Oh boy, just three days left until I take the Professional Photographic Certification Commission's Certified Professional Photographer exam. How's that for a mouthful?! I'll be taking the exam at Imaging USA in San Antonio. Thought I'd share what I've done to study for it. Hope I'm on the right track! I've already passed the image review, so the exam is all that's between me and certification.
The main recommendation on preparing for the exam is to get a copy of Photography by by Barbara London, Jim Stone, and John Upton. It's around $130. Did I get it? No. Hoping that won't have been a huge mistake! So here's what I did instead. I signed up for the Certify with Sandy website, which is a forum created to help you pass the exam. I sat through all the webinars on there, where an instructor walks you through all the different topics. Then I went into the Online Study Group section of the forum, where they link to a study guide for the ninth edition of the Photography book. It has sample questions for each chapter, and worked through all of those (except for the stuff related to film processing, which I keep reading is not on the test). I also read through each of the study guide posts created by Constance Rawlins, where she touches on the important points from each chapter. They have also created a set of online flashcards, so I worked my way through all of those as well. The flash cards are extremely helpful.
At this point I'm feeling pretty good about passing the test, but am going to continue to study in my free moments up until I walk in the door. I'll report back on how it went!
Thanks for these tips. I am just starting out and do not have a "clientele" yet, but I thought getting the certification would help build my skills so when I do gain clients, they will be ones that I keep.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about getting this certification. What experience should they have before they attempt this?
Posted by: Lisa | February 06, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Hi Lisa, Part of the certification process includes submitting 20 images from 20-different client sessions within the past two years, so from what I understand you do need to be a working photographer in order to apply. I think that starting to study as soon as possible is a good idea because everything you study will help you become better, no matter when you plan to take the test. You need to know a lot of the information to really be able to create acceptable images for your clients, and the more time you spend studying, the better chance you'll have of passing the test when you do take it.
I found out a few days ago that I did pass the exam. I never purchased or studied the book Photography, but I've also been doing this for 10 years, so I'd learned a lot of the material along the way. I think it would definitely be wise to pick up the book, expecially if you're just starting out.
Posted by: Mary Lynne | February 06, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I just recently looked into becoming certified. While looking for help and information about the exam, I came across your website. Talk about an awesome resource. I am extremely thankful for the wealth of knowledge that you are willing to share. My biggest question at this point, is the cost of the entire process of certification. I did read that there would be a $100 fee for candidacy, but was wondering what other fees existed.
Congratulations on passing the exam. I hope with hard work and help from this website, I'll have the same outcome.
Posted by: Sharon | March 08, 2011 at 03:00 PM
I don't believe there are any other costs, unless you buy the book (which is over $100), and, of course, travel expenses if you have to go somewhere to take the exam. I read recently that you may be able to contact them and ask if there can be a test administered at a location that is close to you if there's nothing scheduled nearby.
Posted by: Mary Lynne | March 08, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Congrats Mary Lynne, since I found your name on PPCC looks like you passed. Thanks so much for blogging for us beginners, I am just jumping off the cliff and think I'm ready to fly, we'll see, but will be reading your blog for assistance, thank you for giving back, I love your work as well : )
Posted by: Kelly Galiszewski | March 29, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Thanks, Kelly, for the nice words! I did pass, and am now a Certified Professional Photographer. Yay! It does feel good.
Posted by: Mary Lynne | March 29, 2011 at 01:26 PM
I took the CPP Exam in March and passed! Woo Hoo! Thank you Mary Lynne for the info about the resources for the exam. As a shameless plug to help other photographers - I created a website for CPP Exam Newbies and wrote a Study Guide called CPP Exam "Piece Of Cake" Study Guide.
Since April, it has helped over 50+ people study for the exam! Good Luck to everyone looking to better themselves and their photography business. Happy Studying!
Posted by: Jaime Rowe | August 09, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Hey Jaime, congrats! It does feel awesome to pass that exam. So glad I did it and that it's behind me now.
Posted by: Mary Lynne | August 09, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Congrats on passing the exam! Can you tell me how you navigated the Certify with Sam Puc website? I am finding all the forums confusing. Thanks!
Posted by: Jessica | September 07, 2011 at 01:19 PM