Why should you obtain the AIGP certification?

In today’s technologically advanced world, Artificial Intelligence is widely used in industries, decision-making processes, and people’s interaction with technology. However, risks associated with this powerful tool draw awareness among users and professionals, which is where AI governance steps in. As organizations rush to adopt AI, they need privacy professionals who can evaluate AI, curate standards that apply to their enterprises, and implement strategies for complying with applicable laws and regulations.

Enter the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

By completing AIGP training and certification, you'll better understand the AI systems—their applications, potential impacts, and the strategies for mitigating associated risks. You'll also explore current and emerging laws and policies related to AI, learning how to apply them to ensure that AI technologies are developed, integrated, and deployed responsibly, ethically, and trustworthily. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of AIGP certification, who this course is designed for, how to prepare for the exam and get certified, and why you should obtain your certification.

What is the AIGP Certification?

The Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification is designed to validate the competency of professionals in areas like AI risk management, compliance with relevant laws, and the implementation of responsible AI governance practices. 

The training from this course teaches how to develop, integrate, and deploy trustworthy AI systems in line with emerging laws and policies. This can ensure safety and trust in the development and deployment of ethical AI and the ongoing management of AI systems. This certification is offered by organizations like the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). 

The Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) training is tailored for professionals tasked with developing and managing AI governance and risk management in their organizations. This includes Data Protection Officers, AI Architects, and Risk Managers, as well as those involved in AI compliance, legal and governance, and model operations. 

Key topics covered when you enroll in the course are listed in the AIGP Body of Knowledge available on the IAPP website.

Benefits of Obtaining AIGP Certification

Aside from confirming your competency, knowledge, and skills in implementing and managing governance frameworks around AI systems, obtaining the AIGP Certification has other benefits:

Deep Understanding of AI Governance: You’ll go beyond surface-level awareness and grasp the complex, interconnected aspects of how AI should be managed.

Prepares You for Emerging Regulations: You’ll be prepared when new rules kick in and align future practices, systems, and requirements.

Career Differentiation & Advancement: Your value is recognized and needed. You stand out for bringing rare and future-relevant expertise!

Cross-Industry Applicability: Your expertise is valuable across several sectors, giving you more career options, flexibility, and long-term relevance.

Supports Organizational Trust & Responsible AI: You’ll earn the trust of customers, partners, regulators, and society.

Boosts Professional Credibility: Your technical expertise plus strategic insight boosts credibility.

Future-Proof Your Skill Set: You’ll build skills that stay relevant, thrive, and are in demand.

While many jobs are being replaced by AI, we can’t change the fact that AI systems can’t govern themselves. Human power still reigns, and AI certification ensures job security.

How to Get Certified

Earning this respected credential requires passing a demanding exam - the only requirement to get the Ations (85 scored IGP Certification is to pass the AIGP exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice quesquestions and 15 unscored questions) and must be completed within three hours. 

The training for AIGP is available in a variety of modalities that match your schedule and learning style. First, you can do it computer-based at your own pace and on your own schedule. Second, live online using a virtual classroom with real-time interaction. Another one is in-person interaction with instructors. Lastly, you can train as a group for your organization's key decision-makers.

All core IAPP exams are scored on a scale from 100–500, with a passing score of 300 or above. You may find more information in the IAPP Certification Handbook.

As with most professional certifications, earning any certification involves certain financial expenses from training, membership, and exam to Continuing Privacy Education (CPE). The exam fee for non-members is $799 and $649 for members.

The AIGP exam fee covers access to the exam with a duration of 3 hours, including a 15-minute optional break. It also includes certification maintenance fee (CMF). For non-members, this fee is included in the exam fee. Upon recertification, a $250 CMF fee is required.

What is Tested on the AIGP Exam

The AIGP exam is a significant step toward demonstrating expertise in one of the most important areas of modern technology governance. Whether you're a compliance officer, data scientist, policy advisor, or legal professional, passing the AIGP certifies that you understand how to steer AI development and deployment in a trustworthy, ethical, and compliant direction.

By mastering the key knowledge domains and staying engaged with the latest developments in AI governance, you'll be well-prepared to pass the exam.

The core topics tested on the AIGP Exam are derived from the Body of Knowledge (BoK) and the Exam Blueprint.

• Domain I — Understanding the foundations of AI governance 

I.A Understand what AI is and why it needs governance.

I.B Establish and communicate organizational expectations for AI governance.

I.C Establish policies and procedures to apply throughout the AI life cycle.

• Domain II — Understanding how laws, standards and frameworks apply to AI

II.A Understand how existing data privacy laws apply to AI.

II.B Understand how other types of existing laws apply to AI.

II.C Understand the main elements of the EU AI Act.

II.D Understand the main industry standards and tools that apply to AI.

• Domain III — Understanding how to govern AI development 

III.A Govern the designing and building of the AI model.

III.B Govern the collection and use of data in training and testing the AI model.

III.C Govern the release, monitoring and maintenance of the AI model.

• Domain IV — Understanding how to govern AI deployment and use

IV.A Evaluate key factors and risks relevant to the decision to deploy the AI model.

IV.B Perform key activities to assess the AI model. 

IV.C Govern the deployment and use of the AI model.

How to Prepare for the AIGP Exam

Completing a course doesn’t guarantee passing the exam. Preparation makes all the difference. Preparing for the AIGP exam is more than just cramming definitions—it’s about deeply understanding how to lead organizations through the complex world of AI governance. With a clear study plan, up-to-date materials, and the right mindset, you’ll be ready to pass the exam! 

Before you start studying, it’s essential to understand what’s tested. The AIGP exam evaluates your knowledge of how to govern AI systems responsibly, safely, and in compliance with emerging laws and ethical standards.

We recommend that you train and study for a minimum of 60 hours.  Aside from training, we suggest you gather study materials and explore supplementary resources provided by your training provider. You’ll need a consistent schedule to cover all the content areas without feeling overwhelmed. The AIGP exam doesn’t just test memorization—it tests your ability to apply governance principles in real-world scenarios, so practicing scenario-based questions will prepare you for the kind of critical thinking the exam expects. Stay updated on AI regulations by following news from credible sources like IAPP, TechCrunch, or AI policy blogs, it will keep you ahead. If your training provider offers a practice exam, take it! Consider joining a study group or forum—it can help reinforce concepts and fill in blind spots.