Certified Professional Photographers have requested a way to identify the type of work they do when marketing their credential. You work hard to become CPP and we want you to be able to take full advantage of earning the credential. In response to your requests, we are now providing photographers with the option of adding “Specialty Endorsements” to their Certification. There are currently 13 different endorsements offered; up to three may be earned at no added cost.

How to Qualify for a Specialty Endorsement
The Specialty Endorsement program is only available to Certified Professional Photographers. A CPP may apply for the endorsements by submitting images for any scheduled review session. CPP candidates may apply for both endorsement and certification at the same time; however you must attain CPP status in order to obtain an endorsement.

Application and Image Submission

If you are currently certified, please submit this application along with ten (10) images of the requested endorsement specialty on DVD. The images must be burned on DVD; this is the only format that will be accepted. You may use one application for multiple specialty endorsements but there must be ten (10) different images submitted for each specialty endorsement requested and they must be submitted on separate DVDs.

For photographers who are currently working on their certification a Specialty Endorsement application may be attached to their Certification application or submitted along with their regular image submission. Images for the specialty endorsement must be submitted in addition to the images required for certification.

Fees and Processing

There is no additional cost for up to three specialty endorsements. We do not anticipate CPPs applying for more than three endorsements. Because of additional processing expense for endorsement image reviews there is a $ 50 fee per endorsement for more than three (3).

Images are reviewed four (4) times a year. (Image Submission Dates) Those seeking specialty endorsements will be notified of their acceptance or rejection approximately 2 weeks after each judging.

Renewal of Specialty Endorsement

Specialty endorsements are valid as long as your certification is valid. To keep your Specialty Endorsement current you simply need to complete the regular re-certification procedures. There are no additional requirements or fees.