Top 11 GIS Specialist Certifications

Certifications for GIS specialists are important for many reasons. Firstly, having a certification demonstrates that a specialist has achieved the necessary knowledge and skill to work in the field. This can show employers that the individual is capable of performing the job and is qualified to do so. Furthermore, certifications demonstrate to employers that an individual is committed to their career and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with best practices and industry standards. Finally, having a certification can open up more job opportunities, as it distinguishes a specialist from other potential candidates who may not have obtained one. All in all, having a certification shows employers that a GIS specialist is competent, qualified, and dedicated to their profession.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for GIS Specialists and explain how they can help boost their career prospects.

What are GIS Specialist Certifications?

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in the field of GIS. It shows employers that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the principles, tools, and techniques used in GIS technology. With this certification, job seekers can demonstrate their expertise to potential employers and stand out from other applicants.

The certification covers topics such as geographic data acquisition, analysis, manipulation, storage and retrieval; map production; GIS software applications; GPS systems; remote sensing; and digital mapping. The exam tests for fundamental knowledge in these areas.

Having a GIS Specialist Certification can help individuals advance their career by providing them with an edge over other applicants who do not have this type of certification. It can also open doors to career opportunities in different industries such as urban planning, environmental management, surveying, emergency services, government offices and more. Additionally, it can provide access to higher-level positions within organizations that specialize in GIS technology. Those who hold this certification are highly sought after due to their expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a GIS Specialist, it is important to research and understand the different certifications available. Depending on your specific field of expertise, there may be a variety of certifications that can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge in GIS technology. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have received some form of certification in GIS.

Related: What does a GIS Specialist do?

Top 11 GIS Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to GIS Specialists today.

1. Esri Certified Professional (ECP)

Esri Certified Professional (ECP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their proficiency in Esri’s ArcGIS software. The certification is designed to demonstrate the user’s knowledge and skills in using the software to create, manage, analyze, and share geographic information.

It typically takes around 6-8 months to complete the ECP program. To get certified, you must first complete an online training course and pass an exam. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your certificate of completion.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take the training course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the entire process. However, some organizations may offer discounts or free access to their training courses.

Once certified, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in Esri’s ArcGIS software and gain recognition for your achievements within the GIS community.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP)

Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in using Autodesk software. It is designed for professionals who use Autodesk products and services to design, visualize, simulate, and analyze projects. The ACP certification validates a user’s knowledge of the Autodesk product suite and provides employers with assurance of a candidate’s technical competency.

The ACP exam typically takes 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as installation, configuration, customization, troubleshooting, and best practices. To become an ACP certified professional, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get started on your path to becoming an ACP certified professional, you will need to purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher from the Autodesk website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on the product being tested but typically ranges from $50-$90 USD. After purchasing the voucher, you can then register for the exam at any authorized testing center near you.

Once you have passed the exam successfully, you will be awarded your ACP certificate which is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can then renew your certification by taking another ACP exam before it expires.

3. GISCI Certified GIS Professional (GISP)

GISCI Certified GIS Professional (GISP) is a professional certification program for individuals in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It is designed to recognize and promote competent, ethical, and responsible GIS professionals who have demonstrated their expertise through education, experience, and service. The GISP certification is administered by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), an independent organization dedicated to advancing the practice of GIS.

The process of becoming a GISP typically takes 6-12 months. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, demonstrate a minimum level of professional experience in the field of GIS, and pass an online exam. Applicants must also agree to abide by the Code of Ethics established by GISCI.

The cost for becoming a GISP varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it costs $250 to apply for certification plus an additional fee for taking the exam ($150 in 2020). For international applicants, the cost is $500 plus an additional fee for taking the exam ($200 in 2020).

4. USGIF GIS Technician Certification (GTC)

The USGIF GIS Technician Certification (GTC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to effectively use geographic information systems (GIS). The GTC is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professional development and technical proficiency in the field of GIS.

The GTC consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as data management, cartography, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and programming. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts learned during the written exam in real-world scenarios.

