IAPP Certification: All the Basics You Need to Know
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) is the most comprehensive and largest global information community and privacy resource. Founded in 2000, the IAPP is also a non-profit organisation that helps improve, define, and promote privacy professionals worldwide.
In our technology-driven world today, skilled privacy professionals are highly in demand. Most employers also prefer those with IAPP certification. If you have an IAPP credential, you are recognised and seen as a member of an elite group of dedicated, knowledgeable, and capable privacy professionals.
Most IAPP members include Data Protection Officers (DPOs), chief privacy officers, privacy technologists, and other privacy professionals. Those who are accountable for the data protection compliance of an organisation are also often IAPP members. Other members are developing their skills to advance their data protection career.
Once you learn more skills, you are able to manage your organisation’s data risk more effectively. Implementing the right mitigating measures is also a lot easier. IAPP training courses and certification also offer many benefits. IAPP members also have access to conferences, knowledge, and tools not found anywhere else.
The Peerless Benefits of Being an IAPP Member
IAPP members have several options available in terms of the courses that are offered. What makes the IAPP different is that members are assisted in their professional development through online resources and worldwide conferences. IAPP’s courses and training certifications also include GDPR and workplace skills.
No prior training is required to participate in any of the IAPP courses. IAPP also provides members with self-directed studies. By far, the IAPP is considered the biggest community when it comes to privacy information and training. The exam provider also brings together individuals who want to advance their privacy skills and knowledge.
Essentially, the IAPP also helps their members thrive in the ever-evolving information economy. Other peerless benefits of an IAPP membership includes:
- Access to a resource centre that provides tools and templates designed to make the roles of DPOs simpler and easier. The resources can help members become more organised and efficient.
- Access to original reporting, video and web conferences that cover different topics, expert analysis, and informative privacy content. Basically, you will have all you need to be ahead of everyone else.
- While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected conferences and in-person events, IAPP members still get to attend large events for all the members worldwide. Members have the opportunity to attend conferences in the UK, Europe, and other places in the world. IAPP members also get access to workshops, expert speakers, training groups, and feature breakout sessions.
How to Maintain Your IAPP Certification
All CIPM, CIPP, and IAPP award holders need to complete 20 hours of privacy education for the qualifications they have. This is something DPOs and other privacy professionals can do to move ahead of the pack.
All that’s required is you provide proof of the hours you have completed. You will earn CPE points. Other ways you can earn points include:
- Reading of news articles
- Accessing tools and resources
- Downloading of books and white papers
- Attending seminars and conferences
- Viewing of videos and web conferences
- Reading of news articles
Members are also up to date when it comes to all things related to the data privacy space. An IAPP certification can also help employers with their GDPR compliance requirements as it showcases staff accountability.
Undoubtedly, learning a new skill is beneficial if you are a DPO or someone who works in privacy management or data protection compliance. When you are an IAPP member, you have access to a community that supports you and helps you develop your data privacy knowledge and skills through exam preparation, study groups, and post-certification education.
