Exemptions
If you've recently earned a photography qualification or hold a recognized professional accreditation, you might be eligible to skip the usual portfolio submission and receive the Licentiate (LRPS) or the Associate Distinction. These exemptions apply to qualifications achieved in the last five years and lets you fast-track your recognition as a skilled photographer. If you qualify, all you need to do is complete a short application, provide proof of your qualification, and submit it for review. It’s a simple way to gain a respected photography distinction and become part of a creative, like-minded community!
Step 1: Check our approved courses & affiliations
Use the lists below to see if your certificate or course could be used to gain a Licentiate or Associate distinction.
All courses & affiliations must have been gained within the past Five years.
Licentiate
Bachelor's Degree (with Honours)
Includes:
- BA(Hons)
- BSC(Hons)
(In combined Honours degrees, photography must represent 80% of the course.)
Bachelor's degree
Includes:
- BA
- BSc
- BFA
(A Lower Second (2:2) may be eligible, but evidence of at least one years post-qualification experience* within photography will need to be supplied.)
Open College of Art level 2 or 3
Foundation Degree
Includes:
- FdA
- FdSc
Higher Diploma
Includes:
- HND
- DipHE
City & Guilds London Institute Level 3 Diploma
- CGLI level 3 Diploma
Ministry of Defence
Requires successful completion of the DSoP 6650 Photographer course plus one year post-qualification photographer experience*
Higher certificate
Includes:
- HNC
- CertHE
A-Level
Requires grade B or higher (equiv >70%)
Distinction awarded by other photographic body
Includes:
- LMPA
- LBIPP
- LCGI (Photography)
Associate
Master's Degree
Includes:
- MA
- MSc
- MPhil
- MFA
Bachelor's Degree (with Honours)
Includes:
- BA(Hons)
- BSC(Hons)
(In combined Honours degrees, photography must represent 80% of the course.)
Bachelor's degree
Includes:
- BA
- BSc
- BFA
(A Lower Second (2:2) may be eligible, but evidence of at least two years post-qualification experience* will need to be supplied.)
Foundation Degree
Includes:
- FdA
- FdSc
(A 'Merit' result is also eligible, but evidence of at least three years post-qualification experience* will need to be supplied.)
Higher Diploma
Includes:
- HND
- DipHE
(A 'Merit' result is also eligible, but evidence of at least three years post-qualification experience* will need to be supplied.)
City & Guilds London Institute Level 3 Diploma
- CGLI level 3 Diploma
(A 'Merit' result is also eligible, but evidence of at least three years post-qualification experience* will need to be supplied.)
Ministry of Defence
Requires successful completion of the DSoP 5214 Photographer course plus one year post-qualification management experience*
Distinction awarded by other photographic body
Includes:
- AMPA
- ABIPP
- GCGI
- ACGI
- MCGI (photography)
- Full member of AoP
*"Post-qualification experience" means full-time bone fide professional photography.
Note that for RPS Distinctions academic qualifications must be in photography, art photography, professional photography, or photographic history.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather your evidence. This is usually in the form of a certificate.
All evidence must clearly state:
- Your name
- The name of the qualification gained
- Qualification result i.e. 2:1, Pass etc.
- Date of when the qualification was awarded
Step 3: Download the Exemption Form
Use the link below to access a PDF copy of the Exemption Form. Fill out all details and return the completed form and your accompanying evidence to us.
Once received we'll check all details of your application and if we agree that it meets our criteria for exemption, we'll process your form and notify you via email once the exemption has been awarded.
If we feel your application does not fulfil our exemption criteria we will respond explaining why your application could not be accepted.
Use this form to apply for your exemption.
Don't forget... you must include copies of relevant certificates and evidence.