Benefits of the CIPM Certification for your privacy career

Develop the skills required to implement and maintain a compliant data protection programme throughout the entire privacy operational lifecycle with the Certified Information Privacy Manager from IAPP delivered by Freevacy.

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The most effective data protection practitioners are those who understand how to translate legal requirements into the policies and procedures that organisations require to create workable everyday practices. While these individuals often look as if they were born with such skills, the reality is that they are developed over time through education combined with experience gained through practice and hard work.

In this context, the IAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) is one of the best industry-recognised workplace qualifications for those already trained in data protection law and are looking to advance their practical implementation skills. The course focuses on the knowledge and tools required to effectively manage data protection compliance operations by bridging the gap between legal requirements and real-world applications.

The CIPM is the ideal companion to the IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe (CIPP/E), the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection or any equivalent qualification in data protection law.

Together, they cover all the practical areas required to fulfil the role of a Data Protection Officer under the UK or EU General Data Protection Regulation, as well as those of the Chief Privacy Officer and other senior Governance, Risk and Compliance roles.

How Many Areas Does CIPM Cover?

The CIPM consists of six different areas (domains) that require attendees to evaluate the management of data protection processes throughout the entire privacy operational lifecycle.

What's included in the CIPM?

The topics covered will enable award holders to:

Domain 1 - Privacy programme framework:

• Implement a privacy framework that clearly defines the programme's scope and aligns with strategic objectives,
• Communicate the core aims of the privacy programme to senior executives, frontline staff, and other stakeholders.

Domain 2 - Privacy programme governance:

• Establish an organisational model and reporting structure,
• Define clear data protection governance policies and processes, including data-sharing practices,
• Implement personal data breach management plans and complaint-handling procedures,
• Clarify roles and responsibilities for personal data breach response; and data sharing and disclosure,
• Set up privacy metrics in order to monitor progress and ensure accountability across multiple legal jurisdictions,
• Conduct training and privacy culture awareness campaigns.

Domain 3 - Data flows:

• Assess and document data governance systems, including how to conduct a gap analysis and map;
• Data inventories,
• Data flows,
• Data lifecycle,
• Systems integrations,
• Evaluate processors and third-party vendors to confirm adherence to data protection contractual requirements,
• Monitor physical and environmental controls to ensure data is protected from unauthorised access,
• Check technical controls to identify whether vulnerabilities in the data infrastructure can be exploited.

Domain 4 - Protecting personal data:

• Apply information security best practices, policies, controls and measures to mitigate risk,
• Integrate privacy-by-design and data minimisation principles,
• Collaborate with technical teams during the implementation of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs).

Domain 5 - Privacy programme maturity:

• Implement metrics to measure privacy programme performance, maturity and the reduction in privacy events, particularly when evaluating cultural awareness initiatives,
• Identify gaps and take corrective measures to maintain ongoing data protection compliance through continuous assessments, including;
• Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs),
• Transfer Impact Assessments (TIAs),
• Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs).

Domain 6 - Incident response, complaints & accountability:

• Consider the importance of transparency and accountability in upholding information rights,
• Understand the need for and how to implement robust security incident response handling procedures.

How long does it take to complete CIPM?

The IAPP recommends a minimum of 30 hours of self-study to prepare for the CIPM exam. While we agree with this guidance, it's important to recognise that different people have varying baseline levels of knowledge. Therefore, we encourage course participants to focus on developing a thorough understanding of the subject matter by studying the CIPM textbook and body of knowledge (syllabus), however long it takes.

Is it hard to pass the CIPM?

Short answer: Yes. The CIPM, like all IAPP exams, is designed to be challenging. That said, any exam question will appear hard if you don't know the answer. The key to passing the CIPM exam is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and prepare well. Don't rush to book an exam date until you are confident that you are ready. Make sure to utilise the sample questions included in the course participant guide, as well as the full practice exam provided by the IAPP. This level of preparation will put you in the best position for success in the exam.

At Freevacy, we offer CIPM course participants unlimited access to our trainers throughout the self-study period. We also include a separate exam preparation session as part of our package, where we analyse the process the IAPP uses to formulate its multiple-choice questions.

Other advantages of passing the CIPM

While it's a bit cliché, committing to expanding our knowledge, mastering a complex set of tasks and passing an exam to attain a recognised qualification is a genuine personal achievement. Not everyone is prepared to dedicate the time and effort to their professional development.

Passing the CIPM (or any professional exam) inherently leads to developing a sense of competence and self-assurance. Confident individuals are more comfortable asserting their opinions, sharing insights and making meaningful contributions. Confidence also empowers people to be more resistant to setbacks and to persevere in the face of adversity, attributes that are vital in a professional environment.

Employers looking for qualified and experienced data protection practitioners in the UK and EU will often require the CIPP/E more than any other recognised qualification. Obtaining the CIPM will undoubtedly help set you apart from other candidates because, as we've already written above, the CIPM provides the practical skills required to implement the legal requirements established under the GDPR.

Given everything that's included, the CIPM offers exceptional value and is guaranteed to increase your effectiveness as a practitioner, broaden your career opportunities, and increase your earning potential.

Public schedule dates for the IAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) are available to book online. Alternatively we can deliver a closed training course at your premises or online if you have a team that would benefit from in-company training. We hope to see you and your teams back in the classroom soon.