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AIGP Study Guide

The Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification from the IAPP is one of the most recognized credentials in AI governance. This guide covers how the exam is structured and how to prepare. Last reviewed September 2026.

What the AIGP covers

According to the IAPP, the AIGP credential demonstrates competency in AI development, ethical AI deployment and best practices in AI management to ensure safety and trust. It is aimed at professionals who govern AI, including those in privacy, legal, compliance, risk, data and technology roles.

Exam format

• 100 questions, per the IAPP exam listing.
• 2.75 hours of testing time, with a 15-minute break.
• The exam must be taken within one year of purchase.
• Some questions are unscored pilot items; check the current candidate handbook for scoring details.
• Fees and discounts are listed on the IAPP store and change from time to time.

Body of knowledge

The exam is built on the AIGP Body of Knowledge (BoK). Version 2.1 took effect on 2 February 2026. It keeps four domains:

• Domain I: Understanding the foundations of AI governance.
• Domain II: Understanding how laws, standards and frameworks apply to AI.
• Domain III: Understanding how to govern AI development.
• Domain IV: Understanding how to govern AI deployment and use.

Version 2.1 adjusted question counts slightly, giving more weight to AI-specific laws and less to industry standards and tools. Download the current BoK from the IAPP for exact weightings.

A practical study plan

• Weeks 1 to 2: read the BoK and the IAPP study resources; note unfamiliar terms.
• Weeks 3 to 4: study the laws and frameworks in Domain II, especially the EU AI Act, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, ISO/IEC 42001 and how privacy law applies to AI.
• Weeks 5 to 6: work through the AI lifecycle in Domains III and IV: risk assessment, testing, documentation, deployment, monitoring and incident response.
• Weeks 7 to 8: take practice questions under timed conditions, review weak areas and reread the BoK performance indicators.

Where our research helps

Our research pages map closely to the AIGP domains. Useful starting points: AI Regulations, Frameworks & Standards, AI Risk Assessment, Responsible AI and Model Evaluation & Monitoring.

Exam details can change. Always confirm the current format, fees and BoK version on the IAPP website before you register.