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CIPP/E Free Study Guide

Prepared by Privacy Professional Training LLC


Introduction to European Privacy & the CIPP/E Exam


The Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) certification from the IAPP demonstrates your knowledge of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other European privacy laws. It’s essential for professionals working in or with the European Union.


Why Get Certified?

  • Demonstrates expertise in European data protection law

  • Helps organizations comply with the GDPR

  • Supports career growth in privacy and compliance roles


Exam Format:

  • 90 multiple-choice questions

  • 2.5 hours to complete

  • Delivered at Pearson VUE centers or online


CIPP/E Exam Domains:

  1. Introduction to European Data Protection

  2. European Regulatory Institutions

  3. Legislative Framework

  4. Compliance with European Data Protection Law and Regulation


Understanding GDPR Fundamentals


Key Concepts in the GDPR

  • Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person

  • Special Categories of Data: Sensitive data such as racial origin, health, and sexual orientation

  • Data Processing: Any operation performed on personal data


Scope of the GDPR

  • Territorial scope includes any company that offers goods/services to the EU or monitors EU individuals

  • Material scope covers automated and non-automated processing of personal data


Core Principles of Processing (Article 5)

  • Lawfulness, fairness, transparency

  • Purpose limitation

  • Data minimization

  • Accuracy

  • Storage limitation

  • Integrity and confidentiality

  • Accountability


Key Roles Defined

  • Controller: Determines why and how data is processed

  • Processor: Processes data on behalf of the controller

  • Data Protection Officer (DPO): Required in certain contexts; oversees data protection strategy and implementation


Rights, Bases, and International Data Transfers


Data Subject Rights (Articles 12–23)

  • Right to be informed

  • Right of access

  • Right to rectification

  • Right to erasure

  • Right to restrict processing

  • Right to data portability

  • Right to object

  • Rights relating to automated decision-making


Lawful Bases for Processing (Article 6)

  • Consent

  • Contract performance

  • Legal obligation

  • Vital interests

  • Public task

  • Legitimate interests


Consent Requirements

  • Must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous

  • Withdrawal must be as easy as giving consent


Cross-Border Data Transfers

  • Adequacy decisions

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

  • Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs)

  • Specific derogations (e.g., explicit consent, legal claims)


Supervisory Authorities, Enforcement & Compliance Measures


Supervisory Authorities (SAs)

  • Independent bodies in each member state

  • Handle complaints, conduct investigations, and impose administrative fines


European Data Protection Board (EDPB)

  • Ensures consistent application of the GDPR

  • Issues guidance and resolves cross-border cases


Enforcement Actions

  • Administrative fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover

  • Corrective powers include warnings, reprimands, and bans on processing


Compliance Frameworks

  • Conduct regular Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

  • Maintain Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs)

  • Ensure vendor management through Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)

  • Embed privacy by design and by default into systems and services


Study Strategy & Sample Practice Questions


Study Recommendations

  • Focus on the CIPP/E domains defined by the IAPP

  • Master the GDPR’s structure, principles, rights, and enforcement mechanisms

  • Read the regulation directly, especially Articles 1–50

  • Practice with scenarios and application of the law


Privacy Professional Training LLC Our CIPP/E prep services include:

  • Self-paced courses aligned with the IAPP Body of Knowledge

  • Practice quizzes and legal reference guides


Note: Our programs are tailored to align with the official IAPP Body of Knowledge and uphold high standards of legal and ethical accuracy. We do not recommend external courses or unofficial materials.


Sample Practice Questions & Answer Key

Our 15 FREE Practice Questions will appear here once provided.


This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam results. For official certification information, visit www.privacyprofessionaltraining.com.



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