The entire process takes approximately four months from start to finish. Candidates must first register for the written exam by submitting an application form and paying the registration fee. Once approved, they will be given access to study materials and can begin preparing for the exam. After passing the written exam, candidates must complete an online portfolio documenting their experience with GIS technology before being eligible for the practical assessment.

The cost of obtaining the USGIF GIS Technician Certification varies depending on which components are included in your package. For example, if you choose just the written exam package it costs $375 USD; however, if you choose both components (written exam + practical assessment) it costs $600 USD.

5. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Geospatial Intelligence Certification Program

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Geospatial Intelligence Certification Program is a certification program for individuals who are interested in working with geospatial intelligence. This certification program is designed to provide geospatial professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of geospatial intelligence.

The NGA GICP consists of four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a different set of courses and tests to be completed before certification can be granted. The Basic level focuses on basic concepts such as spatial analysis, data collection, cartography, and remote sensing. The Intermediate level covers topics such as geographic information systems (GIS), image processing, and aerial photography. The Advanced level focuses on topics such as 3D modeling, terrain analysis, and navigation systems. Finally, the Master level covers advanced topics such as satellite imagery interpretation and predictive analytics.

In order to obtain the NGA GICP certification, applicants must complete all four levels of the program within 18 months or less. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and there is an exam at the end of each course which must be passed in order to move onto the next level.

The cost for the NGA GICP certification varies depending on which courses are taken but typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for all four levels combined. Additionally, there may also be additional fees associated with taking exams or obtaining materials related to the courses.

6. Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Geo-Enabled Solutions Certification

Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Geo-Enabled Solutions Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that validates the quality and interoperability of geospatial solutions. It is designed to ensure that products, services, and applications meet the highest standards of interoperability, scalability, and performance.

The OGC Geo-Enabled Solutions Certification process takes approximately six months to complete. The certification process involves a series of tests, reviews, and evaluations to ensure that the product meets all OGC standards. The cost of certification depends on the type of product being certified and can range from a few thousand dollars for small products to tens of thousands for larger products.

To get certified, applicants must first register with OGC and then submit their product for evaluation. Once submitted, the product will be tested against a set of criteria established by OGC. If successful, the applicant will receive an official certificate from OGC stating that their product has been certified as an OGC Geo-Enabled Solution.

7. Trimble Certified GIS Professional

Trimble Certified GIS Professional (TCGP) is a certification program offered by Trimble, a leading provider of GPS, surveying and mapping solutions. The TCGP is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use Trimble's GIS products.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as GIS fundamentals, data management, analysis and visualization, spatial data collection and editing, and application development. It takes approximately three hours to complete the online exam.

The practical assessment consists of completing a project using Trimble's GIS software. This project should demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The assessment typically takes one day to complete.

The cost for the TCGP certification is $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. In addition to the cost of the certification itself, candidates may incur other costs such as travel expenses if they need to attend an onsite practical assessment session.

8. Oracle Spatial and Graph Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Spatial and Graph Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification that validates a professional’s expertise in the design, development, and implementation of Oracle Spatial and Graph applications. This certification covers topics such as spatial data modeling, spatial indexing, spatial analysis, and graph algorithms.

The Oracle Spatial and Graph Certification exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. To become certified, an individual must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the Oracle Spatial and Graph Certified Implementation Specialist certification, individuals must first register for the exam at the Oracle website. The cost of the exam is $245 USD. After registering for the exam, individuals will be able to access study materials from the Oracle website. Once an individual has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their certification from Oracle.

9. Bentley Institute Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification

Bentley Institute Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the use of GIS technology. The program is offered by Bentley Systems, Inc., an international software company that specializes in providing solutions for the planning, design, construction and operation of infrastructure projects.

The certification consists of two levels: Associate GIS Professional (AGP) and Professional GIS Professional (PGP). To become certified, candidates must complete a series of courses and exams that demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of GIS principles, concepts, tools and techniques. The courses are offered online or in-person at various locations around the world.

