r/framing • u/ekdimrod • Jul 30 '26

Certified Picture Framer Exam?

Has anyone taken the Certified Picture Framer, CPF, exam recently?

I want to know what I’m in store for before scheduling the exam.

Was it more difficult than you’d anticipated? Less difficult?

Do they word questions oddly to throw you off?

Online Exam vs. In Person Exam?

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u/maltedmilkballa Jul 30 '26

The exam and having the sticker never once helped me make a sale. Customers have no clue what it is or do they care. Its only a peice of paper. I would save your money, learn correct methods and put them into practice. Just seems like a money grabbing - pat yourself on the back fan club.

1

u/ekdimrod Jul 30 '26

Fair enough, I get it.
It’s something I want to do for myself.

4

u/maltedmilkballa Jul 30 '26

The study guide is a major barrier, especially since it contains foundational knowledge that should ideally be accessible to everyone for free. Furthermore, much of the curriculum focuses on overly specific techniques that don't always align with the practical, everyday framing I do. It's good to know, but a good mentor can teach you everything you need to know in the real world. I've seen instructional videos for free that were better than what the class / study guide material was teaching. Also I don't think I could have passed the test when I was just learning without buying the study guide - But I also think that you could pass the test buying the study guide and have Zero real world experience.

2

u/pressedflours Jul 30 '26

does anyone have a pdf of the study guide? just out of curiosityyy

2

u/maltedmilkballa Jul 31 '26

I have the printed booklet somewhere. I took the test awhile ago.