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 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.