IFPO CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

CONTACT:

IFPO-CPACM Certification Board of Regents

59 Canal Street, Box 9

Lewiston, Maine 04240

When IFPO and the Creative Photographic Art Center of Maine (CPACM) formed an alliance in mid 1996, the purpose was to add an accredited educational arm to the already successful money making programs offered by IFPO since 1984.

One of the most exciting elements of the IFPO/CPACM alliance is an accredited certification program similar to those offered by other prestigious professional photographers associations. Certification is long overdue for IFPO members. Now we have it!

A truly respected certification program must be administered and issued by an accredited educational institution. The IFPO/CPACM certification program is sanctioned by IFPO. However CPACM, whose courses are accredited by the University of Maine, will have total independent authority over the structure, implementation and certification process.

Professional certification is important to any serious photographer. First of all it communicates a level of interest, expertise and professional commitment that sets you apart from other photographers. Even the first level, the IFPO Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), will open doors, impress clients and attract new business. At the second level, the IFPO Certified Craftsman Professional Photographer (CCPP), will be qualified to attract higher paying clients and assignments. The IFPO Certified Master Photographer (CMP) will be experienced and equipped to choose the best assignments at the highest fees.

Any IFPO member may qualify for certification based on the number of merits required in each category. Merits may be earned by attending specific workshop programs offered by IFPO/CPACM or the equivalent curriculum courses offered at CPACM. (Regional seminars and/or workshops may be available in the later months of 1997.)

A candidate for IFPO Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) must earn 24 specified merits The next level of certification (CCPP) requires an additional 25.5 specified merits. The highest level (CMP) requires 79.5 merits which represent a cummulative total of the 49.5 merits required for the first two levels of certification plus 30 additional merits required for the Master Photographer category.

Requirements for Certification

IFPO Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) requires 24 merits

Required Workshops or Courses	Merits
Introduction to Black and White	3
Intermediate Black and White	3
Studio Lighting	1.5
Large Format Camera 4 x 5	1.5
Color Theory	3
Photo History and Critique	3
Business and Ethics	3
Portfolio and Career	3
Elective Project	3
Final Testing and Portfolio Review
Total Merits	24

IFPO Certified Craftsman Professional Photographer (CCPP) requires 49.5 merits. (Candidates must have earned the 24 merits required for the first level of certification plus 25.5 additional merits.)

Required Workshops or Courses	Merits
Studio Internship and Management	3
Alternative Processes	1.5
Publishing and Photo Writing (must be published in Today's Photographer )	3
Portfolio Review 82% or better	3
Master Black and White	3
Advanced Studio	1.5
Advanced Color Printing	1.5
Photo Elective Project	3
Studio Economic Business	3
Photo Workshop Presentation	3
Final Testing
Total Merits	25.5

IFPO Certified Master Photographer (CMP) requires 79.5 total merits. Candidates must have earned the 49.5 merits required for the first two levels of certification plus 30 additional merits and completed assignments.

Required Workshops or Courses	Merits
Produce 2 articles with photos to be published in Today's Photographer Magazine or a regional photographic publication.	6
Be a Workshop Presenter at the National School and/or Regional Level Graded by a sanctioned IFPO/CPACM Faculty Panel (2 Workshop Qualification)	6
Portfolio Review of 24 prints, minimum 8 x 10 size, 6 black and white minimum, all other color. Additionally, provide 24 Chromes minimum 21/4 x 21/4. All photos are to be presented fully matted to archival specifications. The portfolio must receive a grade of 92% or better. CPACM will retain one print at the National School for exhibition and/or to loan to other qualified exhibition mediums.	6
Have one exhibition and critique of a solo show at the National School or an accepted gallery at the regional level recognized by IFPO/CPACM along with proof of publication and invitation.	6
A Master Candidate must provide CPACM with a Small Business Plan or Marketing Plan demonstrating the candidate's ability to generate an income from photography.	6
Total Merits	30

In addition:

• Master Candidate must present to CPACM a full Biography and Resume.
  
• Master Candidate must take or attend 2 elective classes at the National School. Each Candidate will be assigned a CPACM Faculty Advisor.
  
• Master Candidate must provide IFPO / CPACM with 3 letters of reference validating the character and ethically sound practice of the candidate.
  
• Master Candidates are required to take a written examination of 100 questions related to the following subjects: Photo History, Camera Format Application, Filtration and Film Applications. Lighting Situation and Ratio Available/Flash Lighting. Business Planning, Photo Presentation, Black and White Processing, Color Processing, Camera Ratio and Functions. Photographic Terminology, Film Parametrics, Alternative Processes, and Aerial Photography. Toners, Biography and Resume Presentation, Color Theory, and Color Printing. Posing Ellatic and Formal, Legal and Forensic (elective). Study guides, references can be purchased through CPACM and IFPO for the nominal sum of $65.
  
• Candidates completing 1 year full residency at the National School shall receive the IFPO/CPACM Certified Professional Photographer Designation.
  
• Candidates completing the 2 year University of Maine/CPACM Degree in Photography shall have conferred upon them the Certified Craftsman Professional Photographer IFPO/CPACM designation and may proceed to work on the Master designation.

CONTACT:

IFPO-CPACM Certification Board of Regents

59 Canal Street, Box 9

Lewiston, Maine 04240

Current GMT Date/Time: Saturday, July 05, 2008 / 21:47:21