The PreGISP program / GISP-E certification officially launched in Spring 2025. The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) administers the GISP, the leading professional certification for GIS practitioners in the United States. To support students and emerging professionals, GISCI—along with the American Association of Geographers (AAG) and the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS)—has developed the PreGISP exam.
The PreGISP provides a standardized, early credentialing opportunity for GIS students that bridges academic study and professional certification, leading to the new GISP-E (Emerging GIS Professional) credential. For academic programs, it 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 outline the development of the PreGISP exam blueprint, built around an industry-aligned body of knowledge, and highlight how educators can integrate the content into their curricula.
