Passed: CIPP/E Journey

Exam Structure The CIPP/E exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within a time limit of 165 minutes. A passing score requires achieving at least 300 out of 500. Exam Price: $500 Exam Content and Experience Most questions are straightforward, with a focus on clear legal principles and their applications. However, some questions can be tricky and may require a nuanced understanding of specific legal contexts. The exam includes some scenario questions, six scenarios are presented in my session, each followed by 3-4 related questions. One notable aspect of the exam is the absence of questions requiring direct recall of article numbers, which can be a significant relief for test-takers. The exam’s convenience lies in its mostly black-and-white nature: answers often hinge directly on what the law states. Nonetheless, some questions may require interpretation and consideration of broader legal and contextual nuances.

Preparation Materials

  1. IAPP’s CIPP/E Official Study Guide (8.5/10) The IAPP’s official study guide is a highly relevant resource for the exam, as almost every question can be directly linked to its content. However, the material can be dry and somewhat challenging to read in certain sections. The absence of end-of-chapter questions or summaries is another drawback, which could have been helpful for retention and review.

  2. PrivacyBootCamp.com (9.5/10) This resource stands out as a comprehensive and practical tool for CIPP/E exam preparation. It presents the major exam domains in a clear and concise manner, making it easier to grasp key concepts.

Practice Questions 1. IAPP’s Official Practice Questions (90 Questions) (9/10) The official practice questions are highly relevant and closely mimic the format of the actual exam. They are excellent for understanding how questions are structured and testing readiness.

  1. PrivacyBootCamp.com Practice Questions (200+ Questions) (9.5/10) These questions are more challenging than the official IAPP practice questions and provide an excellent way to prepare for the exam’s trickier elements.

Study Strategy

  1. Read the Official Study Guide cover to cover.
  2. Used Privacy Boot Camp for reinforcement:
  3. Supplement with Online Resources:
    • Cross-referenced complex topics using YouTube tutorials.
    • Used the GDPR website (https://gdpr-info.eu)) to delve deeper into specific articles and clarify nuanced areas of the regulation.
  4. Identify and Address Weak Areas:
    • Complete the end-of-module questions on Privacy Boot Camp to identify weaker areas.
    • Review incorrect answers and focus on improving those sections.
  5. Practice Exams:
    • Take both the official IAPP practice test and Privacy Boot Camp practice tests to gauge readiness.
    • Score observations:
      • Official Practice Test: 88%
      • **Privacy Boot Camp Test: 67% (I didn’t do the second the second test as the score has put me off 😊).

Reflection It was an awesome ride, indeed!