For the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with the I.S.P., let’s not forget the traditional path to the I.S.P. For most, to apply for an I.S.P. you need a combination of years of relevant academic experience (college or university) and relevant work experience. You will also need to agree to a code of ethics, supply two signed sponsors, commit to continuous learning, etc. Please see: http://www.cips.ca/standards/isp/become.
The I.S.P. is not a simple designation to obtain. The good news is that those who do obtain their I.S.P. continue to demonstrate the expertise and professionalism reflected in a professionally-oriented designation.
The I.S.P. is maintained by CIPS, a non-profit, volunteer-based, vendor neutral organization. CIPS has been around since 1957 … 50 years! As such CIPS is the oldest IT association in Canada. CIPS is ideally positioned to promote an industry-wide Professional designation. (The I.S.P. is the only legislatively recognized IT designation in Canada.)
If you are serious about your career; if you wish to demonstrate to your current and future employers/clients that you are committed to professionalism and best representing their interests; if you believe that the IT industry requires a self-regulating professional body like the engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.; then, I strongly encourage you to consider pursuing your I.S.P.
Best of luck!
Adam Cole, I.S.P.
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***** Stephen, please feel free to tweak this message. *****
Adam,
Thank you for filling in the gaps. In Vancouver, the user groups were permitted to give a short talk at EnergizeIT. I gave 3 minutes where I talked about the I.S.P. I couldn't believe the overwhelming positive response for this professional development message at the event and afterwards. People made a point of indicating their high interest and the value they got from the talk :-) There is definitely a compelling message in being professionally credentialed. And with recent support from corporations, the federal government, provincial legislation, international backing, and examples such as the Ontario School Board system, it is obvious, the I.S.P. is hitting the mark with IT workers. Even in the blogs here in CIM, the career development, and professional development ones receive the most traffic and interaction which is what the I.S.P. is all about. Moreover, I.S.P. holders represent the leaders in industry plus dedicated and top entrepreneurs today so IT workers/managers have an opportunity for mentorship, networking, and career development by pursuing one.
Cheers,
Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, I.S.P.
Seeing more of this and liked what I saw at the Energize event.
It's clear, that there is a compelling reason for IT professionals to seek a legislated professional designation. I'm glad that you found the information useful!
From Mylene Sayo....
There is an article in Thursday's issue of the Globe and Mail newspaper, "Dearth of certifications isn't helping IT industry" by Shane Schick (Thursday, June 29, 2006, Report on Business - Section B, p. B11), that encourages the IT sector to strongly consider the I.S.P. designation as a way to identify individuals "who collectively work to keep the standards of the profession high."
John Boufford I.S.P., CIPS President, and Kerry Augustine I.S.P., CIPS Director were quoted in the article.
Best regards,
Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, I.S.P.
CIPS Vice-President