Sign Up to Take the PreGISP Exam to Become a GISP-E

The PreGISP exam is designed for students and recent college graduates who are beginning their professional careers in the geospatial field. Successful candidates earn the GISP-E (Emerging GIS Professional) credential.

The GISP-E is a time-limited, entry-level credential that helps students and new professionals demonstrate their foundational geospatial knowledge as they begin building the professional experience needed to become a GISP.

Are You Eligible to Take the PreGISP Exam?

To be eligible for the PreGISP exam, you must meet both of the following requirements:

  • You are in your final semester of college or are a recent college graduate.
  • You have less than one year of post-graduation professional geospatial experience*.

That's it. The PreGISP/GISP-E is intended specifically for people who are entering the geospatial profession, not for individuals who have already established significant professional experience.

* - There is two year experience exemption for the November 2026 and April 2027 exams.

Important: When Should You Take the PreGISP Exam?

The GISP-E is a time-limited credential. It can only be earned once, expires after three years, and cannot be renewed.

Because of this, there is no advantage to earning the GISP-E early if you are still in school and do not yet need the credential for your professional transition. Likewise, if you are continuing directly into graduate school, you may want to consider when the credential will provide the greatest benefit to you.

The best time to pursue the GISP-E is when you are finishing your undergraduate education or beginning your professional career in the geospatial field.

Who Is the GISP-E For?

The GISP-E is for you if:

✓ You are in your final semester of college
✓ You recently graduated from college
✓ You are beginning your career in the geospatial profession
✓ You have less than one year of post-graduation professional experience
✓ You want to demonstrate your foundational geospatial knowledge to potential employers

The GISP-E is not intended for you if:

✗ You have more than one year of post-graduation professional geospatial experience
✗ You have already established a professional career in the geospatial field
✗ You are seeking a credential that can be maintained indefinitely
✗ You have already earned the GISP-E

About the PreGISP Exam

  • The exam measures proficiency in selected foundational geospatial competencies.
  • The exam is based on the PreGISP Exam Blueprint.
  • The exam is offered online through proctored Pearson testing in April and November.
  • The exam is two hours long and contains 75 scored questions.
  • Results are reported as Pass/Fail; candidates are not provided with a numerical score.
  • Candidates will be notified of their Pass/Fail status within four weeks.
  • Candidates who pass will receive their digital GISP-E certificate within four weeks.

Important: Failure to take the exam during the scheduled testing period will result in forfeiture of the exam fee.

Scheduling:

  • Scheduling is done online through Pearson after authorization by GISCI.
  • Contact GISCI staff immediately at info@gisci.org if you experience testing problems.  Early notification may allow for rescheduing during the current exam period.
  • Rescheduling:  If you cannot attend your scheduled exam, due to extreme circumstances, you must contact info@gisci.org at least 24 hours in advance reschedule within the current testing window.
  • Scheduling Support: If you need assistance scheduling, contact Pearson at (1-888-270-7759) after receiving the scheduling email and creating your account. Do not call this number if you have not received your authorization email.

Ready to Sign Up?

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can proceed with the PreGISP exam application.

Please make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before registering and paying the exam fee. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they qualify for the PreGISP exam. Providing false information may result in disqualification from the exam or credential, with exam fees forfeited.

To sign up for the PreGISP Exam:

  1. Create an account with GISCI.
  2. Complete and submit the PreGISP Exam application.
  3. Pay the exam fee. GISCI accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. You may also choose to be invoiced and pay later electronically or by check.
  4. Schedule your exam. Within five business days of receiving payment, you will receive an authorization email from GISCI's exam delivery provider, Pearson. Use the link and Candidate ID provided in that email to create your Pearson account and schedule your exam.

A $20 processing fee will be applied to all refunds.

The GISP-E is for entry-level geospatial professionals only. To qualify for the exam, applicants must be able to answer YES to the first FOUR questions. Falsifying information will disqualify you from the credential and exam fees will be forfeited.

Potential test takers should make sure that they will be able to test before signing up and paying for the exam. This can be done by going to: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/gisp/onvue.html

 

PreGISP Exam Sign Up

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