CDPSE Free Study Guide
- Olufunmilayo Owolabi
- May 28
- 2 min read
Prepared by Privacy Professional Training LLC
Introduction to Data Privacy & the CDPSE Certification
The Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) credential from ISACA certifies your ability to implement privacy solutions across the data lifecycle. It bridges the gap between technical implementation and privacy compliance, empowering professionals to build privacy-respecting systems.
Why Choose CDPSE?
Validates hands-on experience in data privacy engineering
Designed for IT professionals, privacy engineers, and solution architects
Aligns privacy with data governance and IT architecture
Exam Overview
120 multiple-choice questions
3.5-hour time limit
Available online with remote proctoring or at test centers
Exam Domains:
Privacy Governance (34%)
Privacy Architecture (36%)
Data Lifecycle (30%)
Domain 1 – Privacy Governance
Organizational Privacy Strategy
Develop and implement privacy programs aligned with business goals
Identify key roles (DPOs, privacy leads) and governance structures
Risk and Compliance Alignment
Conduct privacy risk assessments
Align practices with frameworks like ISO/IEC 27701, NIST Privacy Framework
Policy and Awareness Management
Define and document privacy policies, notices, and data classification standards
Promote staff awareness and adherence to privacy responsibilities
Privacy Program Oversight
Monitor effectiveness and update policies based on emerging laws or technologies
Ensure third-party compliance through contract reviews and assessments
Domain 2 – Privacy Architecture
Privacy by Design Principles
Integrate privacy controls early in systems development
Implement data minimization and pseudonymization techniques
Security Controls for Privacy
Access controls, encryption, logging, and monitoring for privacy protection
Embed secure configuration baselines in systems
Architecture Design
Support secure data flows, application design, and infrastructure planning
Ensure systems meet legal and regulatory data handling requirements
Technical Controls
Apply techniques such as anonymization and tokenization
Build audit trails to support accountability and compliance.
Domain 3 – Data Lifecycle Management
Data Inventory and Mapping
Document data sources, types, purposes, and storage locations
Identify cross-border data transfers and third-party processors
Data Handling Practices
Manage data collection, use, sharing, and disposal in compliance with regulations
Apply least privilege and retention principles
User Rights and Requests
Implement workflows to manage access, correction, and erasure requests
Automate data subject request (DSR) processing when possible
Incident and Breach Response
Align with breach notification laws
Build containment, notification, and remediation protocols.
Study Approach & Sample Practice Questions
Study Tips
Focus on technical privacy implementation—not just legal theory
Understand how systems, data, and business objectives intersect
Learn how to operationalize privacy through controls and documentation
Privacy Professional Training LLC We offer:
Self-paced CDPSE-aligned modules based on the official exam domains
Downloadable worksheets and implementation templates
Privacy engineering checklists and glossary of key terms.
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