A Well-Rounded
Exam Developed
by GISP®s for GISP®s.

The GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam® is a groundbreaking development in the geospatial profession. The exam is:

  • Software-agnostic,
  • based upon a job analysis from a four-year experience level,
  • informed by the GIS&T Body of Knowledge,
  • and guided by the Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM).

Ready to take the next step in your career? Get started following the steps below:

Guidelines

  • Candidates may register for the exam regardless of the status of their Portfolio Application.
  • Each exam is proctored at Pearson testing locations around the world. Click here for Test Center Information. 
  • The exam is scheduled for 4 hours in duration and consists of 100 scored questions. Click here for Exam Preparation Resources.
  • 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 GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam are available. For more information, click here.

GISCI Geospatial
Core Technical Knowledge Exam®
Categories

Knowledge Categories %
1.  Conceptual Foundations 10%
2.  Geospatial Data Fundamentals 15%
3.  Cartography and Visualization 10%
4.  Data Acquisition 11%
5.  Data Manipulation 11%
6. Analytical Methods 11%
7.  Database Design and Management 10%
8. Application Development 7%
9.  Systems Design and Management 7%
10.  Professional Practice 8%
Total Weight

 

How to Become a GISP®

Get started on your journey to becoming a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP®) today!

  • Registration

  • Portfolio
    Submission
    $200

    Exam
    $250

  • Certification

  • Second Year
    Annual Fee
    $95

  • Third Year
    Annual Fee
    $95

  • Recertification
    $285 for
    3 Years

Exam Registration Information

Next Testing Dates

June 6-14, 2026 

Registration for the June exam is open.  Please note, by signing up,
you agree to receive exam related emails from GISCI via Constant Contact.
Future exams will be held in June and December each year.
 

OPEN

 

Sample Exam Questions

Getting Started:

Candidates may sign up to take the Exam regardless of the status of their Portfolio Application. GO

Candidates should review the Exam candidate manual GO

2. Register

Access and
Register for Exam

Access via your log in credentials and register for the exam

Each Exam is proctored at Pearson VUE testing locations around the world. Click here for Test Center Information. GO

3. Pay

Pay the Exam Fee

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

The Exam is scheduled for 4 hours in duration and consists of 100 scored questions.

Click here for Exam Preparation Resources GO

4. Schedule

Arrange Exam Time and Location with Pearson

Once payment is received, you will receive an authorization email from Pearson within 3–5 business days. Use this email to select your testing time and location.