In today’s data-driven world, organizations face increasing challenges in managing information securely, compliantly, and efficiently. The Information Governance Professional (IGP) certification is designed to equip professionals with the expertise needed to oversee organizational information assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize information management strategies. Practice with the free Information Governance Professional practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (9 questions with answer explanations).
Earning the IGP certification demonstrates a deep understanding of information governance frameworks, policies, and best practices. It prepares individuals to lead efforts in risk mitigation, data protection, records management, and regulatory adherence.
Finance and accounting professionals can sharpen their exam readiness with our FRM financial risk manager exam 2026, covering the key regulations, standards, and calculations tested on the official exam.
The IGP has 140 questions, takes about 3 hours and costs $599[1][2] (ARMA International, verified Oct 26, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 140 multiple-choice questions[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Time limit | 3-hour block (about 15 min for admin/tutorial)[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Passing score | 650 out of 900 (scaled)[2] | ARMA International · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $599 application and exam fee[2] | ARMA International · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $250 per retake[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Validity | 3 years[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Renewal | 60 CEUs every 3 years + $250 recertification fee ($50 late fee)[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test centers or OnVUE online proctoring[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Eligibility | No required training; a bachelor's degree and 3+ years of IG management experience are recommended[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Score release | Unofficial pass/fail on exam day; official confirmation at the start of each month[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline | Recertification due Dec 31; accepted until Jan 31 with a $50 late fee[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
| Registration opens | Applications accepted year-round[1] | ARMA International · Oct 15, 2026 |
Interactive Information Governance Professional resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
According to ARMA International, “The IGP exam is a computer-based test, made up of 140 multiple-choice questions.”[1]
The content areas below are copied from the official IGP content outline published by ARMA International. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| ARCHITECTURE[3] | IGP Technology & Information Security Practise how systems, repositories and security controls fit together to support governed information. |
| INFORMATION LIFECYCLE[3] | IGP Records Management & Data Privacy Practise creation, use, retention, hold and disposition decisions, and the privacy duties attached to each stage. |
| PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK[3] | IGP Policy Development & Implementation Practise turning policy into procedures, roles and controls that people can actually follow. |
| STEERING COMMITTEE[3] | IGP Compliance Program Management Practise who sponsors and oversees an IG program, how decisions are escalated and how progress is reported. |
Prepare for the IGP - Information Governance Professional exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: A company's IG framework should address privacy requirements under which US federal law applicable to healthcare information?
Answer: C. HIPAA
Explanation:
HIPAA is correct. It sets the privacy and security rules for protected health information, so a framework for a healthcare organization has to address it. FERPA is wrong because it covers student education records, not medical data. GLBA is wrong because it applies to how financial institutions handle customer information. COPPA is wrong because it concerns the online collection of children's personal data. Each of these is a real law, which is why the question is tricky: all four options sound plausible until you tie each law to its sector.
Rule to remember: start from the type of information (health, education, financial, children's data), then name the law that governs it. The sector usually points to the answer.
Question: A gap analysis in IG framework development is used to:
Answer: B. Identify differences between the current state and desired IG program maturity
Explanation:
The correct answer is that a gap analysis identifies the differences between the current state and the desired maturity of the IG program. It compares what the organization does today against a target and shows where to act first. Calculating the cost of technology investments is a budgeting or business-case task, not a gap analysis. Training employees on records procedures is an action you might take once a gap is found, but it is not the analysis. Auditing vendor compliance with data sharing agreements is a third-party review with a different scope.
Rule to remember: gap analysis means current state versus target state. If an option does not compare those two things, it is describing something else.
Question: Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Information Governance Professional certification and industry evolution?
Answer: B. Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
Explanation:
The correct answer is that requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice. Information governance changes as technology, regulation and professional practice change, and a credential has to keep up. Saying requirements never change ignores that. Saying changes occur only when government mandates them is wrong because professional bodies update their own standards without waiting for a mandate. Saying requirements become less stringent over time has no basis, since updates track practice rather than lowering the bar.
Rule to remember: be suspicious of absolute words such as never and only in answer options. A professional credential is maintained, reviewed and updated, and renewal requirements exist to keep certificants current.
