CONTINUING-EDUCATION AND COMPETENCE PROGRAMS IN GIS

Demands for GIS education and training are now being met by a loose co mbination of workshops, shortcourses, college and university instructi on, and GIS degree programmes. Specialized CIS degree programmes offer concentrated studies, but may not be appropriate for students approac hing GIS from an applications area or for those without the time for, or interest in completing an additional degree. Certificate programmes offered through colleges and universities provide students with a fra mework of courses that address GIS theory, applications, and related s ubjects. Increases in the number of GIS professionals and concerns abo ut unethical or incompetent behaviour have also brought calls for prog rammes aimed at improving professional competency among GIS practition ers. This paper reviews educational, training, and professional compet ency programmes associated with GIS and offers a model for continuing education that employs academic GIS certificate and professional certi fication programmes. Included in the discussion is an overview of prer equisites and requirements associated with certificate programmes in t he US and Canada and recommendations concerning the role and design of certificate and certification programmes.