Frequently Asked Questions

The RPS Distinctions Programme has undergone a substantial redevelopment following the pause to assessments in 2026. The updated programme will begin in 2027. 

These FAQs provide answers to some of the main questions about the changes and what they mean for members and applicants. More detailed information about Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship, including standards, routes, applicant support and assessment, is available on the Distinctions webpages.

1. Why has the Distinctions Programme changed?

The redevelopment follows a comprehensive review of the Distinctions Programme, including consultation, applicant feedback and an operational review. 

The work identified opportunities to provide clearer standards and guidance, strengthen applicant support, improve consistency in assessment and moderation, and create a more sustainable programme for the future. 

The updated programme builds on the longstanding value of RPS Distinctions while making expectations and processes clearer and strengthening the support available to applicants. 

 

2. Are Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship continuing?

Yes. Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship remain the three levels of RPS Distinction. 

The updated programme provides clearer progression between the three levels, with expectations appropriate to the different stages of photographic development and achievement they recognise. 

 

3. Are the standards for RPS Distinctions being lowered?

No. The redevelopment is intended to make the standards at each level clearer and assessment against them more consistent. RPS Distinctions will continue to recognise significant levels of photographic achievement, with meaningful progression from Licentiate through Associate to Fellowship. 

 

4. What is changing for applicants?

Applicants will have clearer information about what is expected at each Distinction level and stronger support as they prepare for assessment. 

The updated programme introduces clearer standards and guidance, structured opportunities for applicant support, and revised approaches to assessment, moderation and feedback. 

More information about the applicant journey is available on the Distinctions webpages. 

 

5. What kinds of photography are recognised?

The Distinctions Programme recognises the breadth of contemporary photographic practice and the different ways photographers work today. 

Applicants will be able to identify the route most appropriate to the nature of their work and the achievement they wish to demonstrate. Further information about the available routes and requirements at each Distinction level is available on the Distinctions webpages. 

 

6. Do I need to select an Area of Practice for Fellowship?

No. At Fellowship, you do not need to select an Area of Practice. Your submission is assessed against the Fellowship standard and assessment criteria, taking account of your intention, context and the form of work presented.

7. How will applicants be supported?

Support and learning are an integral part of the updated programme. 

Applicants will have access to guidance explaining the standards and requirements at their chosen level, together with structured support before assessment. This is intended to help applicants understand what is expected, discuss the development of their work and make informed decisions about their submission. 

 

8. How will assessment work?

Submissions will be assessed against the published standards and criteria for the relevant Distinction level. 

The updated programme includes strengthened moderation and consistency processes, alongside a revised approach to feedback. The intention is to provide applicants with a rigorous, fair and consistent assessment process in which decisions are clearly related to the published standards. 

Further information about the assessment process is available on the Distinctions webpages. 

 

9. Will assessments still take place in public?

No. Assessment will no longer take place as a public event. 

The updated programme separates assessment from learning and development. Applicants will receive support before assessment and feedback following assessment, while the assessment itself will focus on making a fair and consistent decision about the individual submission against the published standards. 

 

10. What happens to applicants whose assessments were deferred in 2026?

Applicants affected by the 2026 pause will not need to make a new application or start again. Existing applications remain valid and will be carried forward into the updated programme. 

Existing work and preparation also remain valuable. Deferred applicants will be contacted directly with information about their assessment opportunity, the support available to them and any steps they need to take. 

Deferred applicants do not need to take any action until they receive this information. 

 

11. I was preparing for a Distinction but had not yet applied. Do I need to start again?

No. If you have already been developing work towards a Distinction, that work and preparation remain valuable. The updated programme provides revised guidance and clearer information about what is expected at each level, so anyone considering an application should read the new information for their chosen Distinction before applying. 

 

12. What happens if I previously received advice about my work?

Previous advice can continue to inform the development of your photographic work, but applicants should also familiarise themselves with the standards and guidance for the updated programme. 

Applicants whose existing applications were deferred in 2026 will receive direct information about the transition arrangements that apply to them. 

 

13. When can I apply?

The updated RPS Distinctions Programme will begin in 2027. 

Application dates and further practical information will be published as arrangements are confirmed. Members interested in applying can begin by exploring the information about Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship on the Distinctions webpages. 

 

14. How much will it cost?

Fees for the updated Distinctions Programme will be published before applications open.

 

15. Where can I find detailed information about the new programme?

Information about Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship, including the standards, routes, applicant journey, support and assessment process, is available on the RPS Distinctions webpages. 

Further practical information will be added as arrangements for 2027 are confirmed. 

 

16. Who can I contact if I have a question about my application?

If you have a question about an existing application or your individual circumstances, please contact the RPS Distinctions Team at distinctions@rps.org 

Applicants whose assessments were deferred in 2026 will also receive information directly from the Society about their next steps.