The AGP level requires completion of three core courses plus two electives. The PGP level requires completion of all five core courses plus four electives. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. In addition to the coursework, candidates must also pass an exam at each level before they can be certified as an AGP or PGP.

The cost for the certification varies depending on which courses you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$4,000 USD for both levels combined.

Overall, Bentley Institute Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in GIS technology and increase your marketability as a professional in the field.

10. Esri Technical Certification Program

Esri Technical Certification Program is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals for their knowledge and skills in using Esri’s geographic information system (GIS) technology. The program is designed to help GIS professionals demonstrate their expertise and stay current with the latest GIS technology.

The program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level focuses on basic GIS concepts, while the Professional level focuses on more advanced topics such as analysis, data management, cartography, and programming. To become certified at either level, individuals must pass an online exam.

The exams are administered by Esri-authorized testing centers located around the world. Each exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $100 USD per exam attempt. Individuals must score 70% or higher to pass the exam.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive an official certificate from Esri recognizing them as a Certified GIS Professional at either the Associate or Professional level. This certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

Overall, it typically takes about one month to prepare for and take an Esri Technical Certification Exam; however, this can vary depending on individual experience and preparation time available.

11. International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Certificate in GIS

The International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Certificate in GIS is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals working in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in GIS concepts and techniques, as well as an understanding of how GIS technology can be applied to solve real-world problems.

The ISPRS Certificate in GIS requires completion of two courses: Introduction to GIS and Advanced GIS. The Introduction to GIS course covers basic concepts such as data collection, data management, analysis, mapping, and visualization. The Advanced GIS course covers more advanced topics such as spatial modeling, database design, web mapping applications, and geovisualization. Both courses are offered online or through traditional classroom settings.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete both courses and obtain the ISPRS Certificate in GIS. To get the certificate, you must pass both courses with a grade of C or higher. You must also submit a final project that demonstrates your mastery of the material covered in both courses.

The cost for the ISPRS Certificate in GIS varies depending on whether you take the online or classroom version of the course. The online version typically costs around $1,000 USD while the classroom version may cost up to $2,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a GIS Specialist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a GIS specialist certificate to be successful in the field of geographic information systems (GIS). However, obtaining one can certainly be beneficial.

GIS specialists are responsible for managing data and creating maps that inform decision-making processes. They require a high level of technical knowledge and experience in order to effectively utilize GIS software and tools. As such, having a certificate from an accredited institution provides employers with evidence of your qualifications in the field. It indicates that you have been formally trained in the fundamentals of GIS and have mastered the necessary skills required for professional success.

Furthermore, having a GIS specialist certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. With the increasing demand for professionals with GIS expertise, certification is becoming more important as it demonstrates to employers your commitment to the field. Additionally, it can provide you with access to exclusive industry events and networking opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable without certification.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to have a GIS specialist certificate in order to work in the field of geographic information systems, it is certainly beneficial as it provides employers with proof of your qualifications and can help you stand out from other applicants.

Related: GIS Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About GIS Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a GIS Specialist Certification?

A1: A GIS Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies. It is typically awarded by a third-party certifying organization, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), after successful completion of an exam or series of exams.

Q2: What are the benefits of earning a GIS Specialist Certification?

A2: Earning a GIS Specialist Certification can provide many benefits, including increased job security, improved job prospects, increased salary potential, and recognition from peers and employers.

Q3: How do I become certified as a GIS Specialist?

A3: To become certified as a GIS Specialist, you must pass an exam or series of exams administered by an approved certifying organization. You may also need to complete additional courses or training in order to qualify for certification.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a GIS Specialist?

A4: The length of time required to become certified as a GIS specialist depends on the specific requirements set forth by the certifying organization. Generally speaking, it can take several months to prepare for the exam and obtain your certification.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a GIS Specialist Certification?

A5: Yes, some certifying organizations may require that applicants have prior experience with geographic information systems before attempting their certification exam(s). Additionally, some organizations may require completion of certain courses or training programs before attempting their certification exam(s).