This past weekend, I joined others at a Georgia URISA workshop lead by one of our friends at eGIS Associates, Tripp Corbin, addressing the GISP application process for first-timers (like myself!) and those preparing for renewal. For those considering applying for the GISP, this can be a rather overwhelming experience to say the least. Not because it is overly difficult, more so because of the time needed to gather all the documents together to support the points needed in each category – Educational Achievements, Professional Experience, and Contributions to the Profession. Surprisingly, Professional Experience is truly the most confusing to enter into the application as well as to justify. Tripp did an excellent job clarifying the requirements and pointing out pitfalls!
I was revving to go once I got home that night. The first stop was the GIS Certification Institute website (GISCI)Â to get the application materials. They have two ways to apply, Old Skool ink and paper or Slightly-more-modern PDF form. “Oh! They have a PDF form!! Easy!”….or so you tell yourself until you open it, start filling in the information, and then suddenly realize….you can’t save it (??!). For many of us busy professionals, this can be a deal breaker leading to prolonged procrastination. That night, I was done procrastinating so it was time to find a solution. After a quick search, I came across a post about the PDF-Xchange Viewer. The free version allows you to view PDF forms AND SAVE DATA INTO THEM! Here’s a screenshot of their about info that explains it all:
They have several other products for purchase that include more features and seem reasonably priced. Here’s the comparison chart with prices listed if you are interested: http://www.tracker-software.com/pdf-xchange-products-comparison-chart
Happy PDFing!
