The Certified Data Privacy Strategist (CDPS) certification is a premier credential designed to equip professionals with the strategic knowledge and technical expertise needed to lead and manage complex data privacy programs in today’s data-driven world. With data breaches and privacy violations posing significant reputational and financial risks, organizations are under increasing pressure to ensure that personal data is protected, managed ethically, and handled in compliance with global regulations. The CDPS program is thoughtfully developed to empower professionals to not only understand privacy principles but also to design and execute robust privacy strategies that align with organizational goals.

Data privacy is no longer the sole responsibility of legal or IT departments—it is a business-critical discipline that intersects governance, risk management, compliance, security, and ethics. The CDPS certification explores the full spectrum of modern data privacy practices, from foundational concepts to advanced governance structures, regulatory frameworks, security controls, and leadership responsibilities. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how to assess privacy risks, manage global compliance obligations, lead cross-functional teams, and embed privacy into organizational culture through strategic initiatives and ethical leadership.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Data Privacy Strategist (CDPS) program, participants will be able to:

• Master Data Privacy Fundamentals: Understand the core concepts of privacy, personal data, data protection principles, and the evolving global landscape of data privacy.
• Develop and Lead Privacy Programs: Acquire the tools and knowledge to design, implement, and manage enterprise-wide privacy programs that align with legal and ethical standards.
• Navigate Global Regulatory Requirements: Interpret and apply key international privacy laws and regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and others in real-world contexts.
• Mitigate Risk and Ensure Compliance: Assess privacy risks, perform impact assessments, and audit data protection practices to ensure compliance and reduce exposure.
• Integrate Security and Privacy: Learn how privacy and data security intersect and how to embed privacy-by-design principles into technological and organizational practices.
• Drive Cultural and Ethical Change: Lead cross-functional teams, influence executive stakeholders, and embed privacy and ethics into business operations and innovation.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CDPS, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIIT.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Privacy and Data Protection
• Module 2: Privacy Governance and Risk Management
• Module 3: Global Privacy Laws and Regulations
• Module 4: Data Protection and Security Measures
• Module 5: Privacy Impact Assessments and Auditing
• Module 6: Privacy Program Leadership and Ethics

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CDPS certification is ideally suited for a diverse range of professionals who play a role in shaping or executing privacy strategy within their organizations. This includes current and aspiring leaders responsible for regulatory compliance, data governance, security, ethics, and organizational risk. This certification is especially beneficial for:

• Privacy Officers and Data Protection Officers (DPOs): Professionals tasked with ensuring organizational compliance with data privacy regulations can use this certification to deepen their strategic capabilities and lead robust privacy programs.
• Compliance and Risk Managers: Individuals overseeing organizational risk, governance, and regulatory adherence will benefit from learning how to manage privacy risks and align compliance efforts across business functions.
• Information Security Leaders: Security professionals can enhance their understanding of privacy as it relates to data protection, encryption, access controls, and breach response.
• Legal Advisors and Corporate Counsel: Legal professionals involved in privacy regulation, policy drafting, and contract compliance can use the CDPS to connect legal frameworks to operational strategy and risk.
• IT and Data Governance Professionals: IT managers and governance officers can learn how to implement privacy-by-design into digital systems, data lifecycles, and vendor ecosystems.
• HR and Marketing Leaders: Department heads managing sensitive employee or customer data can leverage CDPS to align their processes with data protection expectations and ethical standards.
• Consultants and Advisors: Professionals advising clients on privacy compliance or security architecture will gain frameworks, tools, and language to lead privacy transformation initiatives.
• C-Level Executives and Decision-Makers: Senior leaders looking to mitigate organizational risk and build consumer trust can use CDPS to better understand the strategic importance of privacy in driving sustainable business success.

The CDPS certification provides a well-rounded framework for any professional aiming to lead or support data privacy strategies in modern organizations. It’s a critical credential for anyone responsible for managing personal data with accountability, compliance, and integrity in mind.