Esri Certification: A Guide For Beginners
Esri Certification is a relatively new type of exam qualification which is meant to validate your proficiency with Esri-related applications.
Unlike GISP certification, which focuses on experience and community involvement, the Esri Technical Certification is completely knowledge-focused and exam-based.
From testing your knowledge in development to Enterprise administration, Esri certification is a way to show employers that you have a certain level of knowledge and expertise in a subject matter in your field.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of Esri certifications that are available. Also, should you consider enrolling in Esri certification? Read more and find out.
READ MORE: GISP vs Esri Technical Certification
Esri Certification Exam Types
From associate to professional level certification, there are several different types of proficiency exams that you can take for the Esri certification. There are two main types of exams:
CORE: The core exams are for large-scale Esri applications such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online.
SPECIALIZED: The specialized exams are designed to test your skills in coding such as Python and JavaScript, as well as other focused areas of interest
The requirements for each vary depending on the level of certification. Here are more details about these two types of Esri technical certificates.
Esri Core Exams
As part of the core exams, there are generally three domains in which you can obtain GIS certification:
DESKTOP EXAM: The Desktop exam tests basic ArcGIS concepts such as visualizing, managing, and analyzing geospatial data.
DEVELOPER EXAM: The Developer exam evaluates your proficiency in the development of applications within the ArcGIS ecosystem.
ENTERPRISE EXAM: The Enterprise Administration exams evaluate your knowledge in deploying, configuring, and troubleshootIng ArcGIS Enterprise.
Esri Specialty Exams
The specialty exams are more catered towards evaluating your skills in coding and other niche areas of interest. Currently, here are some of the specialty exams that are available.
- ArcGIS API for Python
- ArcGIS API for Javascript
- Utility Networks in ArcGIS
- ArcGIS Online Administration
Esri is adding more specialty exams every day that are targeted toward specific skill sets. Although there are only 4 at this moment, keep in mind that this is an expanding list
READ MORE: Programming Certification: Get Certified and Learn to Code
Esri Certification Cost
The Esri certification cost varies depending on the exam you take. If you are looking to take the core or specialized exam, the cost will be in the range of 150$ to 250$.
The number of questions also varies depending on the exam. But typically it ranges anywhere between 40 to 100 questions and could be between 1 or 2 hours in duration.
If you want more information before you take the exam, you can also download the exam information guide. Each guide will give you specific details on the target candidate audience, skills measured, and candidate qualifications.
Should you consider Esri Certification?
If you are currently using Esri products, then this type of technical certificate can hold a lot of value for you.
It’s a way to set yourself apart from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
This is especially true for validating your skills and knowledge in everything from Enterprise Administration to Geodata Management.
Have you ever taken one of the Esri certification exams? What did you think of it? Please let us know with a comment below.
