Q: Is GISCI certification tax deductible?

A: No, the portfolio and exam fees are not a charitable contribution. 

Q:  I have a GISP® Certification. What will I pay when I recertify?

A: You can recertify anytime between now and your expiration date, and you will make a single payment of $285 or you may pay $110 for each year of a 3-year recertification.

Q:  Can I recertify before that time?

A: Yes, you can recertify any time before your expiration. You do not need to wait until your recertification date. The exam is not required for recertification.

Q:  I am a student, and I will not be able to qualify for GISP® Certification for several years. What are my options to pursue the certification?

A: If you're a GIS student, a recent graduate, or just starting your journey in geospatial technology, building professional credibility early is key. But what if you're not quite ready for the full credential yet? That’s where the PreGISP® Certification comes in. Becoming a certified Emerging GIS Professional or GISP-E is a valuable step you can take in building professional credibility early. 

Q: Can I use the "GISP®" designation without having applied for certification?

No. The “GISP®” designation and “GISCI” name are federally registered trademarks owned by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). Use of these marks is strictly limited to individuals who have been officially certified by GISCI.

If you have not been granted GISP® status through the certification process, you may not use the designation in any form—whether in your signature, on your résumé, in social media profiles, or in any other professional context. Unauthorized use is a violation of federal trademark law and may result in legal action, as well as disciplinary measures under the GISCI Code of Ethics for misrepresentation of qualifications.

A GISP® certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of approval. To maintain the designation, GISP®s must recertify every three years. If your certification expires—and is not renewed within the one-year grace period—you must immediately stop using the GISP® designation until your credentials are reinstated. Continued use of the designation while lapsed is considered unauthorized and subject to the same legal and ethical consequences as unearned use.

Q: GISCI offers a certification program. What is the difference between certification, licensure, accreditation, and certificates?

  • Certification: A process, often voluntary, by which individuals who have demonstrated a level of expertise in the profession are identified to the public and other stakeholders by a third party. Designed to recognize expertise.
  • Licensure: The granting of a license to practice a profession. Often regulated by states and indoctrinated in legislation. Designed to guard against incompetence.
  • Certificate: An award given to an individual recognizing completion of an academic or training program. 
  • Accreditation: The process of evaluating the academic qualifications or standards of an institution or program of study in accordance with pre-established criteria.

The GeoTech Center also keeps an excellent map listing of geospatial programs available around the country:  GeoTech Center Geospatial Education Program Finder.

Q: Why was a GIS certification program created?

A: Professional certification was a topic of discussion within the GIS community for many years. In 1999, URISA (GPN) formed a committee to explore GIS certification within the profession and society. This work led to the creation of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), an independent institute supported by representatives from national and international GIS professional organizations. The GISCI recognizes the following important reasons why GIS certification is needed:

  • To establish GIS as a profession and meet the criteria of a ‘profession’ as established by DL Pugh, and others.
  • To provide a means for attaining recognition by allied professions and colleagues that the GIS professional has demonstrated professional competence and integrity in the field.
  • To encourage long-term professional development that will help existing professionals maintain currency in GIS technology and methods.
  • To ensure ethical behavior by members of the profession and provide a basis for judging the validity of allegations or complaints against GIS practitioners.
  • To assist prospective employers, assess and hire GIS professionals.
  • To ensure that those who produce geographic information have a core competency of knowledge.
  • To assist aspiring GIS professionals, choose their educational opportunities wisely.
  • To strengthen the GIS industry.

Q: Who benefits from certifying GIS professionals?

A: Certification benefits multiple groups across the geospatial community:

  • GIS professionals – by validating skills and supporting career growth

  • Employers – by ensuring qualified, ethical staff

  • Clients and the public – through more reliable, trustworthy GIS work

  • The profession as a whole – by promoting standards, credibility, and innovation

It helps build a stronger, more professional geospatial community.

Q:  I have a GIS Certificate from an educational program I recently completed. Why isn't that good enough to be certified?

A: Congratulations on your achievement! Professionalism is more than just an education. It also includes professional experience, contributions back to the profession, and ethical behavior.

Q:  Must I be or become a member of GPN, AAG, NSGIC, ASPRS or UCGIS in order to become GIS-certified?

A: No, membership in organizations at the international, national, state, and local level are not required to be certified, however, we consider that a professional, engaged in contributing to the advancement and strengthening of his or her profession will naturally want to maintain an active membership in some organization of value to that individual.  Membership in organizations is one of the many activities that counts in the contributions to the profession section of the application. We encourage you to become active in an organization because it helps us strengthen the industry.

Q: Will I get a raise if I get this certification?

A: Maybe. The likelihood of getting a raise will increase as the stature of the GISP grows. A 2024 survey by GPN/URISA showed that GISPs on average made $20,000 more than their non-GISP contemporaries.

Q: How does this certification program compare to the new licensing program for surveyors?

A: Certification programs and licensing programs are used for different purposes. In general, certification of individuals is a voluntary means to establish professional and ethical standards whereas the licensure of professionals is a requirement meant to protect the public from any harm that an incompetent professional may cause. In addition, licensure is administered by a governmental body (states, in the case of surveyors) while certification is usually administered by one’s professional peers.  See the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) web site for additional information on the Model Law for the surveyor’s role in GIS: www.ncees.org.

Q: Are there other certification programs for GIS professionals?

A: Yes. While the GISP® is a widely respected professional credential, there are several other certifications that GIS professionals may pursue, depending on their focus:

  • Esri Technical Certifications – for skills in ArcGIS software

  • ASPRS Certifications – for remote sensing, photogrammetry, and lidar

  • IT/Data Certifications – such as Python, SQL, or CompTIA Data+

  • Autodesk or UAS (Drone) Certifications – for design or unmanned systems

  • Academic or international programs – like UNIGIS postgraduate certificates

Your choice depends on your role and career goals—some focus on software, others on science or technology specialties. Many professionals combine certifications to demonstrate both broad and technical expertise.

Q: Am I required to get this certification if I use GIS in my job as a (planner, landscape architect, engineer, forester, real estate analyst, etc.)?

A: No, GISCI certification is not a legal or regulatory requirement for using GIS in your job. However, it is a widely recognized professional credential that demonstrates your experience, education, and ethical commitment in the geospatial field. However, more and more employers are requiring the GISP as a condition of employment.

For professionals like planners, engineers, landscape architects, foresters, or real estate analysts — whose primary role may not be GIS-specific — certification is usually optional. But if GIS plays a significant role in your work or career development, becoming a GISP can:

  • Validate your GIS expertise to employers and clients

  • Enhance your professional credibility

  • Strengthen your résumé when competing for jobs or promotions

  • Support licensure or continuing education requirements in related professions (in some cases)

Ultimately, whether you pursue the GISP depends on your career goals. If GIS is central to your responsibilities or you want to be recognized as a geospatial professional, certification can be a valuable investment.

Q: I am a professional (planner, landscape architect, engineer, forester, real estate analyst, etc.) and spend most of my time doing GIS analyses and assisting others use GIS. Should I pursue this certification?

A: Yes. There is likely both a professional as well as personal benefit to you by becoming certified.  Many employers pay more for geospatial professionals with their GISP certification.