Current PE&RS Cover
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Certification and Recertification
Guidelines |
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Table of Contents |
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General Information |
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- Certified
Photogrammetrist |
- Certified
Photogrammetric Technologist |
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Educational Credits |
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Recertification Requirements |
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Recertification Criteria |
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Inactive/Retired Certified
Professionals |
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How to Apply |
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The Articles of Incorporation of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing state that it will exert its influence towards the betterment of standards and ethics.
To this end, the Society’s Professional Activities Committee, after several years of careful study, developed a program for certification of photogrammetrists. This program was approved by the American Society of Photogrammetry (ASP) Board of Direction at its meeting in Washington. D.C. on March 13, 1975. On March 28, 1991, the ASPRS Board of Directors approved a proposal made by the National Photogrammetrist Recognition Committee of the Professional Practice Division to modify the original program to include two new categories of certification: Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing; and Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS. The Board approved a recertification program that assures that certified persons keep up with the technology that is rapidly changing. The Board on October 28, 1997 approved a modification to the program adding a requirement of a written examination effective January 1, 1998.
In May 2006, the ASPRS Board of Directors approved the Provisional Certification Program recommended by the Evaluation for Certification Committee. Students preparing to graduate in spatial science programs may apply for Certification and become “provisionally certified” until they complete the on-job experience requirement. Provisionally certified individuals will have a specified period of time to achieve the on-job experience at which time, they will become fully certified as outlined below.
There is a distinction between certification and licensure. Simply stated, ASPRS certification is official recognition by one’s colleagues and peers that an individual has demonstrated professional integrity and competence in their field. As such, the ASPRS voluntary certification program is considered "specialty certification." It is not a substitute for licensure as, for example, a Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer. Licensure is a legal act on the part of states to protect the public health, safety and welfare. It is a procedure by which various state and local governments require the licensing of certain professions, practices, trades, etc. under formal statutes and ordinances to protect the well-being of its citizens. Licensure may be required by your local state, county, etc. whether or not you secure certification.
The program as approved is entirely voluntary. It applies equally to persons associated with the several subdivisions of photogrammetry and the mapping sciences, which by Society definition includes aerial photography, photogrammetric photographic interpretation, geographic information systems, remote sensing systems, and land information systems. However, in accordance with the Society’s Code of Ethics, persons certified should decline to undertake any work within, or related to the fields of photogrammetry and mapping sciences that is outside their range of competence.
Information on how to apply for certification, basic requirements, educational credits, and administrative review procedures are outlined below.
A growing number of scientific and technical disciplines depend on photogrammetry and the mapping sciences for reliable measurements and information. It is in the interest of those who provide photogrammetric and mapping sciences services, as well as the user of these services, that such information and data be accurate and dependable. The ASPRS Certification Program has as its purpose the establishment and maintenance of high standards of ethical conduct and professional practice among photogrammetrists, mapping scientists, and technologists.
The primary objectives of the programs are:
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To identify and recognize those persons who, after careful, just appraisal by their peers, and after passing a written examination are considered to have met the requirements established by the Society for certification. |
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To provide a basis for weighing the validity or allegations and complaints that involve practicing photogrammetrists and mapping scientists, and for taking appropriate action in connection therewith. |
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To encourage persons as yet not fully qualified to work towards certification as a goal of professional achievement. |
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To encourage certified persons, through the recertification process, to continue their professional achievements as the rapid change in technology occurs. |
The ASPRS Certification Program is voluntary and open to all qualified individuals, whether or not they are members of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
The program is applicable to persons associated with one or more functional areas of photogrammetry and the mapping sciences. Work of the professional and technical levels in each of the areas is outlined in the Classification Chart for Photogrammetry and the Mapping Sciences.
In view of the wide variety of skills and disciplines studied and practiced by photogrammetrists and mapping scientists, the ASPRS Certification Program is based primarily on evidence of demonstrated professional capability. Within prescribed limitations it does permit experience to be substituted for education and vice versa and requires a written examination. Following are basic requirements for:
Certified
Photogrammetrist (ASPRS)
A professional who uses photogrammetric technology to extract measurements and
make maps and interpret data from images. The Photogrammetrist is responsible
for all phases of mapping and other mensuration requirements, which include
planning and supervising survey activities for control, specifying photography
or other imagery requirements, managing projects for mapping or other
mensuration requirements and interpretation.
