Study Tips: Using Up-to-Date Study Materials

ByBas Hennis Updated on

Preparing for an International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) certification exam, such as CIPP/E, CIPM, or AIGP, is an essential step toward advancing your career in privacy and data protection. Privacy laws and regulations evolve constantly, so keeping your study materials current is critical. Using outdated resources could harm both your exam performance and professional knowledge. In this post, we’ll explore five key reasons why up-to-date study resources are vital for success, and how to ensure you’re studying the most relevant materials.

1. Use Current Study Resources

Privacy and data protection laws change frequently, meaning what was relevant a few years ago may no longer apply. IAPP regularly updates its exams to reflect these changes. If you use outdated study materials, you might miss out on important updates regarding laws, regulations, or industry practices, leading to missed points in the exam.

Practical Steps:

  • Check Publication Dates: Always verify the publication date of any book, article, or guide you use. The most recent editions are designed to reflect the current exam content.
  • Purchase Official Materials: Official IAPP resources are regularly updated to ensure they align with the current Body of Knowledge (BoK). These should be your primary study materials. Keep in mind that access to resources can be limited if you’re not an IAPP member.
  • Stay Informed: Subscribe to reputable privacy and data protection newsletters or follow updates from regulatory bodies like the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to stay current with the latest developments that may impact the exam. For instance, have a look at this article to see what changed in the CIPP/E curriculum last September.
Two professionals discussing study materials, one holding a tablet, highlighting a collaborative learning environment for exam preparation.
Colleagues discussing study materials

2. Focus on the Official Body of Knowledge (BoK)

The Body of Knowledge (BoK) is the most important study resource for any IAPP exam. It offers a detailed outline of what will be tested, ensuring you cover all essential topics. Since the BoK gets updated regularly to reflect changes in laws and best practices, it’s crucial to rely on the latest version.

Practical Steps:

  • Download the Latest BoK: Always obtain the most recent version of the BoK from the IAPP website. This document is designed to give you an accurate roadmap of what to expect in the exam.
  • Create a Study Plan Around the BoK: Use the BoK to organize your study schedule, allocating time based on the weight each topic carries in the exam.
  • Use the BoK as a Checklist: Regularly refer back to the BoK to track your progress and make sure you’ve covered all areas. Consider following up on curriculum updates for specific certifications, such as CIPP/E or CIPM. Look for blogs or announcements on curriculum changes—this is particularly helpful when understanding recent adjustments to exam content.

3. Be Careful When Using Books as Resources

Books provide in-depth insights, but they are not updated as frequently as online resources. This can be a problem in fields like privacy, where regulations change rapidly. For instance, the European Data Protection textbook for CIPP/E candidates is only updated every two years. In the meantime, important regulatory changes could occur, meaning even “official” textbooks can become outdated.

Practical Steps:

  • Verify Publication Dates: Always check how recent a textbook is before relying on it. For rapidly changing fields like privacy, a book more than a year or two old may already be outdated.
  • Supplement with Online Resources: Instead of relying solely on books, turn to more frequently updated online materials. Platforms like this Privacy Study Group, the European Data Protection Board website, or reputable privacy blogs offer timely information and updates on the latest regulations.
  • Consider Online Courses: Courses, especially those like those offered by 22Academy, are updated regularly to reflect the latest changes in privacy laws and exam content. This ensures you’re always studying the most current information.

By focusing on online resources and up-to-date courses, you avoid the risks of outdated information found in books, setting yourself up for better exam performance and professional preparedness.

The CIPM curriculum was updated last September to reflect important changes in privacy management practices and emerging regulations. If you’re curious about what specific changes were made, you can find a detailed breakdown in this article.

4. Consider Reputable Training Courses

Even with the best books and study guides, structured courses offer a more guided learning experience. Experts in privacy can provide insights and interactive learning that are hard to get from self-study.

Practical Steps:

  • Evaluate Course Providers: Look for courses that are taught by reputable providers and that cover all the necessary material in the current BoK. Make sure to check the date of the course to ensure the content is up-to-date.
  • Match Your Learning Style: Some students benefit from live online courses with instructors, while others prefer self-paced, on-demand options. Choose the format that suits your learning style best.
  • Seek Recommendations: Ask your peers in privacy forums or professional networks for course recommendations and check reviews. A trusted source can guide you to the most effective training programs.

No matter what your learning style is, whether you prefer self-paced study or guided instruction, you can get the support you need. If you’re looking for free personal advice or help planning your study approach, feel free to reach out. Send an email to info@22academy.com, and we’ll work with you to create a tailored study plan that fits your goals and needs.

5. Leverage Free and Low-Cost Materials

Studying for an IAPP certification doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of free and low-cost resources available that can provide additional insights into privacy laws and exam preparation. However, be cautious with free resources, as they might not always be up-to-date.

Practical Steps:

  • Webinars and Podcasts: Participate in free webinars hosted by privacy professionals, or listen to podcasts to gain a variety of perspectives on privacy issues. These resources are often up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
  • Online Articles and Blogs: Blogs written by privacy professionals can provide timely insights into privacy laws and industry changes. Look for blogs that specifically address recent updates to privacy regulations, especially those affecting your IAPP exam. The IAPP website regularly posts updates on privacy developments, as do other reputable sites like 22Academy.
  • Join Professional Forums: Engage in communities such as the IAPP or LinkedIn groups dedicated to privacy professionals. These forums can provide real-time updates on the latest trends and exam-related tips.

Though free resources are useful, always verify that the information is aligned with the current regulations and the IAPP exam content.

Final Thoughts

Staying updated is critical not only for passing your IAPP certification exam but also for maintaining your competence as a privacy professional. Investing in the most recent study materials, leveraging reputable resources, and staying informed through industry updates are key to your success.

To help you prepare, 22Academy offers a range of up-to-date courses for IAPP certifications, covering all relevant topics and ensuring you’re well-equipped for the exam. For a 25% discount on their courses, visit 22academy.com/study and use the coupon code STUDYGROUP25 at checkout.

By making sure your study materials are current, you’ll not only pass your exam but also excel as a knowledgeable and effective privacy professional.

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