The FIAP awards are achieved by having a certain number of prints, slides and/or digitally projected images accepted in International Photographic Salons that enjoy FIAP patronage.

Details of the FIAP organisation can be found on the website here.

A calendar of all salons with FIAP patronage, including all necessary details for entries, can be found here.

There are seven distinctions for photographic merit:

AFIAP (Artiste FIAP),
EFIAP (Excellence FIAP),
EFIAP/b (EFIAP Bronze), EFIAP/s (EFIAP Silver), EFIAP/g (EFIAP Gold), EFIAP/p (EFIAP Platinum), MFIAP (Master Photographer FIAP).

• To have gained at least 75 points over a period of time not less than 60 months (no upper time limit)
  Points for acceptances:
  slides - 1 point
  prints - 2 points
  digitally projected - 2 points
  
  
• At least 2 awards.
  'Award' is taken to mean medal, commendation, diploma, honourable mention, prize etc.
  
  
• At least 20% of the acceptances should have been gained outside the UK. There is no upper limit.
  
  
• Acceptances must include at least 10 different prints or digitally projected images or 20 slides. If the entries are mixed then the numbers should be based on their respective ratios.
  The same image, produced as a print, slide and/or digital file, counts as only one discrete work.
  
  
• Submission of a portfolio of copies of at least 5, but not more than 10, images selected from the acceptances and preferably including the award-winning pictures.
  Maximum print size is 30cms by 40 cms (please note that A3 inkjet prints should be trimmed to the maximum size).
  The prints should be unmounted except in the case of smaller prints which should be mounted on very thin card size 30cms x 40cms.
  Slides should be either originals or excellent copies and preferably in glassless mounts. Trade processed prints of the slide are acceptable.
  This portfolio will be retained by FIAP.
  Digital files on cd are not acceptable.
  
  
• Visual evidence of non-portfolio acceptances will be required ............ for prints and digitally projected images, small proof-prints or slides are acceptable.
  Slides can be the originals or copies.
  This material will be returned if so required.
  Digital files on cd are not acceptable.
  
  
• Donation to the PAGB of 3 or more images selected from the acceptances and preferably including the award-winning pictures (they can be duplicates of those sent in the FIAP submission portfolio).
  Slides can be originals or excellent copies.
  These images will be included in the 'bank' from which the PAGB will select entries for the various FIAP events.
  
  
• Applications can only be made by members of clubs and societies affiliated, through their regional federations, to the PAGB, The Scottish Photographic Federation or the Welsh Photographic Federation (All three are independent members of FIAP).............. for contact details of their liaison officers link to FIAP on the PAGB website here.

• Applications can only be made through the appropriate Federation Liaison Officer
  
  
• The PAGB closing date for applications is 31st December and submissions will be accepted during November and December.
  The closing date for applicants from the SPF is 1st December.
  
  
• Present cost (June 2005) is £56 application fee, plus £36 for the mandatory FIAP Photographer's Card, making a total of £92. Both of these charges are only incurred once for the lifetime distinction.
  

• Keep all your acceptance certificates and catalogues as details from these will be needed when filling in the application forms.
  
  
• Keep a record of all acceptances in national and international salons whether FIAP or otherwise. Details of these are also required when filling in the form.
  
  
• FIAP salon numbers, dating back for a considerable time, may be found on the FIAP website.... here
  
  
• Digital files on cd are not acceptable either as portfolio images or as visual evidence. Prints or slides from them will be required.
  
  
• It is advisable to send more than the minimum of 5 works for the portfolio in case one or more should be rejected for some reason.
  
  
• If you wish to progress to the next stage, ie., EFIAP, your three-year minimum qualifying period begins on the 1st of January following your submission for AFIAP.
  
  
• Applicants for EFIAP should have gained acceptances in at least 5 different countries during the combined AFIAP and EFIAP years. England, Scotland and Wales, as independent members of FIAP, count as separate countries.