CEP Certification
History of CEP
Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) merged under the Alliance of Visual Artists (AVA) in 2007 with the purpose of bringing evidence photography out in a new light. As a non-profit association, AVA has been educating photographers for over 130 years through Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
This merging brought the attention of the Professional Photographic Certification Commission (PPCC), another division of AVA and the leading certifying agency for professional photographers. The PPCC saw that a certification was greatly needed in this high-stakes industry, and the Certified Evidence Photographer (CEP) program was developed.
All 17 creators of the CEP program were hand-picked as the leaders in evidence and forensic photography. Their positions include posts within the FBI, the Secret Service, heads of crime labs, educators and police officers, among others. For over a year, this team worked with a psychometrician to determine what the industry guidelines and standards should be for evidence photography, specifically for those who work with crime scenes.
The first CEP educational class and exam was held in January 2009.
How can Certification Help You?
Authority in the courtroom and the workplace: As with any field, professional credentials are important. They can often be the deciding factor in who gets an assignment and what is the correct way of completing an assignment. And will your word be accepted in a courtroom decision? Back up your photographs, decisions, and testimonies with certification—proving that you are an approved and tested evidence photographer.
Credibility and respect in the workplace and the industry: Nearly 71 % of certified professionals say that credentials give them more prestige among their colleagues. Salary Survey: Monitoring Your Net Worth, CertMag, 2005
Validation of achievement in an industry-valued skill: Evidence Photographer Certification is an opportunity for individuals to earn the credential that proves their competency in the ever-changing field of evidence photography. It is specifically developed for you, testing the skills and knowledge that are necessary for an expert evidence photographer.
Increased knowledge, leading to increased job satisfaction: Evidence photographers who want to be certified must meet the stringent requirements of the program and maintain a level of competence and professionalism that will serve as the international standard in the field. Meeting these requirements will increase your confidence personally and professionally.
What are the Attendees Saying?
Click to watch our Evidence Photographer Certification video.
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EPIC’s Evidence Photographer Certification sets guidelines and standards—needed in this ever-changing industry—and provides this information through instruction. This new certification is not just a piece of paper; it will become a part of your reputation, increasing others’ trust in your abilities.
This certification is unique for evidence photographers. Every test answer is fully referenced to at least one readily available textbook regarding forensic or general photography.
EPIC’s education and certification provides and refines the essential qualities needed in a professional evidence photographer, especially those involved with crime scenes. It is also backed by the Alliance of Visual Artists (AVA), which has successfully educated photographers for over 130 years through Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
“I believe it will be inevitable that all evidence photographers be certified. The Evidence Photographer Certification is striving to set the standard in this industry.”
Edward “Ted” Robinson
Professor of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University
Author of Crime Scene Photography, and
Evidence Photographer Certification Committee Member
"Best training I have ever had in my career. I learned more there than I ever have through other training! I now know f-stops, bracketing, and all the other practical knowledge needed to be a successful evidence photographer... I will shoot crime scenes in a completely different way, due to this education."
Chris Cardin
Fire Marshal
San Juan County Fire Department
"I wanted to reiterate how useful and enjoyable the training was ...I have brought a wealth of information back with me. My department is pleased."
Jacob Clark
Naval Activity
Crane, IN
"I loved this class! The instructor was a strong communicator with a wide range and depth of not only photographic knowledge, but also the law enforcement and forensic disciplines. His ability to teach complex and, at times, abstract material was inspiring."
Lori Ramsey
Evidence Technician
Purcellville, VA
