The Esri Technical Certification Journey
The Esri Technical Certification Program validates qualified individuals who are proficient in the best practices for using ArcGIS products and capabilities. Whether you are looking for a personal or professional development opportunity, achieving an Esri certification can help you validate skills, inspire trust, and distinguish yourself in the field of GIS.
This article outlines the recommended steps to begin and continue your Esri Technical Certification journey as a Lifelong Learner, and we recommend you bookmark this article for ongoing reference. If you have any questions after reading this article, ask them here.
Step 1: Explore and Select an Exam
There are no prerequisites for our exams, you can take any exam that you feel matches your skills and experience level. Certification exams are offered at three levels: foundation, associate, and professional.
To explore our exams, visit: https://www.esri.com/training/certification-find-exam/
Interested candidates should click on the exams listed within Esri Academy to learn about and choose the right exam based on the exam details, the definition of a qualified candidate, skills measured, and software topics tested. To find this information:
- Review the details noted under “About this Certification” for an overview of the exam
- Each exam has an Exam Information Guide to assist with preparing for an exam. Click on “Download Exam Information” to open this guide and review the following sections to carefully assess whether your current knowledge and skills align with the exam content to meet the criteria of "minimally qualified candidate:”
- Target Candidate Audience
- Description of Qualified Candidate
- Candidate Qualifications
- Skills Measured
Step 2: Prepare for Your Exam
Once you have selected an exam, begin reviewing the exam preparation resources.
If you identify a gap between your knowledge and skills and those measured by the exam, the Exam Information Guide also provides a useful Learning Plan and a curated list of training resources that will help you prepare for your certification.
Step 3: Purchase Your Exam Voucher and Take Your Exam
Once you are ready to take your exam, you will purchase an exam voucher in Esri Academy and register to take your exam through Pearson VUE following the instructions outlined in this article.
Step 4: Become Esri Certified and Share Your Achievements
Once you’ve achieved your Esri Technical Certification, be sure to complete the following steps so you have access to all your certification benefits. Then, share your achievement with others!
- Ensure your certification accounts are aligned following these instructions so you can view and share your credentials. Once your accounts are properly configured, you’ll be able to manage your certifications directly within Esri Academy. Learn more here
- Join the growing list of list of professionals that have validated and shared their ArcGIS expertise in by joining our Directory of Esri-Certified Individuals. Learn how to opt-in to add or modify directory information here
- Share your Certification Success Story in Esri Academy to help others discover the value of Esri Technical Certification and begin their own certification journeys
- Join our Esri Technical Certification LinkedIn group and share your certification achievements with others in the GIS community. Learn how to share your certification digital badges here
Step 5: Become an Esri Certification Exam Development Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Esri updates their certification exams every 18-24 months to best align with the latest ArcGIS software and industry workflows. Individuals who participate in exam development can support the GIS community and their respective industry by providing valuable input and feedback to help us continuously refine our certification exams. This is crucial to ensure our exams are not only relevant, but valuable as a validation tool in the GIS industry!
To learn how you can support exam development and earn an Exam Development SME badge to accompany your Esri certification achievements, read this article.
Step 6: Become a Lifelong Learner
Stay connected with Esri Technical Certification to be informed of program updates and remain a lifelong learner by doing the following:
- Participate in exam development – learn how
- Stay up to date on the latest in ArcGIS software by achieving future certification versions - Subscribe to Esri Technical Certification in Esri Community to receive notifications for new exam versions
- Support others on their certification journey
- Ask and answer questions in Esri Community as an Esri Technical Certification advocate
- Join and engage in our LinkedIn group
We wish you best of luck on your Esri Technical Certification Journey!