Esri Certification Exam Naming Convention
Visit the Esri Technical Certification website to view a list of exams and review the exam title, level, and version.
- Exam Title describes the ArcGIS software
- Exam Level categorized by years of experience
- Exam Version represents the exam publication date
Exam Title
Certification exam titles were created and vetted by members of the GIS community with a Blueprint Survey to define the exam’s software and user-role.
- Examples: ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcGIS Online Administration, and Enterprise Administration.
- Additionally, software and user-types or roles information can be accessed by clicking the download information button on the Exam Details page (shown below).
Exam Level
Certification exams are currently available at four levels: foundation, associate, professional, or specialty. Similar to the exam name, the level definition is reviewed and approved by the GIS community to ensure the level represents an accurate expectation of expertise that an induvial would be expected to have.
- The foundation level indicated skills and experience with Esri software at between 0-2 years, whereas, the associate level would require 2-4 years’ experience, and finally, the professional level is set at 4+ years of experience.
- Specialty certification exams debuted within the 2019-2020 exam development release. This newly created exam level did not have ‘years of experience’ listed; this definition will be added at the next release, expected by 2024.
Review Each Exam Version
Exam versions represent the year the exam was published. Based on feedback from the GIS community, we will continue to maintain 2-versions of each exam offered. Exams are updated with a new version every 18-24 months and when a new exam version publishes, the oldest version retires. This update frequency ensures that exam content reflects up-to-date industry recognized workflows and best practices.
- Each version is expected to offer similar exam sections and objectives.
- Minimal changes may occur based on feedback from the GIS community to reflect a change within an industry’s known workflow or terminology.
When you are ready to begin your certification journey, return to the Esri Technical Certification website to find an exam, and either 'Wishlist' the exam and learning plan to Esri Academy's My Wishlist while you prepare or purchase from the exam details page. Want to learn more about how the GIS community supports exam development? Click here to ‘subscribe’ and participate.
