CIPP/E Practice Exam Questions (Sample Questions) – 2024
Practice questions are indispensable for good exam preparation. Below you will find thirty IAPP style CIPP/E practice questions including two scenario questions. At the very bottom of the page you can download these questions in PDF.
The sample questions are part of our CIPP/E online training course. Our courses contain more than 300 of these practice questions. Our courses also include an up to date and detailed textbook outline and various training videos. This combination ensures optimum preparation for the exam and a high chance of excelling at your first try. More information can be found at CIPPTraining.com or start immediately and register with the button below.
Question 1
Answer
Question 1
The first rules to balance personal freedom with restrictions of rights are found in…
A. The Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Treaty of Lisbon
B. The European data protection package
C. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
D. The OECD guidelines
Answer
Answer: C. A first point of departure was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations in 1948. A second point of reference is the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) from 1953. Both treaties recognize the balance between freedoms and rights of persons and the justified restriction of these rights.
Question 2
Answer
Question 2
(What is the BEST answer?) A controller…
A. Follows the instructions of the processor
B. Processes the data and ensures the regulations are followed
C. Determines the status of parties that process personal data
D. Determines for what purposes personal data is processed
Answer
Answer: D. A controller is the natural or legal person, the government agency, the office of another authority that alone or together with others determines the purpose and the means for the processing of the data.
Question 3
Answer
Question 3
In Convention 108 and Article 5 of the GDPR, it’s set that in order to process data legally, it must be ___________, which means that the subjects must be aware that their personal data is used.
A. lawful
B. fair
C. with consent
D. transparent
Answer
Answer: B. The fundamental principles from Convention 108 and the directive are reflected in Articles 5 and 6 of the GDPR. It states the processing must be fair. This means that the data subject must be aware that his or her data is processed and used. Only in that case can a well-considered judgment be given.
Question 4
Answer
Question 4
Data subjects have the right to freeze their data if they requested erasure. This falls under…
A. Article 15 – right of access
B. Article 16 – right to rectification
C. Article 17 – right to erasure
D. Article 18 – right to restriction of processing
Answer
Answer: D. Article 18: Right to restriction of processing. This right concerns temporary freezing of data. Data subjects have the right to restrict the processing of their personal data when verifying overriding grounds is pending in the context of an erasure request.
Question 5
Answer
Question 5
The three mechanisms under which personal data can be transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are…
A. public authority, appropriate safeguards, and specific situations
B. public authority, adequate findings, and special categories
C. scope, adequate findings, and appropriate safeguards
D. adequate findings, appropriate safeguards, and under specific derogations
Answer
Answer: D. Transfer of personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA) can legally take place in three ways (Articles 44-50), namely on the basis of: 1. ‘Adequacy findings’- Article 45; 2. ‘Appropriate safeguards’- Article 46; 3. ‘Derogation for specific situations’- Article 49.
Question 6
Answer
Question 6
Is location data a form of personal data?
A. No, because a person can’t be identified using it
B. No, because it’s not private information
C. Yes, because a person can be identified using it
D. Yes, because it’s private information
Answer
Answer: C. Location-based services (LBS) utilize information about location to deliver a wide array of applications and services (entertainment, navigation, payment). Location data are included in the definition of personal data. They can lead to the identification of a person.
Question 7
Answer
Question 7
The ePrivacy Regulation was changed in 2009. What was the biggest change?
A. The inclusion of all electronic devices
B. Ensuring consistency with the GDPR
C. Users have to consent to cookies
D. Simplification of the rules..
Answer
Answer: C. The ePrivacy directive was amended in 2009. The most important change has to do with cookies. Article 5 paragraph 3 stipulates that the storage of information in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only permitted on the condition that the user concerned has given his consent.
Question 8
Answer
Question 8
A surveying agency has the name of a person and their political opinions. What kind of data is the latter?
A. Anonymous information
B. Non-personal data
C. Personal data
D. Sensitive data
Answer
Answer: D. The regulation stipulates that some types of personal data require additional protection. The processing of these sensitive data can lead to a significant risk for individual fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, and religious or philosophical belief.
