There is a current controversy that is related to the issue of GIS training and certification, related in part to Department of Labor initiatives.
>From Cifford's perspective you can view the issues at >http://www.mapps.org/Newsroom-RegulatoryNews.asp?ARTICLE19081=26438 Otherwise you can view URISA certification program at http://www.gisci.org/ ---- Original message ---- >Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:56:35 -0500 >From: Clifford J Mugnier <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: RE: [MI-L] GIS Certification >To: "Ken Tozier" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Cc: [email protected] > > > > > >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 >following telephone number, (403) 256-9557 Ext 231, or by return e-mail, >and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you for your >co-operation. > > >_______________________________________________ >MapInfo-L mailing list >[email protected] >http://www.directionsmag.com/mailman/listinfo/mapinfo-l > >_______________________________________________ >MapInfo-L mailing list >[email protected] >http://www.directionsmag.com/mailman/listinfo/mapinfo-l _______________________________________________ MapInfo-L mailing list [email protected] http://www.directionsmag.com/mailman/listinfo/mapinfo-l
