The Ultimate GISP Study Guide: All you need to know to pass the GISP

Everything you need to know to pass the GISP exam is in this book.Updated for 2026!You don’t have to piece together the fragmented study resources for the GISP exam. I've done the work for you! The key concepts for all 10 knowledge areas are summarized here with accompanying visual graphics that make it easy to remember. You don’t have to aggregate the 210 websites, 1,155 book pages, 1,700 Quizlet flashcards, and 291 videos and podcasts included in the GISCI’s recommended study material like I did when I studied for the GISP exam. All you have to do is read this study guide!All of the key concepts from:The Official GISCI GISP Study GuideGIS&T Body of KnowledgeThe Unofficial GISCI GISP Study GuideGIS Fundamentals by Paul BolstadQuizlet Study CardsGeotech Center VideosGISP Study on YoutubeAre explained in this easily-understandable, concise, graphical study guide.When I first encountered the myriad of resources for GISP exam preparation, it was overwhelming. There were books to read, flashcards to memorize, study guides to memorize, videos to watch, and endless webpages to explore. I would learn about a topic in one resource and find a different explanation about the same topic in a different resource. It was a nightmare!So, I decided to make my own study guide. I sifted through all of the resources recommended by the GISCI. I recorded definitions for all the concepts I encountered. When I found contradictory definitions or explanations for a concept, I did research to determine which explanation was the most accurate. I searched for graphics that helped me understand and remember the concepts. I ended up with a 200 page document, regularly spaced, with some graphics.In the end, I realized that the knowledge needed to pass that exam isn't that overwhelming after all, it just hasn't been organized into one resource until now! For a month leading up to the exam, the only resource I studied was my study guide.On my first GISP exam attempt in June 2024, I was surprised at how easy the exam was for me. I quickly answered most of the questions correctly because I had written the answers in my study guide! A month later, I received a notice from the GISCI that I had passed the exam, as I had suspected.After that, I decided that my study guide had to be shared with the world. It shouldn't be that difficult to study for an exam, especially an exam for such an important certification in the field of GIS.My study guide is a complete, all-in-one resource for passing the GISP exam. Everything you need to know to pass the GISP exam is in this book! There are no links to other webpages!Now updated with insight from 2025 test takers!Feedback From 2025 Exam Takers:"I just wanted to share my appreciation for your study guide. It was incredibly helpful and played a big role in helping me pass the exam this winter. Thank you!”- Elvis Herrera -"My name is Joe Weinstein and I just received my GISP. I failed my first time taking the exam in 2020. I bought your book prior to taking the exam in December and it really helped me. Thanks so much!- Joe Weinstein -"I wanted to let you know how helpful your GISP book and YouTube videos were during my study journey. My portfolio was approved a few months ago, and I found out today that I passed the exam I took a couple of weeks ago!- Amy Perez, GISP -"I wanted to reach out personally to thank you for your GISP book. I’m happy to share that I officially passed the GISP exam, and your book played a big role in helping me get there.”- Niroj Shrestha, GISP -"I wanted to let you know that your study guide was SO helpful during my studies. It kept me focused and helped me know where I needed to dig in deeper.”- Suzanne Paxton, GISP - Read more