Is the CIPP/E Exam Hard?

The Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) exam is a highly respected certification in the field of data privacy and protection. As businesses and organizations increasingly prioritize data privacy, the demand for professionals with expertise in this area has surged. But you might be wondering, how hard is the CIPP/E? What do you need to study for it? In this blog post, I’ll delve into various aspects of the CIPP/E exam to help you gauge its difficulty level and prepare effectively. Understanding the CIPP/E Exam Before we dive into whether the CIPP/E exam is hard, it’s crucial to understand what it covers. The CIPP/E certification is offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and focuses on European data protection laws and regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The exam covers a wide range of topics, including: The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2.5 hours. A passing score requires answering roughly about at least 70% of these questions correctly. Factors That Influence Exam Difficulty Background Knowledge One significant factor that influences how hard you may find the CIPP/E exam is your background knowledge. If you already have experience in data privacy or are familiar with GDPR principles, you may find the material more manageable. On the other hand, if you’re new to this field, you’ll need to invest more time in studying and understanding key concepts. The thing I have found with data protection is that it is intangible, so requires a more flexible mindset and ability to understand abstract concepts.  Study Materials The quality and comprehensiveness of your study materials can also impact your perception of the exam’s difficulty. The IAPP provides an official textbook specifically designed for the CIPP/E certification. Additionally, there are numerous e.g., practice exams (on Udemy or books on Amazon – I recommend Majid), and study groups that can aid in your preparation. I also recommend investing in a preparation course, as it will save you time and make understanding things a lot easier. I personally would have found it much more efficient to prepare with a prep course, but at the time I could not find one to fit my budget. I offer a comprehensive prep course that contains everything you need to pass the exam here.  Study Time How much time you dedicate to studying will also play a role in how challenging you find the exam. Some candidates may need only a few weeks to prepare adequately, while others might require several months. Consistent study habits and thorough review sessions can make a significant difference. Common Challenges Faced by Candidates Complex Legal Terminology One common challenge candidates face is understanding complex legal terminology used in European data protection laws. Terms like “data controller,” “data processor,” “data subject,” and “legitimate interest” can be confusing if you’re not familiar with legal jargon. Detailed Regulations The GDPR is known for its detailed regulations and requirements. Candidates must have a deep understanding of various articles within GDPR to answer questions accurately. This level of detail can be overwhelming for some test-takers. I recommend to review the whole GDPR from top to bottom several times to ensure you know the contents of it as well as you can.  Scenario-Based Questions The CIPP/E exam often includes scenario-based questions that require candidates to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. These questions test not only your theoretical understanding but also your ability to make practical decisions based on GDPR principles. Sometimes, the answer choices are similar or there is more than one answer choice that looks plausible.  Tips for Success While the CIPP/E exam can be challenging, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success: Create a Study Plan Developing a structured study plan is essential for effective preparation. Allocate specific times each week for studying different topics covered in the exam blueprint provided by IAPP. Use Multiple Resources Don’t rely solely on one source of information. Utilize various study materials such as textbooks, online courses, webinars, practice exams, and flashcards to reinforce your understanding. Join Study Groups Joining study groups or forums can provide additional support and insights from fellow candidates who are also preparing for the CIPP/E exam. Discussing difficult concepts with others can enhance your comprehension. Practice Exams Taking practice exams is crucial for assessing your readiness and identifying areas where you need improvement. It also helps familiarize yourself with question formats similar to those on test day. Conclusion: Is It Hard? So, is the CIPP/E exam hard? The answer depends largely on individual circumstances such as background knowledge, study habits, available resources, etc., but generally speaking – yes – it does pose significant challenges due mainly due its comprehensive coverage and depth required around the GDPR regime which demands both theoretical grasp and practical application skills.  In conclusion – while undeniably demanding, passing the CIPP/E is nevertheless achievable through diligent preparation coupled alongside using supportive tools/resources/prep courses.  Any questions or issues please do not hesitate to contact me madeleine@inhousew.com 

Is the SQE2 Hard?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the standard qualification process that you need to complete in order to qualify as a solicitor of England and Wales. The SQE consists of getting two years of qualifying work experience signed off, and passing the SQE1 (a 2-day 360-question multiple choice exam) and the SQE2 (a 5-day practical exam consisting of 16 assessments).  You might have heard horror stories about the SQE1, but you might be wondering: Is the SQE2 hard?  Many people think that the SQE2 is easier than the SQE1 (due to the fact that a higher number of people pass it compared to the SQE1). However, the SQE2 is still a very tough exam and not to be underestimated, as the legal questions within it can be extremely niche. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenges posed by the SQE2 and how a well-structured SQE2 prep course can make a substantial difference. Understanding the Structure of SQE2 Before diving into its difficulty, it’s essential to understand what the SQE2 includes. The SQE2 focuses on practical legal skills and is designed to test your ability to apply legal knowledge in a variety scenarios. It comprises 16 assessment that assess six key skills: 1.-2. are oral exams, whilst 3.-6. Are written exams.  The written exams are on 3 consecutive days, whilst the oral exams are on 2 consecutive days.  You will be tested in the following subjects: Wills & Trusts, Dispute Resolution, Criminal Litigation, Property & Land Law, Business.  Factors Contributing to the Difficulty of SQE2 Breadth and Depth of Knowledge The first factor contributing to the difficulty of the SQE2 is the breadth and depth of knowledge required. If you look at the SRA FLK here, you will see that a huge amount of legal knowledge is covered. Unlike academic exams that focus on one subject per exam, the SQE2 demands practical application across various areas of law including Wills & Trusts, Dispute Resolution (including Contracts and Tort), Criminal Litigation, Property & Land Law, Business, Money Laundering, Ethics and Code of Conduct issues.  Time Management Another significant challenge is time management. Each task must be completed within a strict timeframe, requiring candidates to think quickly and efficiently under pressure. I personally found Legal Writing (30 minutes) and Research (60 minutes) assessments the worst.  Application and Provision of Client-Focused Advice This aspect can make the SQE2 quite difficult. It is not enough to just regurgitate the law, you need to provide a solution to the fictional client’s problem. You will need to think logically and consider the client’s needs and requirements. Knowing the law alone will not be enough. You will also need to deploy soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. High Stakes Lastly, the high stakes involved add another layer of difficulty. You have three chances at passing the SQE2, then that is it. Passing both parts of the SQE is mandatory for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, putting immense pressure on candidates to perform. Tips for Succeeding in SQE2 Here are some tips to help you succeed: Enrol in a Prep Course  If you can enrol in a full prep course, I would highly recommend you do. There are a number of materials and books out there now, that can support your studying, but even so, these may not completely replace a full prep course.  If you are looking for additional and efficient SQE2 study materials, be sure to check out my SQE2 resources here.  Start Early Begin your preparation well in advance to give yourself ample time to cover all topics thoroughly. Focus on Weak Areas Identify your weak areas (either skills or legal subjects or both) early on and devote extra time to improving them. Practice and Revise with Active Recall Regularly Consistent practice is key to mastering practical skills like client interviewing or advocacy. Legal knowledge is key in the SQE2 – you won’t be able to show your skills if you don’t have the legal knowledge. Incorporate active recall revision of the subjects listed in the SRA FLK regularly.  Conclusion: Is the SQE2 Hard? In summary, yes—the SQE2 is challenging due to its comprehensive nature, time constraints, client-focus requirements, and high stakes involved. However, with diligent preparation and support from a quality SQE2 prep course and additional materials, these challenges become manageable hurdles rather than insurmountable obstacles. If you have any questions around SQE2 prep, be sure to contact me at madeleine@inhousew.com