Certification:

A Complete Explanation

What is Certification?

Certification helps to show knowledge and skill in your craft

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)• Shows dedication to photography• Standard of excellence

Professional Photographic Certification Commission (PPCC)Leading certifying agency for imaging professionals

How do I become Certified?

Step 1: Declare Candidacy at CertifiedPhotographer.com

- Application and Fee

Step 2: Pass the following within 3 years:

- Certification Exam

- Imaging Submission Review

Have questions? Contact your Certification Liaison!

Certification ExamWhat is on the exam?- Technical aspects of photography- 100 multiple choice questions- Test specifications:

- Camera, Lenses & Attachments, 15%- Composition & Design, 17%- Digital Post-Production, 13%- Exposures & Meters, 20%- Film, Digital Capture & Output, 15%- Lighting, 20%

How do you study for the exam?- CertifiedPhotographer.com - Certification Preparation Class- Study Groups - Certify With Sandy Puc’- ‘Photography’ by London

How do I take the exam?

Where can I take the exam?• Local, state and regional photography events• Imaging USA

When are the exams?• Dates and locations at CertifiedPhotographer.com

How do I register for an exam?• Register at CertifiedPhotographer.com• Posted at least 60 days in advance• Must register at least 5 days before exam date

• Must be CPP candidate• 2 hours to complete exam

What to bring with you:• ID• Pencils with erasers• Simple, non-programmable calculators (optional)

What you cannot bring with you:• Cell phones• Notes

Exam Day

Exam Results

How do I find out my exam results?• All exam results are sent via mail• No results given via phone or e-mail

If you do not pass the exam• 30 day waiting period between exams• Retake exam as often as needed within 3 year

period• No additional cost• Only numerical score provided

Image Submission ReviewImage Submission Review Judges• All judges are CPPs• Images reviewed by at least 5 judges

How are your images judged?• Representation of your finest work• Skills, knowledge and ability

What images do I submit?

15 images from client work

• 6 Compulsory Images • (3) Mandatory Images

• (3) Elective Images

• Images may come directly from client files or may be set up to demonstrate the technique that is required.

• 9 Images Representative of your typical client base• Images must come from your client work in the last 24 months,

based on your specialty.

Mandatory Images

Image 1: Short lighting 3:1 ratio

This image will demonstrate proper lens selection and perspective with short lighting and a medium 3:1 lighting ratio.

Examples, based on your specialty:

• Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event

• Closed or open loop; head shot

• Wedding portrait demonstrating broad lighting

• Still life; product; food; model

• Individual portrait. Use of fill light or reflector to achieve 3:1 ratio

Mandatory Images

Image 2: Broad lighting 3:1 ratio

This image will demonstrate proper lens selection and perspective with a broad lighting setup and a medium 3:1 lighting ratio.

Examples, based on your specialty:

• Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event

• Closed or open loop; head shot

• Wedding portrait demonstrating broad lighting

• Still life; product; food; model

• Individual portrait. Use of fill light or reflector to achieve 3:1 ratio

Mandatory Images

Image 3: Selective focus with minimal depth of field

This image will demonstrate how the viewer’s attention is impacted by selective focus.

Examples, based on your specialty:

• Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event

• Creative use of selective focus.

• Close up

• Product photo; macro image

• Creative use of selective focus

Elective Images 4 - 6

Choose 3 of the following:

• High Key Image: This image will demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a high key.

• Low Key Image: This image will demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a low key.

• Rule of Thirds: This image will demonstrate subject placement and organization.

• Use of Shape, Form, and Texture: This image will demonstrate these basic elements of art.

• Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical): This image will demonstrate the principles of balance achieved through subject size, placement, weight, or color.

Elective Images 4 – 6 (continued)

• Color Harmony: This image will demonstrate the harmonious relationship of colors.

• “S” Curve Line: This image will demonstrate a “S” curve or feminine posing.

• Assertive, Angular, or Masculine Line: This image will demonstrate an assertive, angular, or masculine pose.

• Architectural: This image will demonstrate the commercial application of architectural photography. (Cannot be chosen for the portrait category.)

How does the image submission review work?

When are the image submission reviews?• Occur bimonthly• Dates listed on CertifiedPhotographer.com

How do I submit my images?• Upload images at CertifiedPhotographer.com

How do I find out my image submission results?

• All image submission results are sent via mail

• No results given via phone or e-mail

If you do not pass the image submission

• You can submit images to as many reviews as needed within 3 year candidacy period

• Opportunity for CPP Judging Feedback session

Image Submission Results

You passed both, now what?Recognition• CPP logo• CPP designation• Certification Certificate

Maintain Certification• $50 annual credential fee• Non-PPA members pay a 5 year credentialing fee

of $400 before they can use the designation.

Opportunity• Become a Certification Liaison

Re-Certification

You must recertify every 5 years

How do you recertify?

Option 1: Retake and pass the Certification Exam

Option 2: Submit 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Option 3: Submit 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) AND

Pass another Image Submission Review

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

CEUs are earned through educational opportunities

5 UNITS Attending Imaging USA or a full week at a PPA Affiliate School

2 UNITS Attending Regional or State ConventionsAttending Photography Industry Seminars or

Convention lasting 2 or more days

1 UNIT Attending Photography Industry Seminars or Workshops lasting 6 or more hours

1/2 UNIT Attending any photography related program that lasts 4-6 hours

1/4 UNIT Attending any photography related program that lasts 2-4 hours

Questions

Website: certifedphotographer.com

Email: ppcc@certifiedphotographer.com

Call: 1-888-772-2780

Or…

Contact a Certification Liaison for assistance.