1. The GIS Professional Certification Program William E. Huxhold, GISP Wisconsin Land Information Association 2004 Annual Conference March 3, 2004

2. The History Of GIS Certification 1990s – Many papers and articles on the GIS Profession and Educational Curricula 1998 – The first meeting of the URISA GIS Certification Committee ( 39 members ) 1999 – Survey of URISA Members ( 180 responses ) 2002 – “Guestbook” (web-based comments from the public) established ( 122 pages ) 2003 – Pilot Project Conducted ( 58 applications ) 2004 – Certification Program Initiated (Jan 1)

3. Benchmark EDUCATIONEDUCATION – Bachelor’s degree with some GIS courses (or equivalent) EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE – Four years in GIS application or data development (or equivalent) CONTRIBUTIONSCONTRIBUTIONS – Annual membership and modest participation in a GIS professional association (or equivalent)

4. Educational Attainment A formal education does not ensure GIS qualifications, but does develop: Intellectual maturityIntellectual maturity to approach problems systematically and critically, and Communication skillsCommunication skills for articulating capabilities, benefits, and limitations of GIS (Those without a formal education can substitute with courses, conferences, etc.)

5. Professional Experience Job experience is the most important factor in GIS qualifications because: growth and expansion of skill setsPerforming in a job provides learning experiences that allow growth and expansion of skill sets transfer of knowledgeWork environment with other professionals allows transfer of knowledge

6. Contributions to the Profession benefit of the profession Documents and activities that add to the professional body of knowledge for the benefit of the profession as a whole – not just the employer and client.

7. Additional Requirements Code of EthicsCode of Ethics RenewalRenewal –Every five years –Minimum points in each category and total

8. GIS Code of Ethics Purpose Provide guidelines for helping GIS professionals make appropriate and ethical choices Provide a basis for evaluating their work from an ethical point of view

9. GIS Code of Ethics Guidelines for GIS professionals interacting with four groups: Obligations to Society Obligations to Employers and Funders Obligations to Colleagues and the Profession Obligations to Individuals in Society

10. www.gisci.org