CIPP/E

What does the CIPP/E exam cover, on one page?

3 October 2026Credential Press2 min read

The CIPP/E Body of Knowledge, version 1.3.3, on one page: five domains, 18 competencies and the question range for each. The mnemonic gives you the five domains in order.

What does the CIPP/E exam cover, on one page?

CIPP/E Body of Knowledge 1.3.3

I Introduction to European Data Protection (7 to 13)

I.A Origins and history (1 to 3)
I.B EU institutions (1 to 2)
I.C Legislative framework (5 to 8)

II European Data Protection Law and Regulation (18 to 28)

II.A Basic GDPR concepts (3 to 5)
II.B Security of personal data (7 to 11)
II.C Data subjects' rights (8 to 12)

III European Data Processing (13 to 21)

III.A Principles of processing (2 to 4)
III.B Lawful bases (3 to 5)
III.C Information to provide (4 to 6)
III.D International transfers (4 to 6)

IV Scope and Accountability (8 to 18)

IV.A Territorial and material scope (2 to 4)
IV.B Accountability (4 to 8)
IV.C Supervision and enforcement (1 to 3)
IV.D Consequences of violations (1 to 3)

V Compliance (8 to 16)

V.A Workplace (3 to 5)
V.B Surveillance (1 to 3)
V.C Direct marketing (2 to 4)
V.D Internet technology (2 to 4)

Itchy Lawyers Prefer Swiss Chocolate

I Introduction
L Law and regulation
P Processing
S Scope and accountability
C Compliance

CIPP/E mind map

Embed it on your site, wiki or study group page:

<a href="https://credentialpress.com/guides/cipp-e-mind-map"><img src="https://credentialpress.com/img/mindmaps/cipp-e.png" alt="CIPP/E mind map" width="1600" height="1131"></a>

How do you use the mind map?

Print the PDF and pin it where you study, or open the Markdown in Obsidian (a mind map plugin draws it from the headings). Say the mnemonic until you can list the domains in order, then add one item from memory under each branch. The quiz tells you which branch to revisit.

Where next?

Also free: the CIPP/E interview questions and the CIPP/E 10-question quiz, plus every other credential on our study tools page. For the full syllabus, the CIPP/E Exam Guide and the CIPP/E Practice Questions go domain by domain.

Frequently asked questions

What are the CIPP/E exam domains?

I Introduction to European Data Protection (7 to 13); II European Data Protection Law and Regulation (18 to 28); III European Data Processing (13 to 21); IV Scope and Accountability (8 to 18); V Compliance (8 to 16).

Is there a mnemonic for the CIPP/E domains?

Itchy Lawyers Prefer Swiss Chocolate: I for Introduction, L for Law and regulation, P for Processing, S for Scope and accountability, C for Compliance.

Can I use the CIPP/E mind map in Obsidian?

Yes. Download the Markdown file and open it in Obsidian; a mind map plugin draws it from the headings. A printable PDF and a PNG are free too.