Certification process
The IAPP strives to ensure a fair, enriching and efficient certification process for all participants. Here you will find a breakdown of the process to certify for AIGP, CIPP (CIPP/A, CIPP/CN, CIPP/C, CIPP/E, or CIPP/US), CIPM and CIPT.
More information is available in the
1. Purchase an exam
The first step is to purchase the appropriate exam through the IAPP store. After you complete your purchase, your exam will populate under your account. After purchasing an exam, you have one year to schedule and complete the test.
2. Prepare for your exam
We recommend that you train and study for a minimum of 30 hours for each certification. IAPP training products, including classes, textbooks and study guides, can help you achieve your certification goals.
3. Schedule an exam
When you are ready to take your exam, click the “schedule” button next to your purchased exam, under the “Certifications” section of your MyIAPP account. Take the exam at your confirmed location and time. Computer-based testing results are generally provided immediately upon completion of the exam.
4. Activate your certification
After you pass the exam, you must take specific steps to activate and maintain your credentials. This includes paying a certification maintenance fee per two-year certification term and completing required continuing privacy education.
The IAPP understands the importance of fairness and will act impartially toward all certification applicants. We enforce our commitment to impartiality by continually monitoring processes to assure objectivity and by managing any apparent or perceived conflicts of interest.
Certification candidate handbook
We strongly encourage all potential test takers to read our certification candidate handbook before testing for details on our testing policies and procedures.