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IAPP · Governance, Risk & Privacy · Professional

IAPP CIPP/E exam guide

Exam CIPP/E

CIPP/E proves knowledge of European data protection law, centred on the GDPR: principles, lawful bases, data subject rights, international transfers, accountability and enforcement. It is the most recognised GDPR credential worldwide and the standard for DPO and privacy counsel roles handling EU data.

Questions90
Time limit150 minutes
Passing score300 (100-500 scaled score)
Exam fee$550 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or OnVUE online proctored

Format: Multiple choice, including scenario-based questions. Fee note: Same price for members and non-members; certification maintenance fee required to activate and every two years (included in IAPP membership).

Who it's for

Privacy professionals, DPOs, lawyers and compliance staff working with EU or UK personal data.

What the exam covers

I. Introduction to European Data Protection (7-13 questions)—
II. European Data Protection Law and Regulation (18-28 questions)—
III. European Data Processing (13-21 questions)—
IV. Scope and Accountability (8-18 questions)—
V. Compliance with European Data Protection Law and Regulation (8-16 questions)—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: IAPP CIPP/E training or the official textbook; practical GDPR exposure helps.

Keeping it active

Two-year cycle: 20 CPE credits and the certification maintenance fee ($250 for non-members; included in IAPP membership).

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Applying GDPR principles and lawful bases
  • Handling data subject rights requests
  • International data transfer mechanisms
  • Accountability: DPIAs, records, DPOs
  • Supervisory authority enforcement
  • Applying GDPR to marketing, employment and AI

Job roles

Data Protection OfficerPrivacy CounselPrivacy AnalystGDPR Compliance ManagerPrivacy ConsultantChief Privacy Officer

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

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IAPP CIPP/E

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: BoK v1.3.3 and the history and institutions of EU data protection.
  2. Week 2-3: GDPR core concepts, security and data subject rights (Domain II carries the most questions).
  3. Week 4: Processing principles, lawful bases and transfers.
  4. Week 5: Scope, accountability, enforcement and sector compliance including AI.
  5. Week 6: Official practice exam and mocks, then book.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Domain II (law and regulation) can be up to 28 questions; master data subject rights and timelines.
  • Know GDPR article numbers for key concepts; they help in scenario questions.
  • Expect questions on transfers after the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
  • The 2025 BoK added AI context to compliance topics.

Key terms for this exam

All 48 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does CIPP/E cost?

$550.

Is CIPP/E recognised outside the EU?

Yes, it is widely recognised for any role handling EU or UK data.

How many questions?

90 in 2.5 hours.

How do I renew?

20 CPEs and the maintenance fee every two years.

CIPP/E vs CIPP/US?

CIPP/E covers EU law; CIPP/US covers U.S. law. Choose by where your data subjects are.

Official page: iapp.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.