1. 1 The URISA GIS Certification proposal Jeff Kapellas BAAMA March 20, 2003

2. 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. 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. 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. 5 The Point System 150 total points –Educational achievement30 points –Professional experience60 points –Professional contributions 8 points –Additional (combination)52 points

6. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10 For more information URISA Certification website: http://www.urisa.org/certification/2certific.htm BAAMA website: http://www.baama.org