Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs will be updated regularly as redevelopment of the Distinctions Programme progresses and as additional questions arise. Members and applicants are encouraged to check this page periodically for the latest information.
Jump to: About the review | Existing assessments and applications | Submissions and standards | Support and guidance
About the review
1. Why is the Distinctions Programme being reviewed?
The Distinctions Programme is currently undergoing its most comprehensive review for many years. The review is intended to support the long-term development, relevance, and sustainability of the programme, while ensuring that it continues to provide a consistent, supportive, and high-quality experience for applicants. The work is considering areas including assessment and moderation, applicant guidance and support, operational sustainability, assessor capacity and development, and clearer programme structures and communication. The aim is to strengthen the programme for the future while maintaining the integrity and value of Distinctions.
2. When will the revised programme be introduced?
The revised Distinctions Programme will launch in 2027. Further information regarding implementation and transition arrangements will be communicated in the coming months as development work progresses.
3. Will the standards for Distinctions change?
The review process is intended to support clearer standards, improved consistency, and a stronger applicant experience across the programme. The intention is not to reduce standards, but to ensure that assessment, guidance, and programme structures better support all applicants.
Existing assessments and applications
1. Is my assessment still going ahead?
Assessment events in 2026 have been paused as part of the transition and redevelopment of the Distinctions Programme.
Applicants who have already entered the assessment process will not lose their place. Applications already submitted will remain valid and will be carried forward for assessment in 2027.
Applicants affected by the pause will be contacted directly over the coming weeks with further information regarding next steps, transition arrangements, and available options. If you have not heard from the team yet but have submitted an application, please get in touch.
2. I have already paid for my assessment. What happens next?
Applicants who have already paid for an assessment will be contacted directly regarding the status of their application.
Unless applicants request otherwise, their place will automatically be deferred to the next available assessment opportunity in 2027 and no new application will be required.
Applicants who would prefer not to defer their place may request a refund. The Society is committed to providing clear information and support throughout the transition period.
3. I have been preparing work for a long time. Will I need to start again?
No. The Society recognises the significant commitment applicants make in preparing Distinctions submissions. Applicants are not being asked to start again, and the work and resource you have committed to your application will not be wasted. Existing work and preparation remain valuable, and applicants are encouraged to continue developing and refining their photographic work during the transition period.
We want to reassure applicants that the work you have made so far will still be applicable for your submission in 2027. The team will be here to support applicants in preparing their work for their new submission.
4. Should I continue preparing my submission?
Yes. If you are already preparing a Distinctions submission, there is no need to stop. Applicants are encouraged to continue developing and refining their work, including editing, sequencing, presentation, and portfolio development.
Applicants are not being asked to start again. Existing work and preparation remain valuable.
The redevelopment work is intended to improve how the programme supports and assesses applicants, while maintaining the qualities that have always been central to successful Distinctions submissions. The fundamentals of what makes a strong photograph, or photographic project, will not change.
Further details of the revised programme will be communicated as redevelopment progresses. Applicants should feel confident continuing to develop and refine their work during this period.
5. How will I receive updates?
Applicants will be updated through:
- direct email communication;
- the RPS website;
- Distinctions newsletters and announcements;
- FAQs and guidance documents;
- and future advisory and support activity.
The Society aims to provide clear and consistent communication throughout the transition process.
Submissions and standards
1. I have been preparing work for a long time. Will I need to start again?
No. The Society recognises the significant commitment applicants make in preparing Distinctions submissions. Applicants are not being asked to start again, and the work and resource you have committed to your application will not be wasted. Existing work and preparation remain valuable, and applicants are encouraged to continue developing and refining their photographic work during the transition period.
We want to reassure applicants that the work you have made so far will still be applicable for your submission in 2027. The team will be here to support applicants in preparing their work for their new submission.
2. I have previously been advised to revise and resubmit my work. What does this mean for me?
Applicants who have previously received advice to revise and resubmit work will not lose the benefit of that guidance. Existing work and preparation remain valuable, and applicants will be contacted directly regarding available options and next steps as transition arrangements are confirmed.
3. Should I continue preparing my submission?
Yes. If you are already preparing a Distinctions submission, there is no need to stop. Applicants are encouraged to continue developing and refining their work, including editing, sequencing, presentation, and portfolio development.
Applicants are not being asked to start again. Existing work and preparation remain valuable.
The redevelopment work is intended to improve how the programme supports and assesses applicants, while maintaining the qualities that have always been central to successful Distinctions submissions. The fundamentals of what makes a strong photograph, or photographic project, will not change.
Further details of the revised programme will be communicated as redevelopment progresses. Applicants should feel confident continuing to develop and refine their work during this period.
4. Will the standards for Distinctions change?
The review process is intended to support clearer standards, improved consistency, and a stronger applicant experience across the programme. The intention is not to reduce standards, but to ensure that assessment, guidance, and programme structures better support all applicants.
5. Can I submit a new Distinctions application during 2026?
Distinctions assessment events have been paused for the remainder of 2026 while redevelopment and implementation work continues. Further information regarding future application arrangements will be communicated as redevelopment progresses. Members interested in pursuing a Distinction are encouraged to continue developing their work and to monitor the Distinctions webpages for updates.
Support and guidance
1. I have previously been advised to revise and resubmit my work. What does this mean for me?
Applicants who have previously received advice to revise and resubmit work will not lose the benefit of that guidance. Existing work and preparation remain valuable, and applicants will be contacted directly regarding available options and next steps as transition arrangements are confirmed.
2. Will advisory days and one2one guidance continue?
The Society remains committed to supporting photographic development during the transition period and is currently reviewing how advisory and developmental activity will continue.
Further information regarding:
- advisory sessions;
- workshops;
- one2one guidance;
- and applicant support opportunities,
will be communicated once arrangements are confirmed.
The team are working to make sure all applicants feel supported through the Distinctions programme, and this transition, and gain a high-quality experience from the Distinctions process.
3. When will the revised programme be introduced?
The revised Distinctions Programme will launch in 2027. Further information regarding implementation and transition arrangements will be communicated as development work progresses.
4. How will I receive updates?
Applicants will be updated through: - direct email communication;
- the RPS website;
- Distinctions newsletters and announcements;
- FAQs and guidance documents;
- and future advisory and support activity.
The Society aims to provide clear and consistent communication throughout the transition process. The Distinctions team will be here to help any applicants with questions, or support in preparing their submission for the new programme.
5. Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions relating to:
- your booking form;
- payment;
- submission preparation;
- advisory activity;
- or transition arrangements,
please contact the Distinctions Team directly.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transition and redevelopment.