Exam Prep, The CIPP/E exam at a glance
The CIPP/E exam tests the IAPP Body of Knowledge across five domains. Knowing the weighting tells you where to spend your time: Domain II is the single biggest slice, and Domains II + III together are well over half the paper.
The exam is a multiple-choice paper of 90 questions to be completed in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). The IAPP sets a scaled passing score of 300 on a 100–500 scale - you are not simply scored on a flat percentage. Some items are unscored pilot questions, so answer every question.
| Domain | Min | Max | Approx. share |
|---|---|---|---|
| I - Introduction to European Data Protection | 7 | 13 | ~13% |
| II - European Data Protection Law & Regulation | 18 | 28 | ~31% (largest) |
| III - European Data Processing | 13 | 21 | ~23% |
| IV - Scope & Accountability | 8 | 18 | ~17% |
| V - Compliance (employment, surveillance, marketing, tech) | 8 | 16 | ~16% |
Domains II and III together are roughly half the exam. Master the core concepts (personal data, controller/processor, the Article 5 principles, the six lawful bases, data-subject rights, security and international transfers) before the compliance scenarios.
The BoK is owned by the CIPP/E Exam Development Board, reviewed yearly, and changes are communicated at least 90 days before they appear. The credential is ANAB-accredited under ISO/IEC 17024, which is why it is recognised worldwide.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “CIPP/E”?
What is “Body of Knowledge”?
What is “Exam Blueprint”?
What is “ANAB”?
Sources and study method
This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.