I will agree to a point on some of the comments made here (although I dont like the Lyndsay bashing). I for one believe that the "societies" are a waste of time, and a pure money making scheme for the owner.
However, I do believe that the real organisations like the BIPP and RPS are worth being a member of and judge fairly. Now I know you are going to think that because I have the ABIPP and ARPS that I am biased, but I assure you I am not. I got the ARPS automatically because I passed the ABIPP, but I know that the RPS do judge quite harshly at that level within the RPS.
I do beleive that they are a good measure of "some" aspects of photography. For example, I believe myself to be a compitetent photographer able to deliver professional results as required by my briefs, but I failed the assessment for a fellowship... twice.
This is something that I am happy about, because the feedback from the assessors made sense, and highlighted some things which I genuinely agree with (and I need to improve on). Now, I happen to be good at taking criticism and feedback, which I know some people arent (which can lead to some hate for the qualifications when they fail)...
However, there are some things which simply cannot be assessed in such a black and white manner... art in itself is subjective, and just because one person doesnt like (or doesnt understand) the subject matter does not mean that the person isnt capable of producing the results.
I have also seen photographers gain the same accreditations as me and I dont really understand why as they dont seem to be anything special, but then I am not a landscape, wedding or architectural photographer so I have no right to judge others without being qualified or experienced enough to do so...
I agree that some awards (like best photograph in local parish photo competition) shouldnt be banded around like a badge of professionalism, but thats down to the individual and they have every right to do so, whether I like it or not.
Me? Well, I am comfortable listing myself as an award winning photographer, as I feel I have earned the right. You may or may not agree, but then thats your parogotive as an individual... I just dont have to agree with it