About the Current CPP Program:
1. There is still a written test. Every candidate must prove their knowledge of the material .
2. Certification does not mean that you are good at your job. It means you demonstrate a required set of skills. Begin the journey to become a CPP to understand that this is a beginning, you become a better photographer as you practice and use the skills learned in the CPP process.
3. The current process is not only objective, but it is transparent and easier to explain than the old process.
4. Having to submit RAW images instead of finished jpegs could, objectively, be considered more difficult.
5. The process of certification should be, in and of itself, a learning experience. Certification is the first step on a long road of discovery.
6. This is a big one: the CPP program is not under the mandate of Council. It is committee work.
This new system isn’t easier, it’s just more sensible.
The CPP Standard
Established in 1977 by Professional Photographers of America the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credential serves to identify professional photographers who have demonstrated technical competence through a written examination and photographic image submission. PPA and the Certification Committee follow standards for certification that are established by the national Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE). ICE sets the guidelines for creating the written certification exam, and makes sure the questions are relevant to professional photography today. ICE also provides PPA and the Certification Committee with support and information to maintain the certification process.
What is Certification
The certification of specialized skill-sets affirms a knowledge and experience base for practitioners in a particular field, their employers, and the public at large. Certification represents a declaration of a particular individual's professional competence. In some professions certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Doctors, mechanics, accountants, professional secretaries, surveyors and many others are all required to go through a certification process of some kind.
About The CPP Award
The Certified Professional Photographer Award is used to enhance Affiliate State or Regional Competition. This award recognizes the highest scoring Certified Professional Photographer print, album, or electronic submission.
Certified Professional Photographer Mission Statement:
To acknowledge and validate a consistent standard by which professional
photographers can achieve and maintain a recognizable mark of excellence.
Do I need to be a PPA member? All CPPs and CPP Candidates are required to be PPA members. Remember there is no annual charge for Certification for PPA members. For more information about PPA Membership click here! How much does the CPP cost?
Steps to become certified the first time:
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CPP Recertification
Every three years: Recertify
Once you've achieved the CPP designation, you will need to recertify every three years. CPPs eligible for recertification will receive three notices on the year they are due to recertify, two via email and one via regular mail. The CEU system involved in the CPP recertification process encourages you to continue your photography education and raise the bar in the photographic industry.
To recertify, 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required, along with a payment of $100. But the good news is that the recertification fee of $100 is waived if you attend Imaging USA three years in a row. The CEU credits represent education opportunities that you will have attended as a student. Please note that teaching or speaking at seminars does not count toward recertification.
To learn how to how to earn credits or if you're not sure how many CEUs you have under your belt:
- 8 Units - Imaging USA
- 5 Units - Affiliate School program lasting at least 4 days
- 3 Units - Affiliate School program lasting at least 2 days
- 4 Units - Other Multi-day photography education program
- 1 Unit - Photography industry seminars or workshops lasting 6 hours or more
- 1/2 Unit - Any face to face professional development program lasting 4 to 6 hours
- 1/2 Unit - Any face to face professional development program lasting 2 to 3 hours
Once prompted for recertification, you will need to submit your CEUs online by filling out the Recertification Education Unit Tracking Form. After your form has been processed, you will receive an email about the status of your recertification. When your recertification is accepted, you will receive your recertification packet and certificate in the mail within 3-4 weeks.