New Certification Program Aims To Set Experienced Drone Photographers Apart, Validate Competency

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) has begun to offer their members a new type of certification. The Certified Drone Photographer designation is a credential especially for photographers that want to set themselves apart within the highly competitive drone-photography market.

The Certified Drone Photographer program from PPA assures potential clients of a photographer's knowledge, experience and continuance to develop new skills and techniques as they relate to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or "drones". The certification is a declaration of professional competence and ability.

Photographers who earn this credential do so for three primary reasons. First, it gives them an edge in advertising their services, as certification promotes trust in the minds of clients and consumers. Second, it is a way to justify the price of services offered by the world’s top photographers. Finally, the peer validation step that is required to earn the certification signals to the photography world that you truly care about your craft.

"PPA is excited to bring the chance to become a Certified Drone Photographer credential to our 30,000 members," says Julia Boyd, CAE, Director of Certification at PPA. "As the world's largest non-profit photography association, PPA's mission is to create a vibrant community of successful professional photographers by providing education, resources and industry standards of excellence. We are eager to spread the power of Certification and continue to raise the bar in the photographic industry."

To be eligible for the program, photographers must meet certain requirements:

• PPA membership
• An FAA Section 333 Certificate OR Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
• Proof of General Liability Insurance
• UAS Registration Number
• Logbook summarizing 30 hours of Flight Time

Upon meeting these requirements, members can apply for the program, which includes a $75 fee. After each application is successfully processed, participants will schedule their Certified Drone Photographer exam, the final step in the certification process. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, costs $25, and a score of 80% or higher must be obtained to receive certification.

The Certification is valid for two years, after which time it will be necessary to recertify. Recertification can be completed by uploading a new FAA score or updated remote-pilot certificate.

(Source: PPA news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.ppa.com/dronecert