GIS professionals can become officially certified through a program beginning on January 1, 2004. A non-profit organization, the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), has announced their readiness to accept applications after the end of 2003.
The process of developing the concepts and mechanisms that lie behind certifying professionals in GIS goes back several years. During 2003 the procedures were tested and fine-tuned.
For a full explanation of the new program and its heritage, see the GISCI web site.
More information: GISCI web site