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.

01 January 2020

Licentiate

Bachelors Degree (with Honours)

Includes:

BA(Hons)
BSC(Hons)

These qualifications require Lower Second (2:2) Results. In combined Honours degrees, photography must represent 80% of the course.

Bachelors degree

Includes:

BA
BSc
BFA

These qualifications require either Upper Second (2:1) or First Class results. 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

These qualifications require 'Pass' with any combination of two awards (in photography)

Foundation Degree

Includes:

FdA
FdSc

Higher Diploma

Includes:

HND
DipHE

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma

Higher certificate

Includes:

HNC
CertHE

These qualifications require 'Pass' or higher

GCSE AS-Level

Requires grade A (96 points) or higher

GCSE A-Level

Requires grade A (96 points) or higher

Distinction awarded by other photographic body

Includes:

LBIPP
LCGI (Photography)

Associate

Masters Degree

Includes:

MA
MSc
MPhil
MFA

Bachelors Degree (with Honours)

Includes:

BA(Hons)
BSC(Hons)

These qualifications require Upper Second (2:1) or First Class Results. In combined Honours degrees, photography must represent 80% of the course.

Bachelors degree

Includes:

BA
BSc
BFA

These qualifications require either Upper Second (2:1) or First Class results plus evidence of at least one years post-qualification experience. A Lower Second (2:2) may be eligible, but evidence of at least two years post-qualification experience within photography will need to be supplied.

Foundation Degree

Includes:

FdA
FdSc

These qualifications require 'Distinction' results plus evidence of at least two years post-qualification experience. 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

These qualifications require 'Distinction' results plus evidence of at least two years post-qualification experience. A 'Merit' result is also eligible, but evidence of at least three years post-qualification experience will need to be supplied.

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma

These qualifications require 'Distinction' results plus evidence of at least two years post-qualification experience. A 'Merit' result is also eligible, but evidence of at least three years post-qualification experience will need to be supplied.

Distinction awarded by other photographic body

Includes:

ABIPP
GCGI
ACGI
MCGI (photography)
Full member of AoP

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.