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Exam Information
Official specifications published by IAPP
Exam Format
150 min
300
Professional
Registration
$550 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
Earn 20 CPE credits every 2 years; Pay certification maintenance fee; Maintain active IAPP membership (waives fee)
CIPP-E Exam Topics and Domains
CIPP-E is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with EDPB guidelines, Convention 108, Convention 108+, OECD Guidelines, and more.
1
Introduction to European Data Protection
10-17%
Origins and historical context of European data protection laws
Historical rationale for data protectionHarmonized European approach
- Know the historical rationale for data protection
- Know relevant human rights laws and early data protection laws
- Understand how the need for a harmonized European approach developed
Roles and functions of significant European Union institutions
EU Institutions
Know the roles and functions of the European Union institutions
Legislative framework underpinning European data protection
Early data protection legislationCurrent significant legislation
- Understand early pieces of data protection legislation
- Understand the main principles and goals of significant data protection legislation
2
European Data Protection Law and Regulation
24-37%
Basic GDPR data protection concepts
Data categories and typesKey roles and principles
- Know the concepts of personal data, sensitive personal data, and special categories
- Understand pseudonymous and anonymous data
- Know key principles of lawful processing
- Know concepts of controller and processor
- Understand concept of data subject
Requirements for maintaining security of personal data
Technical and organizational measuresBreach notification and vendor management
- Understand appropriate technical and organizational measures
- Know breach notification requirements
- Understand principles of vendor management
- Know principles of sharing data with third parties
Data subjects' rights
Access and control rightsConsent and automated processing
- Understand all data subject rights
- Understand consent requirements
- Understand automated decision-making rights
- Know restrictions on data subjects' rights
3
European Data Processing
17-28%
Principles of European data processing
Core processing principles
Understand all data processing principles
Lawful processing basis
Legal bases for processingSpecial categories processing
- Understand all lawful processing bases
- Understand processing of special categories
Information provision obligations
Transparency and privacy notices
- Understand transparency principle
- Know key components of privacy notices
- Understand purpose of layered notices
International data transfers
Transfer mechanismsAdditional transfer tools
- Understand rationale for prohibiting transfers
- Know concept of adequate jurisdiction
- Understand transfer mechanisms
- Understand role of derogations and TIAs
4
European Data Protection: Scope and Accountability
11-24%
Territorial and material scope of GDPR
GDPR scope
- Understand establishment concepts
- Understand GDPR's scope and exemptions
Accountability requirements under GDPR
Controller and processor obligationsCompliance tools
- Understand accountability requirements
- Understand importance of documentation
- Understand role of DPIAs
- Understand mandatory DPO requirements
- Understand auditing role
European data protection supervision and enforcement
Supervisory structure
- Understand roles of EDPB and EDPS
- Understand supervisory authority powers
- Understand lead authority concept
Consequences for GDPR violations
Enforcement and penalties
- Know procedures and fines for violations
- Understand class action conditions
- Understand compensation requirements
5
Compliance with European Data Protection Law and Regulation
11-21%
Workplace data protection compliance
Employee data processingWorkplace programs
- Know legal basis for processing employee data
- Understand workplace monitoring risks
- Understand BYOD pros and cons
- Understand Works Councils and whistleblowing
Surveillance activities compliance
Surveillance technologies
- Understand surveillance compliance issues
- Understand interception laws
- Understand technology-specific requirements
Direct marketing compliance
Marketing activities
- Understand marketing compliance requirements
- Understand behavioral targeting issues
Internet technology and communications compliance
Digital technologies
- Understand cloud computing issues
- Understand cookie compliance
- Understand social media and dark patterns
- Understand SEM compliance
- Understand AI ethical and compliance issues
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CIPP-E earns the CIPP/E certification. It sits in the Privacy Professional track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- FIP - Fellow of Information Privacy
- PLS - Privacy Law Specialist
Alternative Paths
- AIGP - Artificial Intelligence Governance ProfessionalEmerging AI governance requirements in Europe
- CDPO/FR - Certified Data Protection Officer/France French-specific DPO requirements
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CIPP-E is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-09-01
- Announcement date: 2025-06-01
Updates
- Artificial Intelligence EU AI Act New content added to Domain V.D • Release date: 2024-12-06
- Facial Recognition Guidelines 05/2022 Added to surveillance compliance topics • Release date: 2022-05-01
- Dark Patterns Guidelines 3/2022 Included in social media compliance • Release date: 2022-03-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Privacy professionals and Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
- 2-3 years of privacy experience
- Understanding of European privacy laws
- Familiarity with GDPR
- IAPP training course recommended