The URISA GIS Certification proposal

1
The URISA GIS Certification proposal

• Jeff Kapellas
• BAAMA
• March 20, 2003

2
Who is URISA and why are they certifying GIS?

• Urban and Regional Information Systems
  Association
• Promote the effective and ethical use of GIS
• Promote professional development
• Parent organization of BAAMA

3
Why Certify?

• Ensure a core competency of knowledge
• Provide recognition of achievement in the GIS
  field
• Assist prospective employers
• Assist educational choices by current/prospective
  GIS practitioners
• Encourage long-term professional development

4
The Proposal

• Voluntary
• For those whose primary job responsibility
  involves geospatial technology
• Self-documented, point-based system
• No examination
• Administered by the GIS Certification Institute
  (www.gisci.org)

5
The Point System

• 150 total points
• Educational achievement 30 points
• Professional experience 60 points
• Professional contributions 8 points
• Additional (combination) 52 points

6
Educational Achievement(30 points minimum)

• Credential points
• Masters degree or higher 25 points
• Bachelors degree 20 points
• Associates degree 10 points
• GIS Certificate 5 points
• Course points
• 1 point for every 40 hours class time
• University courses credits x 3
• Ex. (3 credits x 15 weeks x 3) / 40 3.375
  points

7
Professional Experience(60 points minimum)

• Based upon job responsibilities
• Data analysis, system design, programming 25
  points/year
• Data compilation, teaching 15 points/year
• GIS User 10 points/year
• Bonus points for GIS supervisory or management
  10 points/year

8
Professional Contributions(8 points minimum)

• Publications
• Professional associations
• Membership in BAAMA 1 point / year
• Conference participation
• Paper/poster presentations 1 point
• Other contributions
• Event organization/participation
• Non-profit assistance
• Listserver/website management

9
Other issues

• Not a license
• Valid for 5 years, renewable
• Fee to be determined
• Currently under pilot testing, possible
  implementation by early 2004

10
For more information

• URISA Certification website
• http//www.urisa.org/certification/2certific.htm
• BAAMA website
• http//www.baama.org