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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The GIS Certification
Institute’s Board of Directors today charged a committee of certified GIS
Professionals (GISPs) to propose revisions to GISP certification requirements.
Observing that “the geospatial industry, and the GIS profession within
it, has matured considerably” since GISCI was founded in 2004, Board
members unanimously endorsed a GISP Certification Update Initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>According to GISCI President
David DiBiase, “the purpose of GISP certification is to advance the GIS
profession by promoting competent and ethical professional practice.
Portfolio-based certification made sense in 2004, when no authoritative
specification of geospatial competencies yet existed. The Department of
Labor’s recently issued Geospatial Technology Competency Model helps fill
that gap, and sets the stage for serious consideration of competency-based GISP
certification.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>In addition to a “new
competency-based examination requirement for some or all applicants,” the
Board also asked GISCI’s Certification Committee to consider other
changes that “increase rigor, streamline, eliminate ambiguities, or
otherwise update and improve existing certification criteria and
procedures.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>GISCI’s Certification
Committee will deliver to the Board a proposed GISP Certification Update plan
before the end of the 2010 calendar year. Following a month-long public comment
period in early 2011, the Board will decide whether to adopt, revise, or table
the plan. If approved by the GISCI Board, any new certification requirements
are expected to take effect three years from the date of approval.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>“GISCI has certified
over 4,500 GISPs,” says Executive Director Sheila Wilson.
“Successful applicants submit portfolios that document substantial
achievements in education, professional experience, and contributions to the
profession. Many GISPs believe that an even more rigorous certification process
will further enhance their standing in the geospatial field. ”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>For more information about
GISCI and GISP certification, visit <a href="http://www.gisci.org">http://www.gisci.org</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tripp
Corbin, MCP, CFM, GISP<br>
Vice President, GIS/IT<br>
<i>ESRI Authorized Instructor</i><br>
<i>CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer</i><br>
<b><a href="http://www.keckwood.com/"><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:blue'>Keck
& Wood, Inc.</span></a></b><br>
(678) 417-4013<br>
(678) 417-4055 fax<br>
<br>
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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