ASPRS has developed a Provisional Certification program in Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and GIS/LIS that is now available to graduating students in the spatial sciences who meet the educational and program requirements. The first of its kind, this program provides students with the opportunity to take the ASPRS certification exam as they are finishing their studies. ASPRS is working with universities that offer spatial technology education to implement this innovative program.
Eligible students can apply, pass peer review, and take the examination in their specialty (Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, or GIS/LIS) while still in school, and become “provisionally certified.” They then enter the workforce and when they meet the job experience requirements, they become fully certified. Having both a Provisional Certification and a defined career path is a significant advantage when seeking employment.
Mike Renslow, chair of the Evaluation for Certification Committee stated, “Provisional Certification is a win-win for both the educational institutions and ASPRS. Universities need not establish new certification programs for their students; they can work with ASPRS’s internationally recognized program and provide the recognition their students need to enter careers following their education. ASPRS provides the professional and educational environment for these students to develop their careers and become fully certified.”
As the first university to offer ASPRS Provisional Certification, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is in the process of implementing the program. Several NCCU students have already begun the Provisional Certification application process. NCCU faculty and staff also are working with ASPRS to start an ASPRS Student Chapter. College or University departments offering courses in the spatial sciences (photogrammetry, remote sensing, or GIS/LIS) interested in participating in this program should contact the Chair of the Evaluation for Certification Committee, Michael Renslow, at certification@asprs.org for details.
Provisional Certification is available for all of the ASPRS Certifications:
Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.