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Six years of experience in photogrammetry, three years of which were in a position of professional responsibility demonstrating professional knowledge and competence. |
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References from four persons who are holding, or who have held, responsible positions in photogrammetry and have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications. |
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Declaration of compliance with the Code of Ethics of the ASPRS. |
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Successful completion of a written examination. |
Certified
Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
A professional that specializes in analysis of images acquired from aircraft,
satellites or ground bases, or platforms using visual or computer-assisted
technology. Analysis is used by various specialized disciplines in the study of
natural resources, temporal changes, and for land use planning. They develop
analytical techniques and sensor systems.
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Three years of experience in photogrammetric and/or cartographic applications, all of which have been in a position of responsibility that demonstrated knowledge and competence in planning and application. |
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Three years of specialized experience at a professional level in remote sensing and interpretation of data from various imaging systems and/or design of remote sensing systems. |
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References from four persons who are holding or who have held responsible positions in the mapping sciences and remote sensing and have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications. |
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Declaration of compliance with the Code of Ethics of the ASPRS. |
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Successful completion of a written examination. |
Certified
Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS (ASPRS)
A professional involved in GIS/LIS systems design and/or systems application of
data base management and computer programs that allow for the utilization of
spatially referenced data bases for solving user analysis requirements. They are
responsible for the integration of data needs and the development of
correspondence between and the utilization of various spatial systems of
often-different generic origins that are used to solve requirements.
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Three years experience in mapping sciences or photogrammetry in a position of responsibility demonstrating professional knowledge of and competence in mapping science and mapping procedures. |
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Three years of professional experience in the Geographic or Land Information Systems, during which professional knowledge and competence in those systems were demonstrated. |
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References from four persons who are holding, or who have held, responsible positions in the mapping sciences and in the Geographic or Land Information Systems area and have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications. |
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Declaration of compliance with the Code of Ethics of the ASPRS. |
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Successful completion of a written examination. |
When computing the number of years of experience under basic requirements, credit may be taken, in lieu of actual job experience, for degrees in engineering, or in the natural or physical sciences, on the following basis:
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Type of Degree |
Years of Credit |
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Bachelor’s |
1/2 |
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Master’s |
1/2 |
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Doctorate |
1/2 |
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Anyone who has been certified by the ASPRS is certified for life unless there is
cause to remove the certification for malpractice or violation of the Code
of Ethics of ASPRS. The Society has a Recertification Program to assure that
a certified person has maintained or improved on the skill and knowledge that
allowed for certification. The Society will maintain an ACTIVE CERTIFICATION
LIST that requires recertification every five years. Certified persons will
appear on the Active Certified list for as long as their certification is in
force.
Recertification applicants are required to fill out the Recertification application to show the type of activity that they have practiced and their professional involvement in the mapping sciences. They must also have four references who have knowledge of the applicant’s professional and personal involvement in the last five years. Each applicant must earn twenty-five points based on the following criteria that will be reviewed by the evaluation for Certification Committee.
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Evaluation Criterion |
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up to 20 |
Applicant has been active in providing services in the area to be recertified, or has been in the academic arena involved directly with those subjects. |
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up to 8 |
Applicant has participated in panels, presented or published technical papers. |
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up to 8 |
Applicant has attended and taken workshops or classes in related subjects or Equal Industry Standards. |
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up to 4 |
Applicant has attended technical conferences sponsored by ASPRS, URISA, SPIE, or GITA, and other appropriate professional meetings. Applicant has actively served on ASPRS Standing Committees. |
The application must be specific so the Evaluation for Certification Committee can properly evaluate applicant's activities. The application and the references are the only criteria needed for recertification. (Applicant could be asked by the Committee to submit to an interview with them).
INACTIVE/RETIRED CERTIFIED
PROFESSIONALS
Certified Professionals who do not become recertified are automatically placed in either an Inactive or Retired status. Individuals in either category are not permitted to use their seal to sign plans or otherwise indicate in any way that they are active Certified Professionals. An online searchable list of all active Certified Professionals in each category is maintained.
Individuals whose Certified status is Inactive or Retired for a period longer than one (1) year following Active status may apply for recertification provided that, in addition to the standard recertification criteria (outlined above), they take and pass the examination in their respective certification area.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS, Technologists
Certified
Photogrammetric Technologist (ASPRS)
A technician who performs or supervises technical photogrammetric tasks to
extract spatial data from photographic or digital imagery and other
remotely-sensed data.
Certified
Remote Sensing Technologist (ASPRS)
A technician who performs or supervises tasks to interpret, manipulate, extract,
process and convert remotely sensed data from photographic or digital imagery
and other remotely-sensed data.
