Comprehensive. Credible. Trusted.
PACC’s Professional Certification Program sets the standard of excellence for the profession
PACC’s competency-based credential for the privacy, access, and data protection profession demonstrates performance ability, technical knowledge, and practical experience.
Since its launch in 2009 as the first national professional certification program for access and privacy professionals, PACC Professional Certification has distinguished those who meet rigorous and impartial standards.
Earning a PACC credential is a mark of excellence that only the most deserving succeed in attaining
Associate Access & Privacy Professional (AAPP)®
Entry-level. Foundational knowledge and limited practical experience
2+ years experience
Chartered Access & Privacy Professional (CAPP)®
Professional-level. Deeper hands-on knowledge and practical experience
Mid-career practitioners
Master Access & Privacy Professional (MAPP)®
Senior-level; broad knowledge, expertise, and practical experience
Seasoned professionals
Only those individuals who have met or exceeded PACC’s rigorous and impartial certification eligibility requirements and whom PACC has recognized by awarding a professional designation have earned the privilege of using the Associate Access and Privacy Professional (AAPP)®, Chartered Access and Privacy Professional (CAPP)®, and Master Access and Privacy Professional (MAPP)® designation or holding themselves out as PACC-certified, subject to the terms of validity.
PACC’s peerless Professional Certification program has earned the respect of professionals across the industry. Here’s some of the reasons why:
The PACC Certification Program is Canada’s only nationally recognized credential relevant to access AND privacy practitioners in the public AND private sectors.
The AAPP, CAPP and MAPP designations available through the PACC Professional Certification program are the only ones that reflect the National Standard of competency.
Studying and passing an exam proves you can retain information long enough to pass a test.
It takes skill + experience + education to qualify for PACC certification.
The PACC Certification Program is the foundation of the profession’s first national competency standard — the National Standard of Qualification and Proficiency of Access-to-Information, Privacy, and Data Protection Professionals.
The PACC Certification Program relies on a rigorous and unbiased qualification process founded upon demonstrable skill, experience, and education and alidated by subject matter experts.
PACC Professional Certification was the first nation-wide professional certification program in Canada that recognized competence of access AND privacy professionals in the private AND public sectors.
The PACC Certification Program was developed by access AND privacy professionals for access AND privacy professionals, with guidance from the National Certification Advisory Board and support from Canada’s Information and Privacy Commissioners.
The PACC Certification Program incorporates the industry’s Code of Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct and the generally accepted levels of knowledge, skills, ethical conduct that define the profession.
PACC Professional Certification is not tied to specific classes, courses, exams, educational or training programs.
The PACC Certification Program defines, recognizes, and promotes ethical, high-quality, and competent access and privacy practices.
The PACC Certification Program is equally applicable to DPOs under the GDPR and to practitioners working under access and privacy laws in other jurisdictions.
The PACC Certification Program requires ongoing professional development in the practice of privacy, access, and data governance.
The application fee is the same — CAD $350 — whether you are applying for an Associate Access and Privacy Professional (AAPP)®, Chartered Access and Privacy Professional (CAPP)®, or Master Access and Privacy Professional (MAPP)® designation.
The certification fee does not include membership.
Maintain Your Credential
All PACC Certifications are valid for three (3) years. Certifications are renewed by earning qualifying Continuing Professional Development Credits.
CPD credits are earned through Professional Development or by sharing your knowledge. Get Started to learn more about Professional Development Credits, renewal fees, and how many CPD Credits are required to maintain each certification.
Contact us to verify if a person’s AAPP, CAPP, or MAPP designation is valid and current
