Passing the IAPP CIPM Exam and Studying Realities

I obtained the Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) certification awarded by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). This blog will help you decide if it’s for you because it’s not a decision to take lightly. It’s a significant financial and personal commitment. This blog does not cover content, test questions or anything substantial about the exam itself.

What Is the CIPM Certification and Is It for You?

In my experience, the IAPP CIPM exam felt more focused on the practical implementation of privacy programmes than on memorising data protection laws.

As such, I wouldn’t recommend it to someone just starting out or in a junior role. By all means, do it, but I think if you are earlier in your career, you will have a harder time both with preparation and the exam. I don’t think I would have passed the first time around if I had taken it just two years earlier.

That said, if you’re a seasoned data protection lead with longstanding experience strategising and running a programme, you might not need it - because you may already be doing much of what the CIPM is designed to assess.

Why I Decided to Take the CIPM Exam

I am well into my data protection career after studying information and data law at university. I knew I didn’t want or need the CIPP/E (also because I already have PC.dp), but did want a “badge” of recognition.

I’ve noticed that, fairly or unfairly, IAPP certifications often function as a shorthand signal of credibility in this industry. You can of course do it without one, but it’s so saturated that I thought it would make my life easier.

I also did it because I had the opportunity. I was lucky that my employer paid for the exam and I had the time (relatively speaking - see below) to study and attempt it.

How I Studied for the CIPM Exam

I studied for this exam like I study for all my exams.

Materials I used were:

The recommended CIPM textbook (on the IAPP store)
CIPM practice exam questions (on the IAPP store)
CIPM body of knowledge and exam blueprint (on the IAPP website)
A LinkedIn video about passing the exam (LinkedIn Learning).

I didn’t do a training course because a) they are expensive, b) I didn’t have the time as required, c) I wasn’t sure they would fit me as a learner.

You should lean into your preferred way of studying if you can. I for example have photographic memory and my notes look like a colouring book but then I see them in my mind when I need them. I don’t retain knowledge as well if I don’t write things down.

Balancing Life and Work with Study

I read the recommended CIPM textbook twice: once in detail with many pages of handwritten notes and a second time (which was revision) a bit quicker making mind maps as I went along.

I did most of the intensive study over the Christmas holiday. I said to myself I’d do a chapter a day but it didn’t quite work as neatly. I have a young child in school (or not in school at that point), had family over Christmas etc., so often my studying happened at random times and I had to catch up what I’d missed from my plan.

Studying alongside professional and family commitments required deliberate discipline. This is not a certification you complete casually. My brain thinks about a million things so I needed to focus when I was studying. However, it helped that little of the material was actually brand new information to me because I have practiced various sections of the material at work, so it wasn’t as demanding on a tired brain.

At the end, I went back through all handwritten notes and re-read (and highlighted) them. Afterwards, I completed the practice exam questions.

Revision Strategy

Revision was almost harder. I had already gone back to work, so I said I would revise a chapter every evening, including making mind maps.

This is where I would suggest you think about your available time, energy and resources. Revising this way for me meant 1-2 hours of study in the late evening, knowing I have an early start in the morning for work and other commitments. This meant my brain didn’t really get time to switch off which sometimes made it hard to sleep or that I needed another 30 minutes of relax (i.e., making it later) so I could fall asleep quicker.

Overall, revision took me another month. I would have liked to do the practice questions again but I was keen to do the real exam while everything was still fresh, so I just booked it.

The night before the exam I went through all my handwritten notes one last time. I’d never crammed before and did not enjoy it.

Lessons from the CIPM

For many years, I dismissed the idea of sitting any of the IAPP exams because I have a relevant university experience, know the theory and various roles have exposed me to different data protection issues.

I changed my mind for personal reasons - it was the right time personally and strategically and I have a supportive employer.

I would definitely do the CIPM if:

Your company would pay for it.
You’re self-employed and constantly looking for job/contracts.
You’re looking for a new job or are between jobs.

I would consider doing the CIPM if:

You want formal recognition of your experience.
Like learning and can afford it (money- and time-wise).
You are in a managerial position and want to learn something new you can use.

Despite saying the material in the CIPM reinforced what I already knew, it did shine a light on gaps I hah postponed because I have had other fires to put out. I enjoyed planning communication of policies you write, including a communications campaign, and how to create privacy KPIs.

The most valuable outcome for me wasn’t just passing the exam. It was confirming that the programme leadership skills I apply in practice are aligned with recognised standards. It provided external validation of work I had been doing for years.

FAQs

I’ll be honest - I didn’t find it easy, even with practical experience.
If you’re in a junior role, you will likely find it demanding. If you’re more experienced, it’s still a challenge, but one that feels professionally satisfying to overcome.
The IAPP says to expect at least 30 hours of study but it’s highly personal. I probably averaged that but if you’re finding the material challenging, have other jobs, or you have to re-sit, you could easily double that.
Realistically, it is much harder without experience.
The material is practical in nature. That means you either need to:
- Understand the concepts deeply enough to apply them confidently without having done them in real life, or
- Draw on existing professional experience and build on that foundation.
It’s not impossible without prior experience, but it will require more structured preparation and deliberate effort.

Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience preparing for and sitting the CIPM examination. It does not disclose any exam questions, answers or confidential exam materials. IAPP and CIPM are trademarks of the IAPP. This content is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the IAPP.

Passing the IAPP CIPM Exam: Balancing Life, Work and Study