update to the GISP® recertification process. Effective January 1, 2026, the recertification grace period will be reduced from 12 months to 6 months following the certification expiration date.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce Geosyntec as its newest GISCI Endorsing Employer, recognizing the firm’s commitment to professional standards and supporting the growth of GIS practitioners. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce Woolpert as its newest GISCI Endorsing Employer, recognizing the firm’s commitment to advancing professional standards and fostering continuous development in the geospatial industry. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce the launch of two new GISCI awards to recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards of service, innovation, and leadership in the geospatial profession. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) as the newest GISCI Endorsing Employer, recognizing their outstanding commitment to advancing professional standards and supporting continued development in the geospatial industry.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) proudly announces that 211 geospatial professionals have earned their GIS Professional (GISP®) certification following the successful completion of the June 2025 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam®.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 GISCI Map Contest, which concluded with record-breaking participation and inspiring creativity. With 71 submissions from across the globe—more than any previous year, the contest continues to highlight the diverse talents and innovations of the cartographic community.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that it is transitioning its certificate generation process to Certifier, a leading platform for issuing secure and verifiable digital credentials.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) proudly announces the successful completion of the first class of its newly launched GISP-E (Emerging GIS Professional) certification program. This landmark achievement marks a significant step in the evolution of professional development for the next generation of geographic information systems (GIS) practitioners.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to launch the PreGISP program, a new initiative designed to help emerging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals gain early industry recognition. Launching this April, the PreGISP program serves as a pathway for recent and soon-to-be graduates to transition from academic studies to professional practice. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) proudly announces that 194 geospatial professionals have earned their GIS Professional (GISP®) certification following the successful completion of the December 2024 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) has announced the testing window for the Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam®, a key component of the GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) certification. The exam will be available from June 7 - 15, 2025 and will once again be administered through Pearson VUE’s global network of computer-based testing (CBT) centers.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce the City of Sioux Falls as its newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is thrilled to announce the appointment of a new president and several outstanding board members, highlighting its unwavering commitment to elevating the geospatial profession and driving innovation in the field.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), the provider of the international GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) certification program, is announcing new flexible payment options designed to save users money and reduce hassle.

The City of Saint John has officially joined GISCI’s growing network of Endorsing Employers, announced today by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is excited to announce a major expansion of its testing network for the Geospatial Core Technical Exam and the upcoming PreGISP exam. Through a strategic partnership with Pearson VUE, a leading provider of computer-based testing for certification and licensure exams, the number of GISCI testing centers worldwide will increase from 800 to 4,500.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce its new partnership with the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), with ASPRS joining GISCI’s Board of Directors. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to advance geospatial science, promote best practices, and support professional development within the industry.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is thrilled to announce Bad Elf as the latest organization to join its Endorsing Employer Designation Program. This designation recognizes Bad Elf’s dedication to advancing geospatial technology and cultivating a team of Geographic Information Systems Professionals (GISPs).

Elevating its commitment to advancing GIS professionals worldwide, the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) unveiled its redesigned website, along with a comprehensive GISP study guide and preliminary details about the forthcoming PreGISP program.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is thrilled to announce the addition of Halff as its latest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. This partnership underscores Halff's dedication to excellence within the geospatial community and its commitment to fostering professional development and expertise in the geospatial industry.

The 2024 GISCI Map Contest concluded with resounding success, showcasing the world's finest cartographic achievements. Participants worldwide poured their creativity and expertise into crafting maps that captivated and inspired. This year, the contest witnessed an unprecedented level of engagement, with a record-breaking 60 submissions across two categories: professional and student.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce ENTRUST Solutions Group as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. ENTRUST Solutions Group is one of the fastest-growing engineering and data solutions firms in the country, focusing on gas and electric utilities, data solutions, telecommunications, pipelines, and industrial solutions.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce Jacobs as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) unveiled the GISCI Endorsement Designation Program, a strategic initiative designed to amplify the significance of the GIS Professional (GISP) Certification within the geospatial community in 2022.

The next testing window for the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® has been scheduled for June 1 - 9, 2024.

The December 2023 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® is complete and The GISCI has awarded 102 individuals with their GIS Professional Certification.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce the City of Auburn, Alabama as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce JMT Technology Group as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce Es² as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce Cultivate Geospatial Solutions (CGS) as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The June 2023 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam is complete and The GISCI has awarded 136 individuals with their GIS Professional Certification.

