The world of Information Privacy, Data Protection, and Access-to-Information is changing quickly with new technologies, laws, and expectations.
Having a PACC Associate, Chartered or Master designation after your name signals that your skill, education, and experience meet or exceed the National Standard of Competency.
All PACC-certified professionals must recertify every three years to maintain their designation and show their commitment to continuous competence and knowledge development.
| Designation | Recertification Required | Obtained or Recertified In | Renew In |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPP | Every 3 years | 2022 | 2025 |
| CAPP | Every 3 years | 2022 | 2025 |
| MAPP | Every 3 years | 2022 | 2025 |
Why Recertify?
Maintain your PACC Professional Certification to:
- Demonstrate that you have met your commitment to keeping current on access and privacy-related laws, practices, standards, methodologies, terminology and technologies
- Show that you are committed to continually acquiring new knowledge relevant to Information Privacy and Access-to-Information
- Indicate that you continually build familiarity with current and emerging topics, issues and regulatory requirements relevant to Information Privacy and Access-to-Information
- Stay part of the PACC community
The Certification Handbook explains what’s needed and how to go about renewing and upgrading AAPP, CAPP and MAPP credentials.
Log in to download the current Certification Handbook.
The Recertification Process
Recertification is a straightforward process that includes demonstrating that:
- You are actively practicing in the profession
- Your Continuing Professional Development activities have met or surpassed the required minimums
- You continue to be a PACC member in good standing
- You have met the other requirements outlined in the Certification Handbook
To start the recertification process, members can download, complete, and submit a Recertification Reporting Form together with the required certification renewal fee.
If you cannot log in to download the form, your membership might have lapsed. Contact us to verify your membership status.
Tracking Continuing Professional Development Credits
All Continuing Professional Development Credits must be submitted for review as part of the recertification process. Auditable supporting documentation may be requested. At least 12 CPD credits must be earned in each year to stay on track for renewal.
Activities that May Qualify for CPD Credits must be directly relevant to information privacy, access to information, and data governance and may include:
Attending classes, workshops, webinars, and other educational events.
Presenting educational materials outside your job function.
Publishing articles, books, blogs, or other publications.
Participating in formal Mentoring programs.
Speaking engagements at PACC events or other approved educational events.
Volunteer service with PACC.
Certificants are responsible for knowing their certification expiration date and earning/submitting all Continuing Professional Development Credits during their three-year renewal period.
Inactive Status
If you are unable to renew due to personal or professional reasons, you may request (before your certification expires) that your certification be declared inactive, which would give you a three-year window in which to pursue your certification renewal.
The (non-refundable) fee to apply for inactive status is $150.
Conditions of inactive status:
- available for one three-year term only
- becomes active the day after your certification term ends
- means you may not use your credential or hold yourself out as PACC-certified until your certification is reactivated
- requires maintaining membership in good standing throughout the Inactive Status period
To verify if a person’s AAPP, CAPP, or MAPP designation is valid and current, contact us.
Reactivating Your Credential
You can reinstate your certification status at any time during the three-year inactive term by meeting the renewal eligibility requirements in effect at the time you apply for reinstatement. (You must meet any requirements that change during your inactive period.) To reactivate, submit an online certification renewal application along with the required recertification fee.
Note: When you apply for reinstatement, the renewal eligibility requirements in your application must be from the three-year period before your reactivation date.
To avoid your certification credential lapsing, be sure to request inactive status and reactivate before the end of the three-year inactive term. If extenuating circumstances hamper reactivation, contact the PACC certification team at certification_at_pacc-ccap_dot_ca or 877.746.PACC (877.746.7222) at least 30 days before your inactive period ends.
If your credential lapses, you will have to reapply for certification and meet all eligibility criteria in effect at that time.
If you have questions about the PACC recertification cost, process, or requirements, contact us
