The OPS Licentiateship (LOPS) is the first level in the Society's distinction programme, and is available to anyone over the age of 18 years. Be sure to read and understand the requirements, application process and criteria before submitting an application. Detailed information on all the Society's distinctions may be found in The OPS Distinctions Handbook that can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed.

The Licentiateship is appropriate for photographers who have not previously obtained a photographic distinction, and typically allows competent and experienced workers to gain recognition for their work.The standards required are reasonably high but anyone with a good grasp of the technical and compositional aspects of photographic technique should find the distinction achievable. Photographers are expected to satisfy the assessors that the submitted images have been captured, processed and presented with an appropriate degree of involvement, care and attention to detail.

Applicants must have personally created all images submitted to the Society, and must hold the copyright of each and every image. Images of people must be supported by model release forms where these are necessary.