Best Privacy certifications
The best privacy certifications in 2026
Privacy and data-protection certifications are dominated by the IAPP, whose credentials are the recognised standard for compliance, legal, and governance roles. Which one to take depends mainly on your jurisdiction.
This list covers the three IAPP credentials we support, ordered by how broadly they apply. Each links to a full practice question set.
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Best for GDPR and EU data protection
The benchmark credential for European data protection law and GDPR compliance, and the most widely recognised privacy certification globally.
Practise CIPP-E questions - 2
Best for US privacy law
Covers US federal and state privacy law and information management. The natural choice if your work is US-focused.
Practise CIPP-US questions - 3
Best for AI governance
Where privacy meets AI: governing AI systems for risk, fairness, and compliance. From the same body as the CIPP credentials, and a strong next step as AI regulation grows.
Practise AIGP questions
Frequently asked questions
- CIPP/E or CIPP/US - which should I take first?
- Take the one that matches your jurisdiction: CIPP/E for EU and GDPR-focused work, CIPP/US for US privacy law. Many privacy professionals eventually hold both.
- Is AIGP a privacy certification?
- AIGP is an AI governance certification, but it sits adjacent to privacy and is offered by the same body, the IAPP. It is a natural next step for privacy professionals moving into AI oversight.
Browse the full certification catalogue for every exam we cover.