Ken,
There's only one major GIS certification program that has been in existence
since the early 1980s, and that is for Certified Mapping Scientist
(GIS/LIS) [Abbreviated as C.M.S.]. That is through the American Society for
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. (www.ASPRS.org)
Others exist because many people wanted initials after their names but did
not have the requisite formal education and documented professional-level
experience (such as total project design including GPS/Control surveys for
digital stereoscopic map compilation with orthophotos and associated
hardware/software systems). Essentially these others will "grant"
certification after you send in your money and merely state what you think
your qualifications are.
It's my understanding that you can also purchase a Master's or Ph.D. degree
with similar "qualifications." :-)
Which is which for GIS? Try looking at the Federal Government requirements
for qualifications on professionally-negotiated A&E contracts for GIS. "GIS
Lite" does not appear in the federal requirements. Same goes for the state
licensing requirements. CMS counts when and where the others don't. Lots
of people apply for C.M.S., but seldom do they qualify - I know because I
was the National Director of the certification program review board for two
consecutive five year terms.
Academic "certificates" refer to the successful completion of coursework of
tailored programs - that's valid, but it is different from a truly
Professional Certification by your peers. Proficiency in clicking the
mouse button does not make one an "expert" worthy of a professional GIS
certification. (That's paraphrasing from the "Father" of GIS - Dr. Duane
Marble.)
:-)
Clifford J. Mugnier, C.P., C.M.S.
National Director (2006-2008),
Photogrammetric Applications Division
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
and
Chief of Geodesy,
CENTER FOR GEOINFORMATICS
Department of Civil Engineering
CEBA 3223A
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Voice and Facsimile: (225) 578-8536 [Academic]
Voice and Facsimile: (225) 578-4474 [Research]
Honorary Life Member of the
Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors
======================================================
http://www.asprs.org/resources/GRIDS/
http://appl003.lsu.edu/eng/ceeweb.nsf/$Content/Mugnier
======================================================
Ken,
At the moment the URISA sponsored GISP certification program may likely be
the only industry wide program of its kind.
ESRI, MapInfo, Intergraph, etc. may be able to offer some type of product
specific certification.
The closest alternative may be a degree from a two or four year college.
It will be interesting reading what others may comment on this topic.
Ken Tozier, GISP
CEO
International Computer Works, Inc.
111 South Riverhills Drive
Temple Terrace, FL33617-7221
Tel (813) 988-0434
Fax (813) 985-5661
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
URL: http://www.icwmaps.com
From:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ken
Robertson
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 2:10 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MI-L] GIS Certification
Hello Everyone,
I'm fairly new to MapInfo and GIS and am interested in pursuing some kind
of certification in the GIS field. Does MapInfo offer any kind of
certification program or can any of you recommend a similar type program in
the GIS field? I've read about the GIS Certification Institute but am
unsure how relevant it is to the current industry.
Regards…
Ken Robertson
Manager of IT and Product Development
Growth Stage Consulting Inc.
Innovative Modeled Solutions for Agriculture
Office
1.403.256.9557 x231
Fax
1.403.254.2371
Email
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web
http://www.growthstage.com
This e-mail communication is confidential and legally privileged to the
intended recipient and may not otherwise be distributed, copied or
disclosed. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the
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