The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) awards the GISP, the leading professional certification for GIS practitioners in the United States. Achieving the credential requires passing a rigorous exam, documenting at least four years of relevant experience, and signing a code of ethics.
To support emerging professionals, GISCI—together with the American Association of Geographers (AAG) and the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS)—has developed the PreGISP exam. This standardized assessment provides GIS students with an early credentialing opportunity that bridges academic study and professional certification, leading to the new GISP-E (Emerging GIS Professional) credential.
For academic institutions, the PreGISP serves as a nationally recognized external assessment tool. For students, it offers early professional recognition and a clear pathway toward full GISP certification.
This session will present the PreGISP exam blueprint, based on an industry-aligned body of knowledge, and discuss how the exam integrates into diverse academic programs. The PreGISP program / GISP-E certification officially launched in Spring 2025.
