A professional certification for photographers who want to prove technical competence and credibility.
PPA Certification
Become a Certified Professional Photographer.
Earn the CPP credential to validate your technical skill, strengthen client trust, and stand out in a competitive photography market.
PPA credential
Online preparation
Technical image evaluation
Two-year candidacy window
Quick Overview
Certification validates your skill, credibility, and commitment to professional growth.
The Certified Professional Photographer credential is granted by Professional Photographers of America. Candidates must pass the on-demand module exams and the Technical Image Evaluation to demonstrate professional-level photographic knowledge and skill.
CredentialCertified Professional Photographer (CPP)
OrganizationProfessional Photographers of America
ProcessDeclare candidacy, prepare, pass the exams, complete image evaluation
MaintenanceRecertification is required every three years to maintain certification
Why CPP
Give clients one more reason to choose you.
Clients often look for credentials when they want confidence in a professional. The CPP credential gives photographers a recognized way to communicate technical skill, artistic expertise, and continued professional development.
Build trust faster
Show prospects that your technical skill has been evaluated against a professional standard.
Support your pricing
Use CPP to explain the value behind your process, preparation, and technical consistency.
Stand out locally
When photographers look similar online, certification gives clients a concrete point of difference.
How It Works
A simple path from interest to certification.
The entire CPP process can be completed online, including the exams and Technical Image Evaluation submission.
Declare your candidacy
Start the two-year candidacy window and review the requirements before you commit time to studying.
Prepare with the Certification Curriculum
Utilize the Certification Curriculum that includes educational videos, visual presentations, quizzes, and The Photography Certification Guide to help you master the fundamentals of photography.
Pass the module exams
Complete the required online exams. Each exam includes 8-25 multiple-choice questions, requires a score of 70% or higher, and can be taken on demand in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Complete image evaluation
After passing the exams, submit three required images during an open evaluation period. Images are reviewed by trained evaluators on an objective checklist and results are typically sent by email three to five business days after the deadline.
Certification Workshop 2026
Need extra prep? Join the 3-day CPP workshop.
Take all three virtual workshop days or choose the single day that matches the CPP topics you want to strengthen.
Virtual event with Carl Caylor
Each workshop day runs 9:00am-5:00pm and supports candidates preparing for the CPP curriculum, exams, and technical expectations.
Monday, August 17, 2026
View Day 1 details
Day 1: Cameras, Lenses, Attachments and Business
Review photography equipment, camera types, equipment differences, the business module, the Benchmark Business Guide, and PPA's business tools.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
View Day 2 details
Day 2: Lighting, Flash Photography and Metering
Review and demonstrate lighting options, modifiers, techniques, and proper exposure while using a light meter.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
View Day 3 details
Day 3: Design, Composition and Post-Production
Learn color theory, composition of subjects and objects within the frame, and how to take care of your images after capture.
Professional Recognition
Use the CPP credential where clients make decisions.
Once certified, photographers can use the CPP designation to help communicate professional skill, continued education, and commitment to their craft.
Certification gives clients a concrete business reason to put you on their shortlist.Professional Photographers of America
Use the CPP designation in your professional bio, website, client materials, and conversations about your standards and experience.
Technical Image Evaluation Video
See how the image evaluation works.
Watch the Technical Image Evaluation overview to understand the three required images, submission process, lighting options, and evaluation expectations before you begin.
Before You Start
Everything important, without the FAQ overload.
The CPP process has a lot of details, but getting oriented should feel simple. Start with the essentials, then open the deeper details only when you need them.
Cost
Start candidacy
Plan for the core fees.
- $200 candidacy fee
- $25 exam access for 10 total attempts
- Approx. $35 image evaluation kit
Timeline
View steps
You have two years.
- Declare candidacy first
- Prepare at your own pace
- Complete exams and image evaluation
Exams
Open curriculum
Six modules, on demand.
- 8-25 questions per exam
- 70% or higher to pass
- Chrome or Edge required
Image Evaluation
Watch video
Submit three images.
- Objective technical review
- 10 evaluation periods per year
- Resubmit during active candidacy
Need the fine print?
Keep the deeper answers available, but make them feel optional instead of forcing every visitor through a long FAQ.
Do I need to be a PPA member?
Yes. CPP candidates and Certified Professional Photographers are required to be PPA members to obtain and maintain the CPP credential.
What changed in the CPP exam process?
PPA launched an updated CPP Curriculum in 2025. Candidates who declared candidacy before February 1, 2025 are not required to pass the Introduction to Business exam.
Can international candidates earn CPP?
Yes. International candidates can declare candidacy, take the exams online, and submit Technical Image Evaluation materials online.
What if I do not pass the image evaluation?
Candidates can review feedback and resubmit new images during a future evaluation period within their active candidacy.
How does recertification work?
CPPs recertify every three years. Recertification requires either 15 CEUs or re-examination, plus a $100 recertification fee.
How should I use CPP in marketing?
Use the CPP designation in your website bio, client proposals, studio materials, email signature, and conversations about your standards.
Continue Your CPP Journey
Find the next step that fits where you are.
New candidates can start with candidacy. Current CPPs, active candidates, and visitors looking for proof can quickly move to the right resource.
Already a CPP?
Maintain your credential through continuing education, recertification, or re-examination.
Renew certificationPreparing now?
Access the CPP Curriculum, study materials, quizzes, and exam modules.
Open curriculumNeed proof?
See photographers who have recently earned the Certified Professional Photographer credential.
View latest CPPsReady to prove your professionalism?
Start with candidacy, prepare at your pace, and earn a credential built for working photographers.
Start Your CPP Journey