What Is a Certified Professional Photographer

If there’s a single credential which is nearly universally understood by consumers as a professional stamp of approval, it’s certification. Certification exists across many industries and professions, such as accounting, medicine, and education among others. While the general public may not have an appreciation for the specific criteria which must be met for certification in any given market segment, people instinctively understand certification connotes competence. They understand an individual who holds a certification has undergone an educational process in which they’ve applied skills and knowledge to demonstrate a high level of competence.

The CPP designation assures consumers a professional photographer has a high degree of technical competence. The process of earning the CPP is also a learning opportunity for many photographers, who must pass both an extensive and highly technical written exam and a rigorous photographic evaluation process to be awarded the certification.

The CPP program is designed to empower photographers to be more knowledgeable, successful, and technically equipped professionals. It’s a program focused on foundational education and applied skills. Earning a CPP is not a "one and done" certification. Like many other certified professionals, a Certified Professional Photographer must continue to demonstrate their proficiency, growth, and learning through annual continuing education programs and recertification on a regular basis.