Certified GIS/LIS
Technologist (ASPRS)
A technician who integrates a variety of spatial data sets into a GIS format
designed for graphic output or analysis.
Requirements:
These requirements apply for all Technologist categories:
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A total of three years experience, of which two are in the specialty category. |
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Four references must be submitted from persons knowledgeable of the applicant's work experience and personal conduct. |
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Applicant must submit a non-refundable application fee. The Application includes a declaration of compliance with the Code of Ethics of the ASPRS. |
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The successful completion of a written examination following peer review and approval. |
EDUCATIONAL CREDITS, Technologists
An Associate, or higher education degree can be counted as one-half year towards total time.
RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, Technologists
To maintain active certification, all Certified Technologists must apply for recertification every three years.
PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
An applicant seeking Provisional Certification must be an active student preparing to graduate with educational training in the spatial sciences from an approved institution of higher education, and must follow the Basic Requirements as previously outlined for Certified Photogrammetrist, Mapping Scientist, or Technologist; the exception being the required on-job experience. Applicants must submit the appropriate Application and Fee with one (1) reference from their academic advisor or relevant faculty member. An Official Copy of the applicant’s current transcript must accompany the application; the transcript must validate that the applicant has successfully completed a minimum of two (2) courses in the spatial sciences (photogrammetry, remote sensing, or GIS/LIS). The application requires a declaration of compliance with the ASPRS Code of Ethics.
Applications, fees, and the reference will be submitted to ASPRS Headquarters for consideration by the appropriate peer review committee. Applicants will be notified following peer review, and individuals passing peer review will be given the opportunity to take the appropriate examination within six (6) months following their notification date. Examinations will be administered in a proctor-controlled environment.
Upon successful examination completion, the individual will receive Provisional Certification (ASPRS) status. In the case of Certified Photogrammetrist or Certified Mapping Scientist, the individual will have ten (10) years from the date of examination to complete the six (6) year experience requirement. In the case of Certified Technologist, the individual will have five (5) years to complete the three (3) year experience requirement. Exceptions to the length of time for completion of the experience requirement will only be granted for active duty military service.
When the Work Experience requirement is complete, the Applicant must provide written documentation and three (3) references to ASPRS Headquarters, who will forward the experience summary and references to the Evaluation for Certification Committee. Applicants meeting all of these requirements will become certified for the specified time period of their certification.
Persons interested in applying for certification, recertification, or provisional certification should follow this general procedure:
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Read carefully the section entitled "Classification Chart for Photogrammetry and Mapping Sciences." |
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Step 2: |
Determine separately the number of years of actual job experience attained in functions that are classified as being at the professional level, and in functions at the technician level. |
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Read the preceding sections ("Basic Requirements" and "Educational Credit"); ascertain that actual work experience, with or without educational credit, meets conditions listed under "Basic Requirements." |
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If applying for initial certification, download an application for Certified Photogrammetrist/Mapping Scientist OR Certified Technologist and reference forms or contact ASPRS Headquarters: send an email to certification@asprs.org or call (301) 493-0290, ext 101 or fax your request to (301) 493-0208. |
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If applying for recertification, read carefully the Section on "Recertification Criteria" and be sure to complete the Application for Recertification and the reference forms. NOTE: When describing experience, applicants are advised to be complete. The Evaluation Committee evaluates the application data and does not assume data not presented) |
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Provide names and addresses of at least four persons to whom you have sent a copy of the Confidential Reference Form. Fill out the Confidential Reference Forms with the person’s name and complete address on the top left side and forward to the respective references. Request said references to supply, from their own personal knowledge, facts with reference to your character and information concerning your professional qualifications, and to mail the completed reference form, with their name, address, and any accompanying letters to the Society. (Please note: Provisional Certification applications are subject to modified requirements.) (NOTE: References are often the source of delays in the evaluation process. The process cannot start until the references have all been received.) |
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Return your completed application form to the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, together with the application fee indicated below. Make checks payable to the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and mail to:
ASPRS Certification Program |
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Step 8: |
Be prepared to furnish additional background information if requested by the Evaluation Committee. |
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Upon notification of approval by the Evaluation Committee, you must take a written examination within six months of approval. |
Matrices illustrating the mix of examination questions, by specialty area, have been prepared for applicant review. Please note that workshops on preparation for certification are also offered during most ASPRS Conferences. Consult the ASPRS meeting calendar for upcoming venues.
