Validates knowledge of European data protection law, GDPR requirements, data processing rules and organizational compliance and accountability.
800IntermediateNo prerequisites
Best Privacy Certifications in 2026
Privacy credentials cover three kinds of work: privacy law, running a privacy program and building privacy into technology. Choose the one you do and, for law, the jurisdiction you work under.
Validates knowledge of US privacy law, covering regulators, federal laws, government data access, workplace privacy and state laws.
800IntermediateNo prerequisites
Validates knowledge of running a privacy program, including governance, data assessment, data protection, performance measurement and incident response.
800IntermediateNo prerequisites
How to choose a certification
Which certification fits your goal?
- European privacy law: CIPP/E. IAPP's certification in European data protection law, built around the GDPR. For US privacy law, CIPP/US is the equivalent.
- Running a privacy program: CIPM. IAPP's certification for running a privacy program: governance, assessments, data protection, requests and incidents. Many people pair it with a CIPP.
- Privacy in technology: CIPT. IAPP's certification for building privacy into products, services and systems. It suits people working between privacy and engineering teams.
- Experienced privacy engineering: CDPSE. ISACA's certification for privacy engineering: governance, risk, the data life cycle and technical privacy controls. You can take the exam first, then apply with qualifying work experience within five years.
What to know before choosing
- Choose the relevant legal framework. Privacy law differs by jurisdiction. Choose the CIPP for the region whose law you work with.
- Experience is required only for CDPSE. IAPP certifications have no experience requirement. CDPSE requires qualifying experience, which you can complete after passing the exam.
- Build around your responsibility. Start with the credential for your current work. Law, program and technology credentials complement each other, so add another when your role expands.