Frequently Asked Questions on EADPP CDPP Certification and joining the EADPP

The EADPP Certification provides a European viewpoint and goes beyond a mere comprehension of GDPR legislation. In essence, while other certifications address the "what" of GDPR legislation, the content of the EADPP Certification also delves into the "how" of its implementation.

Approval or accreditation is neither possible nor necessary. The knowledge and skills required for certification have been meticulously developed by Privacy Enablers and endorsed by members of EADPP in a bottom-up way. The certification content is outlined in the Body of Knowledge and Skills (BOKS) and fully described in the Syllabus . The EADPP Certification goes beyond the minimum legal knowledge mandated by the GDPR.

The Certification exam assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills related to the Body of Knowledge and Skills (BOKS). This holistic approach to assessment reflects our commitment to not only meeting regulatory requirements but also cultivating a privacy-focused organizational culture that goes beyond compliance.

Each domain of the BOKS is evaluated based on a specific set of questions. Find out more about the exam blueprint and the question weighting here.

In the digital world, information security is essential for protecting personal data and ensuring privacy as it safeguards the systems and processes that store, process, and transmit personal information.

Information security ensures that personal data is kept confidential, protected from unauthorized access (confidentiality), remains accurate and unaltered (integrity), and is available when needed (availability). Weak information security can lead to data breaches, which compromise personal data, infringing on individuals' privacy. Security is a tool to demonstrate compliance with data protection laws. Regular risk assessments and security controls (such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring) ensure organizations can prove they have taken reasonable steps to protect personal data​​.

Privacy Enablers emphasizes a holistic approach to data protection and privacy, which requires integrating information security as a foundational component. This approach recognizes that data protection and privacy are not just about technical defences; it demands awareness and collaboration across all organizational levels to address threats comprehensively.

For data protection professionals, understanding information security is crucial to implementing robust privacy measures. This importance is also documented in our Body of Knowledge and Skills (BOKS). The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) 7 Layer Model serves as a valuable framework for addressing information security, helping to identify vulnerabilities at each network layer, ensuring precise security measures to protect data and enhance privacy.

By incorporating information security into a broader data protection strategy, professionals and organizations can build trust and ensure that data protection serves the needs of both customers and employees, while reinforcing organizational integrity and transparency.

The EADPP Certification Exam Package can be purchased at any time through our Partner Privacy Enablers website or one of its affiliates. Once your exam is purchased, you will receive an email containing your registration information, which you can use to log in to the Privacy Enablers Certification Platform.

Please consult the Candidate Handbook for all up-to-date information on purchasing an exam, enrolling in the exam and its preparatory materials, and accessing after-sales support.

What does my exam fee cover?

The Exam Package includes:

• One online exam.
• Study book "A Holistic Approach to Data Protection" (first edition, October 2024, 606 pages).
• Upon successful completion of the exam:
  • EADPP certificate, valid for 3 years.
  • EADPP certificate added to the CDPP Register.
  • Use of the title "EADPP Certified Data Protection Professional (CDPP)."
  • EADPP membership for 1 year.
  • Certification Maintenance Fee, valid for 3 years.
  • Part of Permanent Education Programme for recertification every 3 years.

Currently, only online exams are provided, which can be completed at any time.
After purchase you have 3 months to start the exam at any date and time as per your convenience.

Exams are only available online.

Yes, you can retake the exam if you do not pass. Candidates who fail the exam can purchase a new exam attempt. There is no waiting period required before retaking the exam. 
The Exam Retake can only be purchased here. Please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for full details.

Upon successfully passing the exam, your certificate will be sent to you by email within one (1) week's time. You can also access your certificate on the "My Profile" page on the Privacy Enablers Certification Platform.

After successfully passing the EADPP certification exam, you will be certified for a period of three (3) years.

By continuously showing your professionalism through ongoing education during this three-year period, you can renew your certificate every three years. Please refer to our Permanent Education programme for more information.

However,

• If you do not meet the Permanent Education requirements, your certificate will expire and you will need to retake the exam to regain certification.
• If you meet the Permanent Education requirements, you need to remit the Certification Maintenance Fee (CMF) in order to maintain your certified status.

A really nice certificate you can be proud of.

Yes, you are allowed to use the CDPP seal as long as you possess a valid EADPP CDPP certificate.

EADPP Certified Data Protection Professionals (CDPP) can submit their Permanent Education (PE) Credits by completing the PE Credit submission form.

For details on PE credits and eligible activities, please refer to our Permanent Education Policy.

Please note:

• You must register one activity at a time.
• Each submission must include relevant proof, such as attendance sheets, certificates of attendance, or training certificates.
• All PE activities must be self-reported within 90 days of completion.
• Random audits are conducted on PE submissions. Make sure you retain all necessary documentation, as your submitted PE activities may be subject to review.

Upon successfully passing the EADPP Certification exam, you are entitled to one year (1) of free membership with the European Association of Data Protection Professionals (EADPP). This membership is available to residents both within and outside of the European Union.

To activate your membership, please follow these steps:

• If you have already registered an account (or think you might have) or if you are an existing member, please email certification@eadpp.eu
• To become a member, first you must register an account here, then email certification@eadpp.eu
• Email certification@eadpp.eu with the following information:
  • Date you took the exam
  • Certificate ID code
  • Your EADPP account username

Absolutely not! Despite the name, our organization warmly welcomes anyone with
an interest in GDPR and data protection. Whether you're a security expert, data specialist, privacy engineer, technologist, compliance officer, student, or anyone else, EADPP promotes an inclusive environment for all.

By becoming an EADPP member, you can:

• Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
• Gain firsthand access to all our initiatives, including the opportunity to join task forces focused on specific areas of interest, such as GDPR-based certifications, the Catalog of data protection technology providers, AI certifications, and more. Moreover, you can even propose new initiatives and form your own project groups.
• Enjoy discounts for participation in privacy conferences where the EADPP is involved, such as the Privacy Symposium and other events that we participate in or sponsor.

To become a member, simply fill out the form on our website. https://www.eadpp.eu/sign-up/

EADPP membership is priced at 65 Euro per year. If you join in August and pay this amount, your next invoice will be provided in August of the following year.

Absolutely! We understand the need for tailored invoices, so just let us know at members@edpp.eu, and we'll ensure the invoice meets your company's requirements.

Not at all! Our commitment to openness and inclusivity means that regardless of where you reside or work, as long as you share our values, you can become a member of our organization.

No, EADPP membership is exclusively for individuals.

Organizations can contribute to the work of EADPP by becoming a Benefactor. Benefactors will be mentioned at this website.  Contact secretary@eadpp.eu for more information.

Sure, at any time. Although we sincerely hope that you won't miss out on the valuable benefits and vibrant community that comes with EADPP membership, we understand that circumstances can change. So, if you decide to cancel your membership, simply contact us and we'll assist you in the process. Remember, you're always welcome to rejoin in the future should you choose to do so.