What photo do I need for registration?

Digital Photo Requirements

Important for CSCA Home-based Test Takers: Your submitted photo will be used for facial recognition and identity verification during the CSCA. Please ensure your photo meets all requirements. If your photo does not meet these requirements and causes identity verification to fail, preventing you from accessing the test or otherwise affecting your ability to take it, your test fee will not be refunded.

1. Photo Specifications

• A standard ID photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 33 mm wide × 48 mm high, with no head covering except for religious reasons and no obstruction of your face.
• JPG or JPEG format, with a file size of 40–200 KB.
• A clear color photo, with you centered, your face clearly visible, and your entire head shown.
• Head dimensions: approximately 15–22 mm wide and 28–33 mm from chin to top of head. Leave 3–5 mm above your head and at least 7 mm below your chin.
• A plain white background, with no border, shadows, or objects.

2. Pose and Appearance

• Face the camera with your head upright and a natural expression. Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera. Your ears, eyebrows, and facial features must be fully visible. Do not turn or tilt your head or look up or down.
• Do not wear hats, headscarves, headbands, sunglasses, or other items that interfere with facial recognition. Religious head coverings are permitted but must leave your face and its outline fully visible.
• Remove glasses if possible. If worn, they must leave your eyes and eyebrows clearly visible. Frames must not obscure your face; lenses must be untinted and free of glare.

3. Photo Quality

• Use a sharp, properly exposed photo with natural colors. Avoid blur, excessive contrast, and images that are too dark or too bright.
• Light your face and background evenly, without shadows, glare, or color casts.
• Do not use beauty filters or editing that changes your appearance.
• Do not submit screenshots, scans, photos of printed photos, or images cropped from casual, group, or other non-ID photos.
• No red-eye or other effects that interfere with identification.

4. Prohibited Images

• No casual photos, landscapes, artistic portraits, selfies, group photos, full-body photos, or images of anyone else.
• No AI-generated, face-swapped, or composite images, or photos that substantially alter your facial features.

Acceptable Photo Examples

Unacceptable Photo Examples