2025 CIPP/US Exam Update: Emphasis on State Privacy Laws and Global Compliance
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has announced updates to the CIPP/US Body of Knowledge (BoK 2.6.1) and the Exam Blueprint (2.5.0), which will take effect for all CIPP/US exams starting September 1, 2025. While the core structure of the certification remains familiar, the updates reflect ongoing shifts in the U.S. privacy landscape: particularly the proliferation of state privacy laws and increased global privacy obligations.
These changes align with a broader industry trend: privacy professionals today are expected to have both deep knowledge of U.S. state-specific regulations and a strong grasp of international compliance frameworks.
Changes to the Exam Blueprint: State Privacy Laws Take Center Stage
The Exam Blueprint outlines how many questions are allocated to each domain on the CIPP/US exam. In 2025, most domains retain a structure similar to previous years. However, one significant shift stands out:
State Privacy Laws: A Substantial Increase in Focus
In the 2024 version of the exam, questions relating to state privacy laws typically ranged from 9 to 15. Under the 2025 update, this number has been increased to 17 to 21 questions. This adjustment reflects the rapid growth of comprehensive privacy legislation at the state level and the increasing complexity these laws introduce for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Areas Candidates Should Be Familiar With Include:
- California:
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
- CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act)
- Delete Act
- California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
- Other State Privacy Laws:
- Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
- Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)
- Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR)
- Oregon and Montana Privacy Laws
- Health Data Regulations:
- Washington’s My Health, My Data Act
- Biometric and Facial Recognition Laws:
- Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
- AI Bias and Automated Decision-Making Regulations:
- New York City’s Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT) Law
- Colorado’s AI Discrimination Laws
Adjustments Across Other Exam Domains
While the expansion of state law content is the most notable change, there are smaller refinements to other areas of the exam:
- Workplace Privacy: Slight decrease in the number of questions.
- Limits on Data Collection and Use: Refined to focus more specifically on core legal principles.
- Government Access and Civil Litigation: Slight reduction in question volume to align with more targeted content.
Updates to the Body of Knowledge: Evolving Legal and Regulatory Priorities
The 2025 Body of Knowledge (BoK 2.6.1) introduces several meaningful updates that reflect the current realities of privacy law in the United States.
Expanded Legal Concepts and Enforcement Mechanisms
- Fiduciary Duty is newly highlighted as a legal consideration for privacy professionals, signaling increased attention to the ethical dimensions of data stewardship.
- Departments of Insurance are now explicitly referenced as regulatory bodies, acknowledging their growing role in privacy enforcement within the financial and insurance sectors.
Global Data Compliance and Corporate Restructuring
- The BoK now explicitly addresses cross-border compliance challenges, emphasizing the intersections between U.S. privacy laws and international frameworks such as:
- The European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
- Switzerland’s revised Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP)
- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures are called out as critical scenarios where privacy compliance must be considered, particularly regarding the transfer of personal data during corporate restructuring.
AI Governance and Risk Management in Focus
Privacy professionals are increasingly expected to understand the regulatory frameworks surrounding AI and algorithmic decision-making. The 2025 update reflects this by incorporating:
- References to the NAIC AI Governance Guidelines, particularly relevant for those working in insurance and financial services.
- The growing body of laws addressing AI transparency, fairness, and bias, which privacy professionals must now be prepared to navigate.
Preparation Tips for the 2025 CIPP/US Exam
Consider the following strategies to be prepared for your exam:
- Study from updated materials published after June 2025, specifically aligned to BoK 2.6.1 and Blueprint 2.5.0.
- Prioritize state privacy laws, particularly California’s evolving legal landscape and newly enacted laws in other key states.
- Understand international compliance mechanisms, focusing on how U.S.-based organizations manage data transfers and compliance obligations under frameworks like GDPR and FADP.
- Familiarize yourself with AI governance laws, especially those impacting hiring practices, insurance, and financial services.
- Utilize updated practice exams that reflect the exam’s increased emphasis on enforcement and state-specific regulations.
You can download the latest Body of Knowledge and Blueprint directly from the IAPP here: CIPP/US Official Exam Documents
Recommended Course for Exam Preparation
Our online CIPP/US training course is designed with the flexibility to accommodate your schedule. After enrollment, you receive lifetime access to our content, allowing you to study at your own pace. Whether balancing work or other commitments, our course structure supports focused, efficient learning.
What’s Included:
- Video content
- A summary of the official IAPP textbook
- Three full-length practice exams (90 questions each)
- Additional practice questions
- Practical exam strategies and study tips
You can explore our course through a free demo or by reviewing our CIPP/US practice questions.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CIPP/US updates show how privacy law in the United States keeps changing and becoming more complex. There is now more focus on state laws and global rules, showing that privacy professionals need to be confident when working with different legal systems. These updates are not just for the exam, they reflect what is really happening in privacy today.
For more guidance on preparing for the CIPP/US certification, read our comprehensive CIPP/US Study Guide.
