Park Ridge, IL - On December 31, 2008, the Grandfathering Provision of the GIS Certification Institute's (GISCI) certification program expires. A typical applicant for Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP®) certification must claim and document achievement in three distinct categories:

1. Educational Achievement (formal and informal courses and conferences related to geospatial and GIS technology).
2. Professional Experience (professional positions involving GIS).
3. Contributions to the Profession (professional and personal activities designed to elevate and promote the GIS profession to others).

Points are awarded for achievement in each of these three areas. Minimum points, as well as an overall point minimum, are necessary for certification. The problem with seasoned professionals is that many lack the GIS-specific education and contributions necessary for certification. However, all have solid experience and professional track records that speak for themselves. The Grandfathering Provision was GISCI's equitable solution to this dilemma.

Grandfathering provisions are typical of new certification programs. The GISCI Grandfathering Provision is for experienced practitioners. A practitioner's experience is allowed to compensate for deficiencies in the other two achievement categories. If a minimum number of years and experience points are met, then the individual may obtain certification.

Due to the lack of widespread GIS-related educational and professional activities in years past, the Grandfathering Provision makes those areas optional for seasoned practitioners. If an applicant claims at least 200 Professional Experience points, the education and contributions sections of the application are noncompulsory. 200 points is three times the amount of professional experience that a traditional applicant must claim. Grandfathering is not a fast track to certification. Instead, it attempts to mirror the career trajectories of dedicated visionaries.

The Grandfathering Provision period was set at five years to provide a temporary window to these established practitioners. After December 31, 2008, all applicants must submit under the regular guidelines. GISCI advises all candidates eligible for the Grandfathering Provision to submit this year for consideration.

GISCI is an independent, non-profit organization providing the GIS community with a complete and voluntary certification program. There are 1,920 GISPs® as of December 25, 2007. For more information regarding the GISCI certification program, please visit www.gisci.org or call (847) 824-7768.