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Institute of Information Management (IIM)

IIM CDPO® RE-CERTIFICATION

RE-CERTIFICATION – IIM CDPO® 

Application Process & Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1. Purpose of Re-Certification

The Institute of Information Management (IIM) CDPO Re-Certification process ensures that Certified Data Protection Officers: 

  • Maintain current competence in data protection, privacy, and information governance
  • Engage in continuous professional development (CPD)
  • Uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards
  • Remain aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023

2. Re-Certification Cycle

  • Validity Period: 12 months from date of issuance
  • Re-Certification Frequency: Annual
  • Grace Period: Read more on IIM re-certification policy and compliance status

3. Eligibility for Re-Certification

A candidate is eligible to apply for re-certification if they:

  • Hold a valid or recently expired IIM CDPO certificate
  • Have completed the minimum CPD requirement (20 CPD points) within the certification year
  • Have not been subject to disciplinary sanctions affecting certification status

 4. Re-Certification Application Timeline

5. Step-by-Step Re-Certification Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Required Documentation

Applicants must compile the following:

  • Completed Re-Certification Application Form
  • CPD Evidence Portfolio, including, CPD Log / Record, certificates of attendance or completion, evidence of publications, speaking engagements etc
  • Valid Identification (required for verification)
  • Declaration of Professional Conduct & Compliance
  • Proof of Payment of applicable maintenance fee

Step 2: Submit Re-Certification Application

Applications shall be submitted via:  

Email: certification@iim-africa.org

Subject line format:

IIM CDPO Re-Certification Application – [Full Name] – [Certificate Number]

Step 3: Acknowledgement of Application

  • IIM will issue an acknowledgement email within 5 working days
  • Applicants may be contacted for clarification or additional documentation

Step 4: CPD Review & Verification

The IIM Certification Unit shall:

  • Review CPD activities for relevance, authenticity, and completeness
  • Validate CPD points claimed against IIM CPD Framework
  • Conduct spot audits where necessary

Possible Outcomes:

  • CPD Fully Met → Proceed to approval
  • CPD Shortfall Identified → Applicant notified to complete outstanding CPD
  • CPD Non-Compliant → Application deferred or declined

Step 5: Payment of Certification Maintenance Fee

Upon satisfactory CPD verification, applicants must pay the applicable fee:

  • IIM Accredited Members: ₦100,000
  • Non-IIM Members: ₦150,000

Payment confirmation must be submitted before final approval.

Step 6: Re-Certification Approval & Issuance

Once all requirements are met:

  • Re-Certification is approved by the IIM Certification Authority
  • IIM CDPO certificate validity date updated with same certificate number 
  • Certificate holder status is updated in the IIM Register of Certified Professionals

6. Late Renewal & Reinstatement

If a certificate expires before re-certification:

IIM reserves the right to determine reinstatement conditions on a case-by-case basis.

7. Professional Conduct Declaration

All applicants must formally declare that they:

  • Continue to adhere to IIM’s Code of Ethics
  • Have complied with applicable data protection laws
  • Have not misrepresented certification status
  • Will uphold professional integrity throughout the certification period

False declarations may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification.

8. Roles & Responsibilities

Candidate/Applicant

  • Maintain CPD records
  • Submit accurate and verifiable documentation
  • Meet renewal timelines and financial obligations

IIM Certification Unit

  • Verify CPD and documentation
  • Maintain certification records
  • Issue renewal decisions and certificates

9. Appeals & Complaints

Applicants may submit appeals relating to:

  • CPD assessment decisions
  • Re-Certification outcomes

Appeals must be submitted in writing to: certification@iim-africa.org (within 14 days of notification).

10. Official Communication

All re-certification correspondence shall be conducted through:

  • Institute of Information Management (IIM)
  • Email: certification@iim-africa.org.
  • Website: www.iim-africa.org.
  • Phone: +234 808 377 3640

11. Policy Authority

This re-certification process is issued under the authority of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) and is subject to periodic review to reflect regulatory, professional, and institutional developments.

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