Are any photography qualifications worth getting for a career change in the UK?
Asked 7/16/2012
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I'm based near Derby, UK, and looking at part-time or distance-learning photography study. I'm not a complete beginner, so my main goal isn't basic skills training but gaining a recognised qualification that could help with a career change into photography. Are there any photography qualifications or certifications that are actually valued, especially in the UK, and are they worth pursuing compared with simply building skills and experience?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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In the UK, I would look at certification by BIPP (the British Institute of Professional Photography). Like other major national professional associations (PPA in the USA, PPoC in Canada), full membership is juried and contingent on both photographic competence and viable/ethical business practices. Training is available if you want it. Individual certifications in a genre are based on a juried body of work in that genre, and are not automatic by any means.
BIPP membership and certification will mean more to publications and permit authorities than to the general public, but the plaque on the wall, the sticker in the window, or the logo on the web site can also be a great differentiator if you're aiming for a higher-end clientele. There is usually a wealth of other benefits to the photographer as a member of one of these national bodies, like legal and insurance resources, breaks on rental fees, easy access to "pro only" services, as well as great networking opportunities.
Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2719
14y ago
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If your goal is a career change, a qualification can help, but it usually isn’t the main thing that gets you work. In photography, employers and clients tend to care most about the quality of your portfolio, your reliability, and—if you’ll be self-employed—your business and marketing skills.
In the UK, one option mentioned is BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography). Its membership/certification is based on judged work and professional standards, so it can carry weight within the industry and may help as a credibility signal, especially for higher-end clients. That said, it’s likely to mean more to industry people than to the general public.
A degree or course may still be worthwhile for structured learning, feedback, and networking, but it’s not a guaranteed route into paid work. Where you learn matters less than what you can produce and how well you can market yourself.
So: yes, some recognised certifications can be worth it, particularly professional-body accreditation, but for a career change your portfolio, contacts, and business skills will usually matter more than the qualification itself.
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