Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)

Choose based on your geographic focus and career goals:

• CIPP/E: If you work with European data or GDPR compliance
• CIPP/US: If you work with U.S. privacy laws and regulations
• CIPP/C: If you focus on Canadian privacy laws
• CIPP/A: If you work in or with Asian jurisdictions
• CIPM: If you manage privacy programs (often taken with a CIPP)
• CIPT: If you work in technology, engineering, or product development

Many professionals start with CIPP/E (for GDPR) or CIPP/US, then add CIPM for management skills. Those in global roles often pursue multiple CIPP specializations.

CIPP exams are considered challenging but manageable with proper preparation:

• Passing rate: Approximately 70-75% for first-time test takers
• Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult, depending on your background
• Preparation time: 60-100 hours recommended
• Key challenge: Memorizing specific legal articles, definitions, and jurisdictional nuances
• Exam style: Application-based questions (not just memorization)

The CIPP/E (GDPR) exam is particularly detailed due to the complexity of European data protection law. Success requires both understanding concepts and memorizing specific legal provisions.

Initial Certification Costs:

• IAPP Membership (optional but recommended): $275/year
• Exam fee (member): $550
• Exam fee (non-member): $650
• Study materials (textbook): $150-$200
• Practice questions: $100-$200
• Training (optional): $1,000-$4,000

Ongoing Costs (every 2 years):

• Maintenance fee: $250 every 2 years
• CPE credits: 40 credits required (some free, some paid)
• Continued IAPP membership: $275/year (recommended)

Typical total: $800-$5,000+ depending on study approach

CIPP certification is valid for 2 years and requires maintenance through:

• CPE Credits: Earn 20 credits per year (40 total per 2-year cycle)
• Maintenance Fee: Pay $250 every 2 years
• Ethics Requirement: Adhere to IAPP Code of Ethics

Ways to earn CPE credits:

• Continuing Education: Privacy courses, webinars, conferences
• Professional Activities: Speaking, writing, teaching about privacy
• Self-Study: Reading privacy publications, research
• IAPP Events: Global Privacy Summit, KnowledgeNets, web conferences
• Other Activities: Volunteering, serving on privacy committees

Most professionals maintain certification through a combination of IAPP webinars, conferences, and continuing education activities.

Absolutely! CIPP certification is valuable for professionals from diverse backgrounds:

• IT & Security Professionals: Understand legal requirements for technical implementations
• Compliance Officers: Gain specialized privacy knowledge beyond general compliance
• HR Professionals: Manage employee data privacy effectively
• Marketing Professionals: Navigate privacy laws in digital marketing
• Consultants & Auditors: Credibility when advising clients on privacy
• Product Managers: Build privacy into products and services

The CIPP curriculum is designed to be accessible to non-lawyers while providing the legal knowledge needed for practical application. Many successful CIPP holders come from technical, business, or compliance backgrounds rather than legal backgrounds.

Yes, many professionals hold multiple CIPP certifications, especially those working in global roles:

• Common combinations: CIPP/E + CIPM (European focus with management skills)
• Global privacy professionals: CIPP/E + CIPP/US + CIPP/A (multi-jurisdictional coverage)
• Complete privacy expertise: CIPP + CIPM + CIPT (laws + management + technology)
• Maintenance: Each certification has its own 2-year cycle and CPE requirements
• Fellow designation: Holding 3 IAPP certifications qualifies for Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP)

For global companies, holding multiple CIPP specializations demonstrates expertise across different regulatory regimes. The IAPP offers bundle discounts for those pursuing multiple certifications.