Question 9
Answer
Question 9
Which of the following is NOT the scope of the GDPR?
A. Organizations not based in Europe
B. Not-for-profit organizations
C. Households
D. Healthcare institutions
Answer
Answer: C. The material scope is laid down in Article 2. The scope is negatively defined by exceptions to households, the LEDP, and foreign and security policy of the EU and the EU institutions.
Use the following scenario to answer questions 10-14.
One Case, One Phone (OCOP) is a company that sells customizable cases for cellphones. They are based in Germany and have two physical shops, one in Berlin and one in Stuttgart. However, most of their profits come from their online shop. The website uses cookies for better performance and they collect data from customers worldwide.They have grown and can’t keep up with the orders in their small workshop in Germany. Because of this, OCOP has contacted a Japanese factory that would be able to build the cases and then send them to the customers. To do that, they need to know the customer’s name as well as their phone model. They wouldn’t require any other data, such as credit card numbers, nationalities, or age. This data would only be stored in the German database.
OCOP has investigated the Japanese factory and has found they have never had a data breach, although they don’t follow all the principles of the GDPR.
In November 2020, the Japanese factory had to deal with a major data breach. The data of at least 500 Germans and Swiss were lost. Furthermore, data of Brazilians has also been lost.
Question 10
Answer
Question 10
Is OCOP allowed to transfer the customer’s name and the phone model to a factory in another country? What is the BEST answer?
A. Yes, since it follows the principle of necessity.
B. Yes, in principle, but a distinction must be made between countries.
C. No, data can never be transferred internationally.
D. No, data can only be transferred internationally for medical or security reasons.
Answer
Answer: B. One of the GDPR’s objectives is to let information flow freely between states that commit to the principles of data protection. The GDPR contains various core concepts. “Necessity” is one of the core concepts. For the data processing and transfer to be lawful, the processing must be necessary. Special attention should be paid to the transfer of personal data to third countries.
Question 11
Answer
Question 11
Is OCOP allowed to transfer the data to the Japanese factory?
A. Yes, because they offer an adequate level of protection
B. No, because they don’t offer an adequate level of protection
C. Yes, because it follows the principle of necessity
D. No, because it doesn’t follow the principle of necessity
Answer
Answer: A. Adequacy is another concept. For example, the directive prohibits international data transfers to jurisdictions that do not offer an adequate level of protection. Japan ensures an ‘adequate level of protection’ as determined by the Commission (Article 45).
Question 12
Answer
Question 12
Regarding the cookies, is it allowed (privacy compliant) to use them?
A. Yes, they can use them as long as they are necessary for efficiency
B. Yes, but only if they give detailed information about them to the customers
C. Yes, but only if they give detailed information about them to the customers, as well as their consent
D. Yes, but only if they give detailed information about them to the customers, as well as their consent, and there is an option to visit the website without using them
Answer
Answer: C. In the ePrivacy Directive, Article 5 paragraph 3 stipulates that the storage of information in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only permitted on condition that the user concerned has given his consent. For this, it must first be provided with clear and complete information.
Question 13
Answer
Question 13
The Japanese factory tells OCOP they want to have the customer’s age as well. They argue this will allow for a more targeted design, as well as less confusion with orders. Can OCOP send them this information? What is the BEST answer?
A. Yes, since it follows or principles on the GDPR
B. Yes, they can transfer any data as long as it’s safe
C. No, because it doesn’t follow the principle of necessity
D. No, because it doesn’t follow the principle of adequacy
Answer
Answer: C. The GDPR contains various core concepts. “Necessity” is one of the core concepts. For the data processing to be lawful, the processing must be necessary. Producing and sending the case wouldn’t require customer age. To avoid confusion, order numbers could also be used instead of age.
Question 14
Answer
Question 14
OCOP wants to review online privacy rights to make sure they are following them appropriately. What should they consult?
