FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The IIM Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certificate is valid for one (1) year from the official date of issuance indicated on the certificate.
The expiry date is calculated exactly one year from the date of issuance.
For example, a certificate issued on 3 March 2025 will expire on 2 March 2026.
Certification can verified on IIM Website (https://tinyurl.com/mv29u38r) or on NDPC Website (https://tinyurl.com/mr22x3yh). Certificate holders are advised to keep personal records of their certification dates. IIM may also issue periodic reminders; however, the responsibility for timely renewal rests with the certificate holder.
No. Re-examination is not required for renewal, provided that all renewal conditions, particularly CPD requirements and applicable fees are fully met within the validity period. Please, read more on other re-certification conditions at: https://tinyurl.com/2e5jpwb5
Certificate holders are strongly advised to initiate the renewal process at least one (1) month before the certificate expiry date. Early submission helps avoid lapses in certification status and ensures uninterrupted professional standing.
To begin the renewal process, send a formal request via email to: certification@iim-africa.org
Your email should include your full name, certificate number, certificate issued date, and a clear request for IIM CDPO certificate renewal.
To be eligible for renewal, a certificate holder must:
• Maintain valid certification status (i.e., not expired) once expired Candidate would have to retake the examination.
• Submit evidence of completed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities within the certification year
• Meet the minimum CPD point requirement
• Pay the applicable annual certification maintenance fee
A minimum of twenty (20) CPD points per year is required to renew the IIM CDPO certificate.
Only CPD activities completed within the active certification period will be considered.
Acceptable CPD activities include, but are not limited to:
• Participation in IIM/NDPC-organised or approved webinars and workshops
• Attendance at data protection, privacy, governance, cybersecurity, or information management conferences and seminars
• Completion of relevant professional training or short courses
• Publication of articles, papers, or research related to data protection or information management
• Facilitation or speaking engagements at professional events
• Active participation in IIM committees, projects, or technical working groups and other Industry related activities as approved by IIM/NDPC
All CPD activities must be relevant to data protection, privacy, information governance, or allied professional disciplines.
If the minimum CPD requirement is not met:
• The certificate cannot be renewed until the outstanding CPD points are completed.
• The certificate holder must undertake additional approved CPD activities to make up the shortfall.
• Failure to complete CPD requirements before expiry may result in lapsed certification status, which may require reinstatement procedures.
Yes. An annual certification maintenance fee applies.
Fees are subject to periodic review by the Institute and must be paid before renewal approval.
• IIM Accredited Members are individuals who have formally applied for, been assessed, and admitted into the Institute’s membership structure in accordance with IIM standards.
• Non-Members are certified professionals who hold the IIM CDPO credential but are not enrolled in the Institute’s formal membership framework.
Accredited Members enjoy preferential renewal fees, access to structured CPD programs, governance participation opportunities, and other professional benefits.
If a certificate expires:
• The holder may no longer present themselves as an IIM Certified Data Protection Officer until reinstated.
• Additional administrative requirements may apply for reinstatement.
• IIM reserves the right to impose conditions or penalties in line with its certification and compliance policies.
For all certification, renewal, CPD, and membership-related enquiries, please contact:
Certification Department
Institute of Information Management (IIM)
Email: certification@iim-africa.org
Website: www.iim-africa.org