Check Your Eligibility Before You Register

The PreGISP Exam is designed specifically for emerging geospatial professionals entering the workforce. To be eligible, you must meet both of the following requirements.

1. Where Are You in Your Education?

You must be either:

✓ In your final semester of college OR

✓ A recent college graduate

2. How Much Professional Experience Do You Have?

You must have:

✓ Less than one year of post-graduation professional experience

If Both Apply to You, You May Be Eligible

Final semester or recent graduate AND Less than one year of post-graduation professional experience =

You may apply for the PreGISP Exam

Please Note: Candidates with two years of professional GIS experience will be allowed to take the PreGISP exam in November 2026 and April 2027.  This exemption is good only for these two exam sessions allowing emerging professionals that were unaware of the program a change to apply.

 

 

Who Should NOT Take the PreGISP Exam?

The PreGISP Exam is not intended for individuals who:

  • Are more than one year from completing their degree.
  • Have one year or more of post-graduation professional experience.
  • Have already established a professional career in the geospatial field.
  • Have already earned the GISP-E.

If you do not meet the PreGISP eligibility requirements, consider pursuing the GISP certification pathway instead.

What Does "Recent College Graduate" Mean?

GISCI defines a recent college graduate as an individual who has completed their qualifying degree and is in the early transition from academic study into professional practice. A college graduate should be no more than 12 months past graduation.

Still Have Questions?

If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility requirements, contact GISCI before registering for and paying for the examination.

[Contact GISCI →]

 

What Counts as Post-Graduation Professional Experience?

The experience requirement refers specifically to professional experience gained after graduation.

Experience obtained as part of your academic program, such as coursework, class projects, or internships completed before graduation, does not by itself make you ineligible.

The purpose of the requirement is to distinguish an emerging professional from someone who has already established professional experience.

 

What If I Am Going to Graduate School?

You may be eligible if you are in your final semester or are a recent graduate and have less than one year of post-graduation professional experience.

However, the GISP-E is valid for only three years and cannot be renewed.

If you are continuing directly into graduate school, consider whether earning the credential now will provide the greatest benefit. There is no advantage to earning a time-limited credential earlier than necessary.

 

What If I Have More Than One Year of Experience?

The PreGISP Exam is not intended for individuals with one year or more of post-graduation professional experience.

If you have already begun establishing your professional career, explore the requirements for the full GISP certification.

[Learn About the GISP® →]