The Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification, awarded by the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), is a highly regarded credential that recognizes excellence within the geospatial profession. Earning this certification showcases a GIS professional’s expertise, dedication, and knowledge in the field.

How to Earn Your GISP Certification

To obtain the GISP certification, candidates must pass a rigorous exam and submit a comprehensive portfolio. This portfolio should highlight their educational background, work experience, contributions to the GIS community, and relevant extracurricular activities. Engaging with professional organizations, such as Esri’s Young Professionals Network (YPN), can significantly enhance a candidate’s portfolio, as noted by GISCI.

Related: The Impact of an Esri YPN Member Badge

Earning Contribution Points through Esri YPN

The Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) offers three primary ways to accumulate contribution points toward GISP certification:

1. YPN Ambassador
2. YPN Content Ambassador
3. YPN Event Ambassador

1. YPN Ambassador

YPN Ambassadors actively participate in the Esri YPN community by interacting with blog posts on Esri Community, introducing themselves to peers, engaging with YPN on social media, and promoting their own YPN membership.

Steps to Become a YPN Ambassador:

• Join the Esri YPN.
• Follow Esri YPN on X.
• Join the YPN LinkedIn Group.
• Subscribe to the Esri Young Professionals Network on Esri Community.
• Actively engage with YPN content and members on these platforms.

Once these steps are completed, participants can apply for a YPN Ambassador badge and certificate as proof of their involvement. This achievement earns them one to three contribution points within GISCI’s Other GIS Contributions category.

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2. YPN Content Ambassador

Publishing articles is another effective way to earn GISP contribution points. As a YPN Content Ambassador, participants demonstrate their knowledge and share insights within the community.

How to Become a YPN Content Ambassador:

• Follow the same initial steps as a YPN Ambassador.
• Write and publish a blog post on the Esri Young Professionals Network Blog on Esri Community.
• Promote the post via the YPN LinkedIn Group and share it in another Esri Community space.

Upon completing these tasks, participants can apply for their YPN Content Ambassador badge and certificate. This recognition helps validate their professional engagement and counts toward GISP certification points.

Related: Drileyo Gilbert: The GIS Trailblazer Transforming Uganda’s Wildlife Conservation Landscape

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3. YPN Event Ambassador

Participating in events is another pathway to earning contribution points. As a YPN Event Ambassador, individuals can gain points by actively engaging in YPN events.

How to Become a YPN Event Ambassador:

• Complete the initial steps required for a YPN Ambassador.
• Attend an Esri YPN event (either virtual or in-person).
• Host a personal event that includes Esri YPN as a discussion point or present at a YPN event.

Once these activities are fulfilled, participants can apply for a YPN Event Ambassador badge and certificate as proof of their active involvement, earning contribution points for GISP certification.

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Make Your Mark in GIS

Becoming a YPN Ambassador, whether as a content creator, community engager, or event participant, not only helps in building a robust GISP portfolio but also expands professional connections and deepens one’s knowledge of GIS practices.

To learn more about becoming a YPN Ambassador and accumulating GISP points, check the specific requirements and review the GISCI Contributions to the Profession point schedule, especially Section VIII: Other GIS Contributions.

Learn More: https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/ypn/overview