Your Path from Professional Experience to a Verifiable IBACTP® Credential

Start by selecting the certification that best matches your:

• Professional background
• Current responsibilities
• Technical knowledge
• Career objectives
• Management responsibilities
• Desired area of specialization
• Future professional-development goals

IBACTP® provides structured certification pathways across four major areas:

AI & Data

Professional and Manager-level credentials covering:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Generative AI
• AI Engineering
• Data Analytics
• Data Science

Cybersecurity & Digital Defense

Certification pathways covering:

• Cybersecurity
• Cyber Defense
• Digital Forensics

Infrastructure & Cloud

Certification pathways covering:

• Network Engineering
• Information Technology
• Cloud Technology

Systems, Delivery & Governance

Certification pathways covering:

• Information Systems
• DevSecOps
• IT Governance

Many certification tracks provide a progression from Professional → Manager, allowing credential holders to advance as their experience and responsibilities develop.

Before applying, review the specific certification page and applicable certification handbook.

Requirements may differ according to:

• Certification level
• Technical complexity
• Professional experience
• Education
• Prior certifications
• Management responsibilities
• Required competencies
• Assessment pathway

Professional-level certifications generally focus on demonstrating foundational-to-applied professional competency.

Manager-level certifications are designed for individuals seeking to demonstrate more advanced capability in areas such as:

• Strategy
• Governance
• Leadership
• Enterprise decision-making
• Program oversight
• Risk management
• Technology management
• Organizational transformation

Candidates should review the requirements of the individual credential before submitting an application.

Not sure whether you meet the requirements?

Use the IBACTP® Check Eligibility process before applying.

You may be asked to provide information about your:

• Education
• Professional experience
• Current or previous role
• Technology experience
• Certifications
• Training
• Relevant projects
• Management experience
• Area of specialization

An eligibility review can help identify the certification level that most closely corresponds with your professional background.

Once you have selected an appropriate certification, complete the certification application.

Candidates should provide accurate and complete information.

Depending on the certification, the application may request:

• Full legal name
• Contact information
• Country of residence
• Education
• Employment history
• Relevant professional experience
• Existing certifications
• Training history
• Professional references, where required
• Supporting documentation

IBACTP® may request additional information when necessary to determine eligibility.

Submission of an application does not itself guarantee certification.

Eligible candidates may proceed with the applicable certification registration and assessment fee.

Candidates should carefully review:

• Certification fees
• Examination policies
• Rescheduling provisions
• Cancellation requirements
• Retake policies
• Refund policies
• Identification requirements
• Technical requirements

For self-paced candidates, certification payment generally relates to the certification examination unless otherwise stated.

Learning materials or other preparation resources may be made available at the discretion of IBACTP® or under the applicable program arrangement.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare using the certification's official:

• Certification overview
• Body of Knowledge
• Competency domains
• Learning objectives
• Examination blueprint
• Candidate handbook
• Practice resources
• Approved training, where applicable

Preparation may be completed through:

Self-Directed Preparation

Candidates independently prepare for the certification examination.

IBACTP® Training

Where available, candidates may participate in structured training aligned with certification competencies.

Authorized Training

Approved training may be delivered through eligible Affiliate Training Partners, universities, corporate programs, or other authorized delivery arrangements.

Training and Certification Decisions Are Distinct

Completing a training program does not automatically result in certification.

Certification is awarded only after the applicable certification requirements and assessment requirements have been successfully completed.

Depending on the program and delivery pathway, eligible candidates may complete one of the approved assessment pathways.

Certification Examination

The standard IBACTP® certification examination consists of:

100 Multiple-Choice Questions

90 Minutes

70% Passing Score

The assessment evaluates knowledge and professional understanding across the certification's defined competency domains.

Applied Assessment or Capstone

For eligible instructor-led programs, an approved applied assessment or capstone may be available as an alternative assessment pathway.

The applicable certification page will identify whether a capstone pathway is available.

Completion of training or an examination does not by itself constitute a certification decision.

IBACTP® reviews applicable certification requirements and assessment results before the credential is awarded.

Certification decisions are intended to remain separate from training delivery to support fairness, consistency, and credential integrity.

Successful candidates receive formal notification of their certification status.

Successful candidates may receive:

• Official IBACTP® certificate
• Professional designation
• Digital credential or badge, where applicable
• Credential verification record
• Credential-holder recognition
• Access to applicable credential-holder resources

Credential holders may use their professional designation in accordance with IBACTP® credential and trademark policies.

IBACTP® credentials are designed to support professional verification.

Credential holders may be able to:

• Verify certification status
• Share digital credentials
• Display approved professional designations
• Add credentials to professional profiles
• Present credentials to employers
• Demonstrate certification achievement to clients or institutions

Certification should always be represented accurately and within the scope of the credential awarded.

IBACTP® certification is not intended to represent a one-time learning event.

Credentials are generally valid for:

3 YEARS

Credential holders are expected to remain professionally current and satisfy applicable maintenance and recertification requirements.

These may include:

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
• Professional-development activities
• Certification maintenance
• Compliance with the Code of Ethics
• Recertification requirements
• Applicable renewal requirements

Professional development does not end with certification.

Credential holders may progress through:

1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
2. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
3. MANAGER CERTIFICATION
4. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
5. TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP

Examples include:

CDFOP® → CDFOM®

CDevSOP® → CDevSOM®

CDSP® → CDSM®

CISP® → CISyM®

Your certification can become part of a broader lifelong professional-development pathway.