A Well-Rounded
Exam informed
gis students.

The PreGISP Exam is a groundbreaking development in the geospatial profession for emerging geospatial professionals. The exam is:

  • Software-agnostic,
  • based upon academic curriculum,
  • informed by the GIS&T Body of Knowledge,
  • and guided by the Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM).

PreGISP Exam Application Information

Next PreGISP Testing Dates

November 16 - 23, 2026

The Exam application period is now
open and will close November 6, 2026
 

click to register

Guidelines

  • Candidates must meet the exam eligibility requirements.
  • Each exam is proctored online through Pearson VUE testing. Click here for Test Center Information
  • The exam is scheduled for 2 hours in duration and consists of 75 scored questions.
  • Failure to take scheduled exam without notification to GISCI staff will result in forfeiture of the exam fees. If you cannot attend your scheduled exam due to extreme circumstances, you must contact info@gisci.org at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule.
  • Accommodations for the PreGISP Exam are available. For more information, click here.

Preparing for the PreGISP® Exam

Prepare to Demonstrate What You Know

The PreGISP Exam is designed to assess foundational geospatial knowledge.The best preparation is to understand the concepts represented in the PreGISP Exam Blueprint. You are not expected to have years of professional experience.

 

Start With the Blueprint

The PreGISP Exam Blueprint identifies the knowledge areas covered by the examination.

Use the Blueprint to:

  • Understand what the exam covers.
  • Identify your strengths.
  • Identify areas where you may need additional study.
  • Organize your preparation.

 

Review Your Coursework

Much of the knowledge assessed by the PreGISP Exam is developed through college-level geospatial coursework.

Review your:

  • Course notes
  • Textbooks
  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Labs
  • Other relevant course materials

Focus particularly on areas identified in the Exam Blueprint.

 

Understand Concepts—Don't Just Memorize Terms

The PreGISP Exam is designed to assess understanding. You should be able to explain and apply foundational geospatial concepts rather than simply recognize terminology.

 

Use Your Instructors as a Resource

Your instructors are familiar with the coursework you have completed and can help you understand how your academic preparation aligns with the Exam Blueprint. GISCI does not prescribe a specific curriculum or study program.

 

Final Preparation Checklist

Before exam day:

☐ Review the PreGISP Exam Blueprint.

☐ Identify and review weaker knowledge areas.

☐ Review relevant coursework and notes.

☐ Become familiar with the examination format.

☐ Confirm your testing equipment and environment.

☐ Confirm your exam appointment.

☐ Have your required identification available.

☐ Get a good night's sleep.

 

Most importantly:

The PreGISP Exam is designed for emerging professionals. You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to demonstrate a solid foundation in geospatial concepts.

PreGISP
Knowledge Exam®
Categories

Knowledge Categories %
1.  Analytical Methods & 2. GeoComputation 18%
3.  Conceptual Foundations 14%
4.  Data Modeling 12%
5.  Geospatial Data 11%
6.  Cartography & Visualization 10%
7.  Platforms, Sensors  
8.  Physical Principles  
9.  Image Processing & Analysis 10%
10. Design of Systems 8%
11. Organizational & Institutional Aspects 7%
12. Thematic and application domains 5%
13.  GI & Society 3%
14.  Web-Based GIS 2%
Total Weight

 

Start Your Path on Becoming a GISP!

Get started on your journey to becoming a GISP by becoming an Emerging GIS Professional (GISP-E) today!

  • Create Account

  • Exam
    Application
    $125(US)
     

  • Certification
    As a GISP-E

  • Gain 3
    Years Prof.
    Experience

  • Portfolio
    Submission
     

    Pass
    GISP Exam

  • GISP
    Certification
    for 3 Years

Eligibility Requirements
  • You must agree to abide by the Geospatial Code of Ethics
  • You must graduate or have graduated within 12 months of the exam and do not plan to immediately enroll in another degree program.
  • You must plan to enter the geospatial workforce after graduation.
  • You must have less than one year of professional experience in the geospatial field.

Failure to meet all of these requirements may result in revocation of the certification and loss of fees.

Sample Exam Questions

Getting Started:

Candidates may enroll in the Exam if they meet the requirements.

1. Apply

Access and
Submit Application

Access via your log in credentials and submit PreGIS exam application to GISCI

Candidates should review the Exam Blueprint.

2. Confirm

Receive Confirmation

Receive exam application confirmation of meeting requirements.

Each Exam is proctored online with Pearson VUE and can be taken world wide. Click here for Test Center Information. GO

3. Pay

Pay the PreGISP Exam Fee

Pay the PreGISP Exam fees to GISCI (Either pay online at checkout, or request payment instructions via email)

The Exam is scheduled for 2 hours in duration and consists of 75 scored questions.

4. Schedule

Arrange Exam Time and Location with Pearson VUE

After payment confirmation, receive Pearson VUE email authorization confirmation, and select the time with Pearson VUE (our testing provider).