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Several people wonder if they must have a formal degree in order to become a certified professional photographer. Fortunately that you do not have to have a formal degree however , you do need photography training and know-how about the photography industry in order to obtain the title of Certified Professional Photographer.

In an effort to acquire your Certified Professional Photographer certification, you have to participate in a 3 step process. Initially, you need to express your candidacy with the PPCC (Professional Photographic Commission Committee). 2nd, you need to pass the CPP exam. Lastly, you must pass the image submission review.

The first step is declaring your candidacy. Unlike other professional certification, that require years of work in the field, this certification does not require field time. It does require you to pay $100 to declare your candidacy and show client work you have accomplished in the past 24 months. You then have three years to pass the CPP exam and image submission review. If you do not pass after three years then your candidacy is voided and you have to start the process over.

After you have declared your candidacy then you need to start studying for the CPP exam. There are three types of exams: Commercial, Portrait and Sports. When you sign up for the time and location for the exam, you will specify which version of the exam you want to take. You can take the exam multiple times if needed. It is 100 multiple choice question exam with a two hour time limit . You will need 70 correct answers to pass and it is a Scantron exam.

The next thing is passing the Image Submission Review. Many people pass this first prior to the CPP exam. It is your choice concerning which step you desire to take first. You submit 20 pictures to the PPCC. In 2011, all submissions need to upload 6 mandatory photographs along with fourteen images from client work in the past two years.

The first 6 images must be the compulsory images. The compulsory images comprise of 3 mandatory and 3 elective images. The three mandatory images must separately demonstrate Short Lighting 3:1 ratio, Broad Lighting 3:1 ratio and Selective focus with minimal depth of field within your specialty (note: senior photographers cannot submit landscape photography).

Photos 4, 5 and 6 most choose from the following list to show: High Key Image, Low Key Image, Rule of Thirds, Use of Shape, Form, and Texture, Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical), color harmony, “s” curve line, assertive, angular, or masculine line, or architectural techniques.

If your 1st 6 compulsory pictures aren’t satisfactory then the whole portfolio will be denied. You will receive a letter in the mail 1-2 weeks after presenting your images to inform you of the passing or failing of your photos. After completing and passing this three step certification process, then you are formally a Certified Professional Photographer.

To conclude, if you want to become a Certified Photographer, then check out the Certified Photographer Academy.