The GISCI Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Darcy Boellstorff, Ph.D., GISP to the GISCI Board of Directors. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce Five Point Energy as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The next testing window for the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® as a part of the GISP Certification has been scheduled and will once again be administered by PSI Online through their worldwide testing facilities in a computer-based testing (CBT) format.   Exam Dates: December 2 - 10, 2023 Location: PSI Worldwide Testing Centers Application Period: Closes two weeks before the testing window begins

The 2023 GISCI Map Contest received 18 entries in the professional category and 6 in the student category. This year's winners included posters from around the world.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) will be changing the fee structure for becoming a GISP, however the overall cost will remain the same. The changes will take place on July 1, 2023.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce the Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce the City of Wheaton, Illinois as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The next testing window for the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® as a part of the GISP Certification has been scheduled for June 3 - 10, 2023 and will once again be administered by PSI Online through their worldwide testing facilities in a computer-based testing (CBT) format.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce the Town of Prosper, Texas as the newest GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer. 

The GISCI Board of Directors is proud to welcome Shannon Doyle, PhD, GISP as its first GISP-Elected Board Member.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce WGI, Inc. as a GISCI-designated Endorsing Employer.

The newest newsletter of the GISCI is now available for the 4th quarter of 2022.

The December 2022 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® is complete and The GISCI has awarded 62 individuals with their GIS Professional Certification.

The GISCI is pleased to announce The City of Coral Gables, FL as GISCI designated Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient GIS professionals through its international GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) certification program, is launching a new primary logo family and additional logos for two newly initiated programs.

The GISCI is pleased to announce Clay County, Minnesota as a GISCI Endorsing Employer.

The GISCI is pleased to announce Tukuh Technologies as an organization designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer. Tukuh Technologies, LLC, is a tribally owned 8(a) small business that delivers a full range of geospatial technology, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) mapping and reality capture/indoor mapping services to governmental and commercial clients nationwide.

The GISCI is pleased to announce the City of Galveston, Texas as a GISCI Endorsing Employer.  Galveston becomes the second government organization to receive the GISCI Endorsing Employer designation. 

The GISCI is pleased to announce Remington & Vernick Engineers (RVE) as a GISCI Endorsing Employer.

The Third Quarter newsletter of the GISCI is now out.

The GISCI is pleased to announce Cloudpoint Geospatial as an organization designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer. Cloudpoint Geospatial is a leading provider of GIS solutions for organizations within public works, facilities, land records, utilities, transportation, and engineering sectors.

The GISCI is pleased to announce Highlands County, Florida as the first government organization designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) Board of Directors is seeking nominations for a new “at large” Board Member. Nominees must hold a current GISP certification and meet the qualifications outlined below. GISPs will elect the at-large Board Member from a list of qualified nominees. All current certified GISPs are eligible to vote.

The GISCI is pleased to announce FACTOR, Inc. as the first organization designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer.

During its Annual Meeting on August 20, 2022, the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) elected new officers to serve on the Board of Directors and recognized the leadership of each of GISCI’s four member organizations.

The June 2022 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® is complete and The GISCI has awarded 80 individuals with their GIS Professional Certification.

The next testing window for the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® as a part of the GISP Certification has been scheduled and will once again be administered by PSI Online through their worldwide testing facilities in a computer-based testing (CBT) format.  The exam dates are December 3 - 10, 2022 and the exam will be available at PSI Worldwide Testing Centers.

The 2022 GISCI Map Contest kicked off earlier this year with entries split into two categories, one for professionals and one for students. This annual event attracts folks from all over the world, highlighting their cartographic work, and this year was no exception. There were 20 entries in the professional category and 15 in the student category.

After a few year break, the official newsletter of the GISCI has returned.  Please visit our website to read the latest edition of the GISCI newsletter:  the GISCIEye!  

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) has created the GISCI Endorsement Designation Program to help increase the value of GISP Certification for our primary stakeholders, and to help facilitate the growth of the GISP Program within the geospatial community. 

The next testing window for the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® has been scheduled and will be administered by PSI Online through their worldwide testing facilities.  Exam dates are June 4 – 11, 2022 at PSI Worldwide Testing Centers.

GISCI Announces Retired Designation Policy (GISP-R)

Des Plaines, IL (January 19, 2022)

MapScaping Podcast Features GISCI’s Tony Spicci on Becoming a Certified GIS Professional

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce Tony Spicci GISP CGMP will become its new Executive Director, effective May 15, 2021.