The purpose of the workshop is to prepare individuals who are planning to sit for the ASPRS Certification exams. The workshop begins by explaining the purpose and form of the exam. Key topical areas are identified which an applicant should be aware of prior to taking the exam. Basic concepts and sample questions are reviewed to show how these topics will be tested on the exam. Finally, the workshop identifies resources which examinees should be aware of to utilize in their preparation for the examination.
Workshop Topics:
- Purpose of the exam
- Photogrammetry
- Remote Sensing
- Geographic Information Systems
- Other topical areas of importance in preparation for the exam
Suggested Texts for Review:
- The Manual of Photogrammetry, 5th edition, 2005.
- Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation, 4th edition, Lillesand and Kiefer, 2000.
- Elements of Photogrammetry: With Applications in GIS, Wolf and Dewitt, 1999.
- Glossary of the Mapping Sciences, 1994.
- Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Airphoto Interpretation, 5th edition, Avery & Berlin, 1992.
Many texts on engineering surveying that can be excellent review material.
The structure for administering the ASPRS Certification Program consists of two major elements:
The Evaluation for Certification Committee, which reviews, then approves, or rejects all applications for Certification, Recertification, or Provisional Certification
The Professional Conduct Committee, which investigates allegations and complaints involving practicing photogrammetrists, mapping scientists, and technologists and recommends appropriate action to the Board of Directors.
The Society’s Professional Practice Division monitors and develops policy guidelines for the program. The Board of Directors is the final authority on matters involving certification and professional conduct.
Applications for Certification and Recertification will, upon receipt at ASPRS Headquarters, be reviewed for completeness. When the required references have submitted Confidential Reference Forms, they are combined with the application. Applications found to be in order are sent to the Chair of the Evaluation Committee, whose membership includes representation from each major functional area of photogrammetry and the mapping sciences. The Committee will meet as required to take action on all bona fide applications.
Applicants for certification, recertification, and provisional certification will be notified of action by the Committee as soon as possible.
AWARD OF CERTIFICATION, RECERTIFICATION, AND
PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION
Successful applicants for certification will be awarded an engrossed certificate. Those certified by the Society may display the certificate and use one (or more as appropriate) of the following designations on business stationary and cards:
Certified Photogrammetrist (ASPRS)
Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS (ASPRS)Certified Photogrammetric Technologist (ASPRS)
Certified Remote Sensing Technologist (ASPRS)
Certified GIS/LIS Technologist (ASPRS)Certificates for Provisional Certification will have “Provisional” added to the title.
Successful applicants for recertification will continue to be listed on the Active Certified Roll and will be awarded a certificate to show that the applicant has maintained skills in the technology.
An embossing seal and rubber stamp which contains the name and certification number may be ordered from ASPRS by mail or FAX. There is a nominal fee for each.
Certification and recertification are for individuals only. The designation of "Certified" may not be used in such a manner as to indicate that a business firm or agency is certified as an entity.
The use of a seal or stamp is not authorized for those individuals holding the Certification status of “Provisional” or by those whose status has become “Inactive” or “Retired.”
The Society reserves the right to change or amend the requirements for certification and recertification, the educational credits, or the administrative fee structure for review and evaluation if and when deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
The Society further reserves the right to revoke a certification or recertification if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, the person concerned has violated or shown flagrant disregard for the Code of Ethics of the Society.
Since the program is entirely voluntary, the Society assumes no responsibility for any loss or disadvantage, real or imagined, which may be alleged to have resulted from a disapproval of an application for certification, recertification, or revocation of the certificate once given.
By submitting their application, the applicant acknowledges that the Society will apply the internal standards adopted by its Board of Directors in evaluating the applicant, and that it may reject any applicant who does not meet its minimum standards for certification or recertification. In consideration of ASPRS acceptance and processing of an application, the applicant agrees to waive any and all claims of liability or responsibility against ASPRS and to indemnify and hold harmless ASPRS, its directors, officers, committee members, employees, agents and representatives against any and all such injury, damages, or claims made by or on behalf of any person, partnership, association, or corporation. Applicant further acknowledges that ASPRS, its directors, officers, committee members, employees, agents or representatives are not liable to the applicant, or to any other person, partnership, association, or corporation, in any way for any injury, damages, or claims alleged to be based upon or arising out of the approval or disapproval or the issuance, withdrawal, or termination of any certification or recertification issued by ASPRS.
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ASPRS Last Update: |