CAPA Judging Program General Information
As a photographic society, one of CAPA’s most important roles is to nurture and encourage photographers at all levels to increase their knowledge and expertise in the art. One way we do this is through our Judging Program.
To ensure that those entering CAPA competitions have their images evaluated by judges who have expertise in several genres of photography and are also trained in good judging techniques, CAPA offers a Judge Training and Certification Program.
Basic Training for New Judges (BTNJ) Course
Originally created in Western Canada, judging courses have evolved and grown to encompass new trends, technology and techniques. This continues today as CAPA is in the process of a major revision to judge training. This update will expand upon the current course, providing a more comprehensive experience and make access easier for people regardless of their geographic location. It will include both self-paced online and instructor-led learning. This course is open to anyone wishing to become a CAPA Certified Judge or just wanting to know more about how judging works.
The Director of the Judging Program is working closely with the Director of Education to develop this and other new training courses. In order to focus on this initiative, the judging course is on hold until the fall of 2025. Watch the CAPA monthly newsletter for updates.
Judge Certification Program
CAPA members who wish to continue their training to become a CAPA Certified Judge may apply to participate in the Judge Certification Program after completing the BTNJ course.
The purpose of the Judge Certification Program is to provide further training and experience for new judges.
The goal is to:
- create consistency in the judging process,
- ensure judges are familiar with and meet the CAPA Judging Standards,
- facilitate candidates achieving the distinction of CAPA Certified Judge, and
- create a pool of judges experienced in several genres of photography and trained in good judging techniques.
When a candidate has met the requirements of the program, they will be granted certification as a CAPA Certified Judge.
CAPA Certified Judges must undergo refresher training every five years in order to maintain their certification.
Monitoring Program
Another component of the Judging Program is Monitoring. The monitoring program is a means of maintaining the Judging Standards and to provide ongoing improvement to the Judging Program by observing the judging process as it applies to CAPA competitions. The program is carried out in cooperation with the Director of Competitions, and with the help of certified judges having extensive experience judging CAPA competitions.
If you have any questions please contact Bill Hall, Director of the Judging Program, at judgingdirector@capacanada.ca
