Why CIPP/E Certification is Essential for Privacy Professionals in 2024

The CIPP/E certification, offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), is designed to equip privacy professionals with the knowledge and expertise needed to address the challenges of data privacy in Europe.

In an era where data breaches and privacy concerns dominate headlines, organizations across the globe are increasingly seeking skilled professionals who can navigate the complex landscape of data protection regulations. In this blog we will explain what CIPP/E is and its benefits.

What is CIPP/E?

Data Privacy jobs report depicts demand for privacy pros at a record high level, all thanks to complex regulatory requirements and mass migration to cloud services.

Ever since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came online in the European Union in 2018, there has been an ongoing global march toward equivalent digital privacy legislation. A recruitment firm, TRU Staffing Partners has reported that the increasingly complex web of regulation, combined with mass movement to remote work as an after-effect of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a record increase in the demand for privacy professionals. The requirement has increased to the highest level in over ten years. Last year 30% of data privacy jobs increased, with predictions that similar things are expected to happen in the coming years. The popularity and the need has increased.

The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) is a prestigious certification exam that has gained global recognition, developed and offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Within the IAPP CIPP program, there are different certifications for various regions, including the United States (CIPP/US), Europe (CIPP/E), Asia (CIPP/A), and Canada (CIPP/C).

The comprehensive CIPP/E curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including Europe-wide General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local data protection laws. It delves into crucial subjects like data protection principles, international data transfers, the impact of the Schrems II decision, the historical background of European data protection law, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Unlike some other certifications, there are no prerequisites in terms of prior experience or educational qualifications to sit for the CIPP/E exam. However, to keep up with the evolving privacy landscape, the exam content is updated annually. Check out our blog for the updates and relevant news.

At the time of writing, the exam fee was set at $550. Successful candidates are required to pay a Certification Maintenance Fee of $250, which is payable every two years, unless they are active IAPP members, in which case the fee is already covered by their annual membership.

The CIPP/E exam offers flexibility in terms of administration. It can be taken online through Pearson VUE or in person at an authorized exam center. The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, and results are provided immediately upon completing the examination.

The benefits of a CIPP/E certification

A CIPP/E certification offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable investment worth pursuing:

• Demonstrates Comprehensive Understanding: The certification showcases your in-depth knowledge of European data protection law and practices.
• Expertise in Privacy Law: Employers, clients, and peers recognize you as a privacy law expert, capable of analyzing, interpreting, and implementing GDPR requirements effectively.
• Competitive Advantage: Holding the CIPP/E certification sets you apart from other job applicants, making you more appealing to employers. In 2019, a skilled individual applying for data privacy jobs could generally anticipate an organization to take about three to six weeks to review everything and commit to them after initially sending their resume. In 2021, the process nearly took one week only. Privacy pros usually have at least two proposals to choose from at any given time and are averaging three during the time they are job-seeking.
• A better pay: Data privacy jobs also cost considerably more to fill in this market. Privacy pros enjoyed an increase of 22% in salary, generally commanding around $20,000 to $30,000 more per year for the same posts. A similar rise is anticipated to happen again by next year.
• Commitment to Career Growth: For newcomers to the industry, the certification demonstrates your dedication to building a successful career in privacy law.
• Path to Data Protection Officer (DPO) Role: Pairing the CIPP/E certification with the Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) certification can open doors to a career as a Data Protection Officer.

We have written a blog post about the advantages here. In conclusion, earning a CIPP/E certification is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor that can significantly enhance your career prospects and professional standing in the field of privacy law.