A. Convention 108
B. Data Protection Directive
C. Data Retention Directive
D. The ePrivacy Directive
Answer
Answer: D. They should include the ePrivacy Directive regarding cookies and the GDPR. Convention 108 and the Data Protection Directive are outdated. The Data Retention Directive is ruled invalid.
Question 15
Answer
Question 15
The principles for data processing are stated in…
A. Article 5 of the GDPR
B. Article 6 of the GDPR
C. Article 5 of Convention 108
D. Article 6 of Convention 108+
Answer
Answer: A. The fundamental principles from Convention 108 and the former directive are reflected in Articles 5 and 6 of the GDPR. It sets out the principles for processing (Article 5) and the legal grounds for processing (Article 6).
Question 16
Answer
Question 16
A company asks users for their addresses in order to send a package they have ordered. Does this follow the principle of “necessity”?
A. Yes, it’s considered a contract performance
B. Yes, it’s considered a legitimate interest
C. Yes, it’s considered a vital interest
D. Yes, it’s considered a legal obligation
Answer
Answer: A. Contract performance: processing is necessary for the performance of a contract. For example, personal data is required for delivery of a product or service. Processing must be unavoidable in order to complete the contract.
Question 17
Answer
Question 17
As of today, which of the following rights has an unclear scope?
A. The right of access
B. The right to not be subjected to profiling
C. The right to data portability
D. The right of transparent communication and information
Answer
Answer: B. Article 22: Right to not be subjected to automated decision making (to profiling). The scope and application of this right is not yet entirely clear. In the coming years it will become clear what exactly this right entails.
Question 18
Answer
Question 18
The controller’s relationships with processors and sub-processors is part of…
A. Liabilities
B. Representative actions
C. Self-regulation
D. Code of Conduct
Answer
Answer: C. Accountability, as described in Chapter 11. A few components in the context of self-regulation include: the focus on demonstrable proof of compliance, controllers’ relationships with processors and sub-processors, notification of personal data breaches to the DPAs and subjects, and the execution of DPIAs.
Question 19
Answer
Question 19
When a company processes an employee data to pay their salary, they will do the process on the basis of…
A. Consent
B. Employee’s legitimate interest
C. Fulfilling the employee’s contract
D. Legal obligation of the employee
Answer
Answer: C. Processing is necessary to fulfill the employment contract; for example, to pay the employee, the employer must process the employee’s name and bank details.
Question 20
Answer
Question 20
Identifying the handwriting of an individual can be considered as…
A. Communications data
B. Video surveillance
C. Biometric data
D. Personal data
Answer
Answer: D. This is not so much about physical properties (biometric data), but the handwriting can uniquely identify a person.
Question 21
Answer
Question 21
Can there be personal data in the Internet of Things?
A. Yes, and it will all be public.
B. Yes, and some will not be public
C. No, because since it’s public it’s not personal data anymore
D. No, it’s about things not persons and personal data
Answer
Answer: B. Many devices connected to the internet of things (IoT) have sensors with which they can collect information about their environment. This may be personal data. The requirement for personal data sent via these IoT networks is a challenge.
Question 22
Answer
Question 22
Which of the following are recognized routes for data transfer outside the EEA?
A. BCRs
B. Alternative contractual mechanisms
C. Standard contractual clauses
D. All the above
Answer
Answer: D. The transfer of personal data outside the EEA is only allowed under certain conditions. The most common routes are BCRs, standard contractual clauses, and alternative contractual mechanisms.
Question 23
Answer
Question 23
What is considered sensitive data?
A. Any personal data
B. Any data that risks the rights or freedom of an individual
C. Data that involves a large amount of people
D. Data that is stored without the data subject’s specific consent
Answer
Answer: B. Sensitive data sharing is considered the revealing of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.
Question 24
Answer
Question 24
Are EU agencies covered by the GDPR?
A. Yes, always
B. Only in the case of sensitive data
C. Only if it involves more than one Member State
D. No, never
Answer
Answer: D. The EU institutions, bodies and agencies are not covered by the GDPR (which falls under Regulation 45/2001/C).
Question 25
Answer
Question 25
Do companies have to report data processing to the DPA?
