The recent announcement by GISCI that they are reviewing and updating their certification process comes as no surprise to those of us who have been following the evolution of GISCI. All good professional organizations should seek to improve their product.
In an article I wrote for POB in 2010 I pointed out that one of the main criticisms of the GISCI (GISP) process is that it does not require a written examination. GISCI has entertained the prospect of a written exam in the past. And as part of this review the written exam issue is again at the center of things.
Unlike a Land Surveyor Exam, the GISCI is not limited to any single state. That has been a primary concern in the process of deciding what to test. The geographical issue of where to test can be overcome on one level by administering the exam on line.
The Geospatial Technical Competency Model is a recent attempt by the U. S. Department of Labor to standardize the examination. (Think NCEES). This is what GISCI proposes to develop its Exam(s).
GISCI is inviting comments on their web site.
http://www.gisci.org. Now is a window of opportunity for all interested parties to provide input to this process.
