About Us
IPQB is the leading global certification scheme in the field of photography.
IPQB established, and continues to evolve, the internationally-recognized Certified Photographer scheme which is a portfolio of certifications that develop, extend, and validate photography skills. The scheme is built around syllabi created by a global network of experts, the IPQB Glossary, sample exams, and the Photography Body of Knowledge (PBOK).
The Certified Photographer Foundation Level certification provides photographers with essential terminology and a breadth of knowledge. It is the prerequisite to the other modules within the scheme which offer depth and specialization.
The Certified Photographer Scheme and the portfolio of certifications continuously evolve based on insights from experts and industry leaders from around the globe, as well as market studies and trends
The IPQB is dedicated to ensuring that the scheme and portfolio continue to serve the photography community by:
- Ensuring high quality of deliverables
- Continuously adapting to maintain relevance
- Providing focused in depth learning with specialist certifications
- Offering global accessibility to the comprehensive portfolio
- Committing to making resources such as syllabi, sample exams, and glossary openly available
- Providing an overall framework in which existing, as well as future modules, will fit in a coherent way
- Considering applicable international standards and aligning as appropriate
- Keeping the focus on photography whilst adapting to changing characteristics, role and responsibilities
- Maintaining the validity of certifications already obtained
Engaging with the broader community is inherent to the activities of IPQB. Our strong connection to academia is facilitating the development of industry recognized skills within the academic curriculum and strengthening our links to research in the field of photography.
For organizations we offer the Partner Program as a value-added service that allows partners to demonstrate their commitment to validating competence within their organization through certification, and to provide feedback which the IPQB uses to ensure that market needs are met.
IPQB promotes and engages in further interactions within the photography community by supporting conferences. Listening to individuals, companies, and organizations is instrumental in being able to best serve the photography community
IPQB, like other professional bodies including the ACM and IEEE, advocates for a code of ethics as part of our commitment to photography.
The IPQB defines the following code of ethics:
- PUBLIC – Certified photographers shall act consistently in the public interest.
- CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – Certified photographers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest.
- PRODUCT – Certified photographers shall ensure that the deliverables they provide meet the highest professional standards possible.
- JUDGMENT – Certified photographers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.
- MANAGEMENT – Certified photographers, managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of photography projects.
- PROFESSION – Certified photographers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
- COLLEAGUES – Certified photographers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues, and promote cooperation.
- SELF – Certified photographers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.
- High quality syllabi: All syllabi are developed and reviewed by leading photography professionals from academia and industry.
- Global recognition: Certifications are recognized globally because of the consistent application of IPQB policies and procedures by the member boards.
- Common language: The IPQB Glossary provides a common vocabulary for the profession.
- Objectivity: The assessment of photographer capabilities is conducted independently by IPQB and provides objective verification of competencies.
- Encourage adherence to a Code of Ethics: All IPQB certified photographers are recommended to adhere to the Code of Ethics defined by IPQB.
- Public Availability: IPQB glossary and syllabi are made freely available on the IPQB website and on the Member Board websites in local languages.
- Openness: IPQB materials are developed on a voluntary basis and are open to contributions from anybody interested in joining IPQB working groups
- Independence: The not for profit nature of IPQB ensures that content is not constrained by particular methodologies, and is able to draw on best practices from a wide variety of sources.
- Continuous improvement: Syllabi and other documents are continuously being improved to meet the needs of business organizations around the world and to keep pace with the development of the profession.
- Professional standing: Being certified provides advantages for individuals and organizations by ensuring that photographers meet the high standards set by the IPQB
IPQB is the international standard in the field of photography certification. Whether you are just getting started in a career in photography have been in the field for a number of years, earning an IPQB certification offers significant benefits:
- An independent, internationally-recognized validation of skills that employers trust
- Portable proof of ability for both current and future employment
- Career progression support through the advancement of photography skills
IPQB certification offers significant benefits to employers by supporting recruitment, retention, and development of photographers
- Competitive advantage by giving clients greater confidence in your business through a higher level of reliability of the applications being developed due to efficient and cost effective photography practices
- Consulting companies with certified staff can offer higher-level services to customers, increasing revenues and brand value
- Common language and understanding of photography throughout the organization to improve collaboration and working practices
- Access to the IPQB Partner Program
Educational institutions and consulting companies may become an IPQB Accredited Trainer Provider according to processes and rules defined at an international level, becoming accredited offers significant benefits:
- Reassurance and enhanced credibility with current and prospective customers
- A higher standard of training delivered through having:
- Certified trainers
- Content quality and syllabus coverage of training materials checked by an IPQB Member Board
- Advance notice of changes to the syllabi and IPQB Glossary
- Use of IPQB authorized logos and listing on the IPQB website
To continually improve and advance photography by:
Defining and maintaining a Body of Knowledge which allows photographers to be certified based on best practices, connecting the international photography community, and encouraging research.
We promote the value of photography to individuals and organizations.
We help photographers to be more efficient and effective in their work, through the certification of competencies.
We enable photographers to progress their career through a Code of Ethics and a multi-level certification pathway that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their growing responsibilities and to achieve increased professionalism.
We continually advance the Photography Body of Knowledge by drawing on the best available industry practices and the most innovative research, and we make this knowledge freely available to all.
We set the criteria for accrediting training providers, to ensure consistent delivery of the Body of Knowledge, world-wide.
We regulate the content and coverage of exam questions, the examination process, and the issuing of certifications by official examination bodies.
We are committed to expanding photography certifications around the world, by admitting member boards into the IPQB. These boards adhere to the constitution, bylaws, and processes defined by the IPQB, and participate in regular audits.
We nurture an open international community, committed to sharing knowledge, ideas, and innovations in photography.
We foster relationships with academia, government, media, professional associations and other interested parties.
We provide a reference point against which the effectiveness of photography services can be evaluated, by maintaining our prominence as a respected source of knowledge in photography.
- Integrity: We work together with honesty, transparency, and trust to serve the best interests of the photography community
- Diversity: We are inclusive, treat each other as equals, and value different perspectives and experiences
- Innovation: We inspire each other to share insight and embrace new ideas, and continuously evolve to deliver future value
- Passion: We are volunteers who believe in what we do and work with purpose and pride to advance the field of photography
- Quality: We strive to consistently offer a portfolio that is trusted as relevant and useful for current and future market needs
- International collaboration: We believe in the strength of global representation and commit to democratic decision making via a General Assembly of Member Boards