The only way to obtain an OPS distinction is to submit an appropriate panel of images for assessment. However Fellowship (FOPS) applicants, who must have previously gained an Associateship or higher-level distinction (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized photographic institution, may provide evidence of such a distinction or qualification as an alternative to the Society's Associateship (AOPS) distinction. Supporting evidence is submitted via the appropriate fields of the on-line Distinction Application Form, and by attaching a scanned copy of the relevant certificate(s) to the application form (see the final field). The Society reserves the right to check such evidence with the relevant institution.