So, you’re considering a certificate from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). You understand an IAPP certification is worth it, and you want to explore next steps.
Hopefully you came hungry because we’re here to share some food for thought—the IAPP beta exams. Like the secret menu at your favorite restaurant, the beta exams have limited availability and come with some delicious benefits.
In this article, we’ll answer common questions about the IAPP beta exams, including what they are, why they exist, who can take them, and some advantages and disadvantages to the exams.
What Are the IAPP Beta Exams?
Each year the IAPP creates new exam forms, or versions, of its existing certification exams. We’re not talking about new IAPP exams here—like the new AIGP certification—but rather, variations of the CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, and CIPT certification exams.
These new exams forms may test new and additional topics or concepts, as reflected in the updated Bodies of Knowledge released each year by the IAPP. (Read more on the 2024-2025 updates here: CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, and CIPT)
Before those new exam forms become effective, the IAPP allows some professionals to take those forms of the exams early. This is what the IAPP refers to as “beta exams.”
Beta exams allow the IAPP to collect data and ensure the new exam forms meet its standards before they’re offered more broadly. Think of it as a test run for new exam forms. The IAPP is essentially crossing its T’s and dotting its I’s, making sure the exam questions are written correctly and are answerable.
Results from the beta exams also factor into the “cut score.” This score is determined by the IAPP Exam Development Board and indicates the minimum number of scored questions a test taker must answer correctly to earn the certification.
Why Does the IAPP Create New Exam Forms?
Privacy laws and regulations, as well as best practices, are ever-changing. The exam forms are updated to reflect these changes, and older questions are retired.
Additionally, multiple forms are required for security reasons and retakes. If an exam form were to magically appear on the internet, the IAPP needs to be ready to get rid of that version and have others readily available. Similarly, for retakes, the IAPP wouldn’t want a test taker seeing the exact same exam the second time around.
How Do the New Exam Forms Differ?
The good news? You can expect the same overarching structure and format on the beta exams. New exam forms have 90 questions and a 2.5-hour time limit, which is the same as the current forms for the CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, and CIPT exams.
No bad news here, per se. But you will need to prepare for questions on newer topics. The IAPP provides new versions of the body of knowledge on its website under the “Certification - Free Resources” section.
Who Can Take the IAPP Beta Exams?
Anyone can take the IAPP beta exams. However, the availability of these exams is limited. The beta exams are only offered for a short period of time, and there are a limited number of exam “seats” available. The exact window changes each year, but each for each exam, the window is typically open for about two weeks.
If you’re interested in taking an IAPP beta exam, it’s recommended you purchase and take the exam as soon as possible once the exam window opens.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages to Taking the IAPP Beta Exams?
As with any decision, there are pros and cons to consider. Every privacy professional’s situation is unique. You’ll want to consider cost and timing, among other factors.
Advantages to Taking the IAPP Beta Exams
Likely the biggest attraction for most is the reduced cost of the IAPP beta exams. In raising your hand to test drive one of the new exam forms, you can save up to 50% off the standard exam fee. So, you’re looking at a savings of $275 on the full exam price.
Because there’s a lower cost associated, some test takers see the beta exams as a lower risk way of seeing how the exam is formatted and what potential questions could look like.
But beware, if your employer is footing the bill for your exam fees, you may not qualify for this discount.
Disadvantages to Taking the IAPP Beta Exams
One of the biggest disadvantages in taking an IAPP beta exam versus the standard exam is the delay in test results. When you take a standard exam, you are provided your score immediately after your test concludes. Not so with the beta exams. The IAPP states that you should allow up to four weeks after the testing window closes (not four weeks from your exam date) to receive your scores.
Four weeks can feel like a long time, especially considering you receive test results on the standard exam immediately, or before you step foot out of a testing center.
Also, you may not get a notification when your test results become available for the beta exam. It’s best to regularly check the portal for results.
In addition to the longer wait time to learn whether you passed the exam, preparation for the exam may take longer, too. This is because you’ll be responsible for knowing the updated content, as reflected in updated Bodies of Knowledge. While everyone sitting for a standard exam will eventually have to know those newly identified topics or concepts, as a beta exam tester, you’ll need to know them several months before others are required to.
How Do I Register for the IAPP Beta Exams?
Like the standard exams, you can take a beta exam at any IAPP computer-based testing center—in which there are about 6,000 worldwide—or at home with remote proctoring.
Keep in mind, however, that there’s a limited window for testing. You’ll want to check the IAPP website for the latest schedule and be aware of the registration open and close dates. Once open, you can register by purchasing a beta exam and schedule your exam during the beta testing dates.
Conclusion: How to Be Beta Exam Ready
While the IAPP beta exams may not be right for every privacy professional, it could be a good option to consider if you’re looking to cut costs on the exams and you have flexibility on timing.
If you’re able to wait until a beta exam registration opens, wait several weeks to view your results, and are prepared to be tested on new topics, then the $275 savings on the full exam price could be yours.
At Privacy Bootcamp, we comprehensively update our courses once annually to correspond to newly released Bodies of Knowledge. We typically release these updates just weeks after the IAPP releases its updated content, and well before any new content will appear on a standard exam. In fact, we ensure these updates are released early enough to provide students that decide to take a beta exam adequate time to prepare for any new concepts they might come across. Study the smart way, with Privacy Bootcamp, and ensure that your beta exam ready this Summer.
