Successful applicants get an electronic certificate acknowledging their success and the satisfaction of knowing that they have achieved a particular standard of work. However, the most significant advantage of the Award and Distinctions programme is that it encourages photographers to strive for higher standards of excellence and develop their photographic skills. The award of a Certificate of Merit does not incorporate the right to use any letters after the photographer's name. However, applicants who are successful at Licentiaship, Associateship or Fellowship level may use the appropriate letters (LOPS, AOPS or FOPS respectively) after their names for the rest of their lives without paying annual subscriptions or additional fees.