The Purpose of this Study Guide

The information in The Road to Certification covers the material as outlined in the Professional Photographers of America ((PPA) Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Test Specifications released in January 2015 on the official certification website. This study guide is meant to supplement the primary text book Photography (London, Stone and Upton) which is a heavy, college-level textbook.  This study guide was written in a much lighter tone and provides some personal insight into the professional photography world from the standpoint of the author with more than 50 years of professional photography experience.

For those more experienced candidates who believe they are prepared for the exam based on their skills and experience but want to see how they might fare in a real exam, the Practice Exam contained in the study guide is available as a separate purchase.

Candidates that purchase the complete study guide are eligible to receive updated versions at no additional charge with proof of purchase.  Those that purchase only the Practice Exam are not eligible for updates.

Al Audleman -- Author & Instructor

PPA Recognition: Master of Photography • Photographic Craftsman • Certified Professional Photographer • Approved Photographic Instructor • Officially Recognized Certification Instructor

Florida Professional Photographers Recognition:  Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence • Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence • Florida Service Award • Florida Education Degree • Florida Photographer of the year 2001 & 2002 • FPP President (‘90) 

Georgia Professional Photographers Association: Georgia Fellowship Degree • Georgia Service Degree

I have been an active, full-time professional since 1978 with several years of experience and work in the field prior to that. My background includes technical photographic training in the U.S. Navy plus technical writing and test development experience while working for the Navy as a civilian.  In 1978, I began working as a full-time photographer/publisher/editor/designer, opening my own business as a commercial photographer and publication design and production company.  I reached the level of Certified Professional Photographer in 1986 and earned the above professional awards subsequent to that.  In 1996, I began teaching the certification exam prep class and shortly thereafter was drafted to be on the PPA Certification Committee, rising to the chairmanship in 2000.    During that time we revised the “old” exam but at the turn of the century began work on a completely new exam where I served on multiple item-development sessions and eventually became chairman of the Item Development committee.  I continued to teach the prep class through 2000 and then moved into teaching Photoshop, which I continued to do through 2010.  In 2010, I once again returned to teaching the exam preparation class as certification has gained a wider range of acceptance in the professional community and has become of major importance in the industry.

Why do I do this?  Because I truly believe in the certification program and I do think it will make a significant difference in your work and your professional future.  I also believe it will “raise the bar” among all professional photographers as the level of education and experience is increased significantly in those of you taking the time and making the effort to become a Certified Professional Photographer. This study guide was produced to give you a head start on the process by offering you a comprehensive source to obtain the necessary information to pass the exam.

“Thank you so much for creating your CPP Exam Study Guide, The Road to Certification. This guide is invaluable in guiding the candidate through the maze of technical questions and challenges. Sections are well written to explain complex topics and answer them clearly. This is the resource I wish I had when I studied for the Exam the first time.”

Dan Ferguson — M.Photog., Cr., CPP, CPP Liaison, F-DPPA, AF-TPPA, AF-SWPPA, ASP Member, PPA Juror in Training, PPA Super 1 Day Instructor 

“I want to say that with all the study material out there, Al has the most up-to-date and comprehensive study guide.  Using his study guide I have mentored over 500+ CPP candidates.  Using his study guide, almost all of the candidates pass the  exam the first time.  A must have in your library if you want to get to the next level.”

Dave Goldman, CPP, Photographic Craftsman, NC CPP State Liaison, CPP Judge