A. Yes, all of them
B. Only if they deal with sensitive data
C. No, but they must keep records of data processing
D. No, but they must keep records of sensitive data
Answer
Answer: C. Under the directive, companies had to report their processing to the DPA. This operation was cumbersome and has therefore been abolished. Instead of a notification, records must be kept of all processing operations. This register with records must be made available to a DPA upon request.
Use the following scenario to answer questions 26-30.
Door to Door is a delivery agency. They have close partnerships with several European small manufacturing businesses and deliver delicate crafts to customers.
When one of the manufacturing businesses receives an order, they transfer the data of the type of product and the client’s name, address, and phone number to Door to Door. The agency then passes that information on to one of their employees, who will start the delivery. The employee calls the customers to arrange a smooth delivery.
The customers are not informed about the involvement of Door to Door, and as far as they know, the personal information they provide only goes to the small business they made the purchase from. However, each of the businesses does inform the clients that their data is used for the delivery.
Question 26
Answer
Question 26
Delivery information is automatically shared with Door to Door. Should the manufacturing business inform clients that this kind of information will be shared?
A. No, it’s enough if they communicate who the controllers are
B. No, but they should outline for which purposes the data is shared
C. Yes, it’s mandatory to provide the categories of recipients
D. That depends on how they share data
Answer
Answer: C. Article 13(1) states the information obligations to data subjects. It requires the provision of a mandatory set of information. That information includes the identity of the controller, the contact details of the DPO, the purposes and legal basis of processing and the categories of recipients.
Question 27
Answer
Question 27
Should Door to Door inform clients about the personal information it received? What is the BEST answer?
A. Yes, because it’s necessary to carry out their purchase and delivery
B. Yes, and it would be under any circumstance
C. Yes, the information obligation also applies if the information does not come directly from the customer
D. No, Door to Door is not the controller
Answer
Answer: D. Door to Door is not a controller and the client does not have to inform itself. In addition, the data is necessary to execute the agreement. That obligation rests on the manufacturing businesses (Article 13 and 14).
Question 28
Answer
Question 28
After ordering, a client requests not to have his telephone number shared with anyone. What would be the most appropriate response?
A. This request comes too late
B. The business should offer to delete all the data
C. The business is not under an obligation to do anything
D. The business should try to honor the request as much as possible
Answer
Answer: D. Data subjects have several rights like the right to be forgotten, the right to restrict the processing of their data and the right to object. The manufacturing business can best find out why this request has been made and act accordingly.
Question 29
Answer
Question 29
Door to Door wants to use the data from the clients to offer a personalized app with the business they buy more frequently from. Should the clients be informed?
A. No, because it benefits the client
B. No, because they have already agreed to share their data for this purpose
C. Yes, they should receive the information
D. Yes, they should give specific (informed) consent
Answer
Answer: D. The intended use of the data is a use different than what was originally intended. Moreover, the clients did not provide their data to Door to Door but to the manufacturing businesses.
Question 30
Answer
Question 30
One of the businesses provides comprehensive information about data subject’s rights. They use precise language from the specific field of law. Is it mandatory to do this?
A. Yes, the information should always be in legal terminology so it can be specific
B. No, they should use common language
C. The use of legal language is adequate, but the information provided should not be too comprehensive
D. It’s not mandatory, but it’s not wrong either
Answer
Answer: B. If information is provided, in whatever form, controllers must ensure that it is clear, concise, and easy to understand in simple, unambiguous, and direct language. Information should be provided in a language that the data subjects are most likely to understand.
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Training overview
The CIPP is the global industry standard for professionals entering and working in the field of privacy. Achieving a CIPP/E credential demonstrates understanding of a principles-based framework and knowledge base in information privacy within the European context, including critical topics like the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and GDPR (including mandatory DPOs).
You’ll be recognized as part of an elite group of knowledgeable, capable and dedicated privacy and data protection practitioners. Holding a CIPP/E designation elevates your leadership profile among your colleagues. The CIPP/E is a key benchmark among top employers for hiring and promoting privacy professionals.
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- Introduction to European Data Protection
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