How to Apply
Persons interested in applying for certification or recertification, should follow this general procedure:
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Step 1: |
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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Step 3: |
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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Step 4: |
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (301) 493-0290, ext 101 or fax your request to (301) 493-0208. |
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Step 5: |
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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Step 6: |
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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Step 7: |
Return your completed application form (Provisional OR Full) 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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(NOTE: The fees charged defray administrative costs of the Certification Program. Fees are not refundable in the event of non-certification.) |
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Step 8: |
Be prepared to furnish additional background information if requested by the Evaluation Committee. |
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Step 9: |
Upon notification of approval by the Evaluation Committee, you must take a written examination within six months of approval. |
PREPARING for the EXAMINATION
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.
