Best IAPP Certifications in 2026

IAPP is a nonprofit professional association for privacy and data protection, whose certifications cover US and European privacy law, privacy program management and AI governance.

Validates knowledge of AI governance foundations, relevant laws and frameworks, and governing AI development and deployment.

799IntermediateNo prerequisites

Validates knowledge of running a privacy program, including governance, data assessment, data protection, performance measurement and incident response.

800IntermediateNo prerequisites

Choosing the right IAPP certification

Where to start

  • US privacy law: CIPP/US. Covers US federal and state privacy law for privacy, compliance and legal staff. IAPP lists no prerequisite.
  • GDPR and European privacy: CIPP/E. Covers GDPR and European data protection law, including DPIAs, data subject requests and international transfers. IAPP lists no prerequisite.
  • Running a privacy program: CIPM. Covers building and operating an organizational privacy program rather than the law of one jurisdiction. IAPP lists no prerequisite.
  • AI governance: AIGP. Covers AI governance programs, laws, standards and lifecycle oversight. IAPP lists no prerequisite, and it can be paired with a CIPP toward Fellow of Information Privacy.

What to know

  • No required order. IAPP describes its certifications as standalone credentials, so none requires another.
  • Fellow of Information Privacy. IAPP offers this designation to anyone who earns a CIPP plus a CIPM, CIPT or AIGP.