Answers to Common Questions

Not necessarily for every certification.

Eligibility requirements vary by credential. Relevant professional experience, technical training, professional education, or other appropriate preparation may be considered where permitted by the applicable certification requirements.

Some Professional-level certifications may be appropriate for students or recent graduates who possess sufficient foundational preparation.

Candidates should review the specific certification's requirements before applying.

Yes, where the applicable certification requirements are satisfied.

Relevant training, prior professional experience, academic preparation, independent study, or transferable competencies may support a career transition into technology.

Manager-level credentials are intended for advanced professional practice and typically emphasize management, strategy, governance, leadership, risk, or enterprise responsibilities.

Candidates should review the specific Manager-level certification requirements because requirements may differ between programs.

The standard IBACTP® certification examination consists of:

Candidates receive:

The standard passing score is:

IBACTP® certification examinations may be delivered online under applicable examination and identity-verification requirements.

Candidates should review their examination instructions before the scheduled assessment.

Eligible instructor-led programs may provide an approved applied capstone or alternative assessment pathway.

A capstone is not automatically available for every candidate or every program.

Review the specific certification page for applicable assessment options.

Candidates may be eligible for one retake within the applicable three-month period, subject to IBACTP® retake requirements.

Candidates should review the current retake policy before scheduling another assessment.

Unless expressly stated otherwise for a particular assessment, candidates should follow the examination conditions specified in their candidate instructions.

Unauthorized materials or assistance may constitute an examination-security violation.

Candidates must comply with the examination's permitted-resource rules.

Unless expressly authorized, external assistance—including generative AI systems, search tools, messaging applications, unauthorized reference materials, or assistance from another person—should not be used during a secured certification examination.

IBACTP® certifications are generally valid for:

Technology changes rapidly.

A defined certification lifecycle encourages credential holders to remain current with:

• Emerging technologies
• Professional practices
• Security developments
• Regulatory and governance considerations
• New tools and methodologies
• Changing workforce competencies

Credential holders should satisfy applicable certification-maintenance requirements, which may include:

• Continuing Professional Education
• Professional-development activities
• Ethical compliance
• Credential maintenance
• Recertification requirements

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) refers to eligible professional-development activities that help credential holders maintain and expand relevant professional competencies.

Applicable requirements should be reviewed under the credential-maintenance policy.

The general process is:

1. 1SELECT CERTIFICATION
2. 2REVIEW ELIGIBILITY
3. 3APPLY
4. 4REGISTER
5. 5PREPARE
6. 6COMPLETE ASSESSMENT
7. 7CERTIFICATION DECISION

Depending on the certification, prepare information concerning:

• Education
• Employment
• Professional experience
• Relevant training
• Current certifications
• Contact information
• Supporting documents

Use the Check Eligibility page before submitting your certification application.

For certification, eligibility, examination, credentialing, and recertification questions: