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.
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.
Show prospects that your technical skill has been evaluated against a professional standard.
Use CPP to explain the value behind your process, preparation, and technical consistency.
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.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Use Your CPP Credential.
Once certified, photographers can use the CPP designation to help communicate professional skill, continued education, and commitment to their craft.
Use the CPP designation in your professional bio, website, client materials, and conversations about your standards and experience.
Certification gives clients a concrete business reason to put you on their shortlist.
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. Here’s what you need to know.
Plan for the core fees.
- $200 candidacy fee
- $25 exam access for 10 total attempts
- Approx. $35 image evaluation kit
You have two years.
- Declare candidacy first
- Prepare at your own pace
- Complete exams and image evaluation
Six modules, on demand.
- 8–25 questions per exam
- 70% or higher to pass
- Chrome or Edge required
Submit three images.
- Objective technical review
- 10 evaluation periods per year
- Resubmit during active candidacy
QUESTIONS
Yes. CPP candidates and Certified Professional Photographers must maintain an active PPA membership to obtain and retain the CPP credential.
Explore PPA Membership
If one or more images do not pass, you can review the evaluator feedback and submit new images during a future evaluation period. You may resubmit as many times as necessary during your active two-year candidacy period. Images that have already been accepted carry over and do not need to be submitted again.
PPA replaced the former single 100-question exam with shorter, on-demand exams connected to the CPP curriculum modules. Candidates can complete the exams at their own pace and in any order. The initial $25 exam-access fee includes 10 total attempts.
CPP certification must be renewed every three years. Photographers must submit 15 Continuing Education Units or complete the applicable re-examination requirement and pay the $100 recertification fee. The fee may be waived for CPPs who attended Imaging USA for three consecutive years during their certification cycle.
Yes. The CPP designation is available internationally. International candidates can declare their candidacy, complete the exams online and submit their Technical Image Evaluation materials online.
Use the CPP designation consistently after your name and across your website, professional biography, email signature, social profiles and client-facing marketing materials. Briefly explain that CPP is a professional credential demonstrating verified technical knowledge, ongoing education and commitment to professional photography 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.
Maintain your credential through continuing education, recertification, or re-examination.
Access the CPP Curriculum, study materials, quizzes, and exam modules.
See photographers who have recently earned the Certified Professional Photographer credential.
