Once a year, the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI, the organization who awards the GISP certification) hosts a map contest to allow mapmakers to dazzle the world with their cartographic skills.
This contest is not just for GISPs to enter. It is an outreach activity of the GISCI intended to help prospective GISP applicants earn qualifying points in the Contributions to the Profession category.
It can also be a resume builder for students. This is the first year a special category has been set aside for students (undergraduate and graduate) in addition to experienced GIS users. If you know any students with any nervousness about finding their first GIS job after college, this contest may be of interest to them. No matter how far our tech evolves, we know good maps will always be needed.
For anyone of us who would like to pursue their GISP, merely entering this contest can earn a point towards certification, even if you don’t win. Prize winners can save on GISP registration fees as well as have their work prominently displayed at the Esri Map Gallery. To learn more about the contest, please visit the announcement. Please also note that the GISCI is now hosting a practice exam.
Browsing winning maps from previous years might be helpful.