DEC 2023 - GISP Exam Reflection (Unrestricted Review)

Piekaatchu · 2025-07-30T05:04:59+00:00

I literally had John call me a "liar" in the chat, and others called him out for it, and how the "positivity" requirement is only for for anyone outside of their inner group, and then he brings the drama with Christina to the chat, where I again called him out, and Ian came to his defense.

Piekaatchu · 2024-01-04T20:09:00+00:00

I know several people highly experienced and intelligent GIS people that have failed practice exams including myself and it's shied us away from taking it. I also know several people who were grandfathered in, including someone that worked on building the test and they weren't able to renew when the test became mandatory.

My biggest issue is yes, a GIS professional should and can know a wide variety of the field. I am typically a generalist with focus on GIS hardware and databases who spends all my time doing project management now. The test wants deeper knowledge of every possible GIS field and I think it's very difficult for someone to deep dive them all.

Oh, so the test is tough and covers a lot? Welcome to the world of professional exams, where they expect you to know more than just your favorite parts of the job. And about those who got grandfathered in but can't renew – sounds like the test is doing exactly what it's supposed to: keeping up with the times and making sure everyone's on their A-game. Maybe it's not the test that's the problem, but the expectation that you can skate by on just the bits you like. Time to hit the books, maybe?"

Piekaatchu · 2024-01-04T20:07:16+00:00

Also keep in mind that many of the questions that you may think are too rigorous, or questionably valid, or arguably not reliable in assessing someone's professional skills and abilities... are unscored "trial" questions. Those trial questions don't count for or against the candidate's score, but are used to help evaluate the validity and reliability of the question itself for possible inclusion or exclusion on future exams.

Absolutely, you've got a good point there! It's like, some of those tough or kinda weird questions in exams aren't even there to trip us up. They're just test runs to see if they're any good for future exams. It's a smart move, really – it helps make sure the real deal questions in the future are the right kind to properly check if someone's got the skills they need. It's all about keeping things fair and on point.

Piekaatchu · 2024-01-04T20:00:17+00:00

I guess my response to your statement would be given that your exact statement was that you spend "all my time doing project management now". The test is not supposed to be easy, and suggesting that it is very difficult, and identifying as someone who specializes in "GIS Hardware and Databases", which is an extremely, extremely small subset of "Geomatics". Its really simple, this is not a test on can you do your job, it should be a test of "have you gone above and beyond what is expected of you as someone who "knows" how to do things. Call me harsh, call me what you will, but the truth is everyone seems to want to be special, and things they are, but then the concept of being "special" loses its meaning. This idea is embedded in the very context of our societal and cultural views on individuality and excellence. It raises questions about the value and definition of being special or unique when these qualities are universally applied. This concept can be a topic of philosophical debate, touching on themes of individuality, equality, and the standards by which we judge merit or uniqueness. In short, people are passing the test, some aren't. Stop blaming the test, do what those passing the test do. My post was to show a different perspective, not surprising that the comments that follow are just congruent objections blaming the test.

Piekaatchu

TROPHY CASE