Start with the official ARMA material. Read the content outline and the candidate information so you know what each area expects, and note how the exam is delivered and scored. Then take a short set from each topic below without time pressure, to find where you are weakest.
For every miss, read the explanation, then write down the rule in your own words and return to the matching section of the official outline. Retake weak sets after a gap of a few days rather than straight away, so you are testing recall and not memory of the answers. In the last days before the exam, practise a long block of questions in a single sitting to get used to the pace. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to find gaps, not to predict your result.
The IGP certification validates skills in managing and governing information throughout its lifecycle.
Candidates must understand legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of information governance.
Exam preparation involves studying governance frameworks, risk management, compliance, and technology tools.
Certification opens doors to leadership roles and higher earning potential in information management fields.
IGPs play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity, privacy, and effective information usage within organizations.
The Information Governance Professional (IGP) certification is offered by recognized bodies such as ARMA International. It focuses on developing and validating expertise in governing information through policies, standards, and practices that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
The certification covers critical areas such as:
Information lifecycle management
Regulatory compliance and legal requirements
Risk assessment and mitigation
Data privacy and security
Records and information management
Policy development and implementation
This credential is designed for professionals responsible for managing complex information environments across industries.
To pursue the IGP certification, candidates typically need to meet specific criteria:
Professional Experience
Relevant work experience in records management, compliance, information technology, or related fields is preferred.
Educational Background
A degree in information science, business, law, or related disciplines enhances eligibility.
Completion of Training
Candidates should complete recommended training programs or preparatory courses covering information governance principles.
Passing the Certification Exam
The exam evaluates knowledge of governance concepts, best practices, and applicable laws.
Continuing Education
Maintaining certification requires ongoing professional development and renewal.
These requirements ensure that certified professionals are well-prepared to manage organizational information effectively.
Effective exam preparation includes:
Study ARMA’s Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (GARP)
Familiarize yourself with ARMA’s core principles that guide information governance frameworks.
Review Regulatory and Legal Frameworks
Understand HIPAA, GDPR, FOIA, and other relevant laws impacting information governance.
Engage with Training Courses and Workshops
Participate in formal courses that offer both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Practice with Sample Questions and Mock Exams
Gain familiarity with exam formats and identify areas for improvement.
Join Professional Communities
Network with certified professionals and experts to share knowledge and receive guidance.
Earning the IGP certification offers multiple advantages:
Professional Credibility
Certification distinguishes you as an expert in the field, enhancing trust among employers and clients.
Expanded Job Opportunities
Certified professionals qualify for roles such as Information Governance Manager, Compliance Officer, and Records Manager.
Competitive Salaries
IGPs often command higher salaries due to specialized expertise.
Leadership and Influence
Certification equips you to lead governance initiatives and influence organizational policies.
Commitment to Best Practices
Demonstrates dedication to maintaining high standards in data management and security.
Certified IGPs typically:
Develop and implement policies for data management and compliance
Conduct risk assessments and audits related to information governance
Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
Collaborate with IT, legal, and business units to optimize information flows
Manage records retention schedules and data lifecycle management
Educate staff on governance policies and best practices
These duties require strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
The Information Governance Professional Certification is a valuable credential for professionals committed to managing organizational information securely and efficiently. By understanding governance principles, preparing thoroughly for the exam, and embracing ongoing education, you can advance your career and contribute significantly to organizational success. With data privacy and compliance becoming ever more critical, certified IGPs are positioned as key leaders in the evolving information landscape.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| IGP certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide | Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification |
| Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles | Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success |
| Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics | Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education |
Try these questions from our free Information Governance Professional practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL IGP certified professionals regardless of their specific role?
Answer: B. PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
Regardless of experience level, PPE must be properly fitted, regularly maintained, and replaced when worn or damaged.
A company transfers employee records from a US office to a subsidiary in Germany. Under GDPR, this constitutes what type of transfer?
Answer: B. A third-country transfer requiring adequate safeguards
Any transfer of personal data from the EU/EEA to a third country like the US—even between related entities—requires appropriate safeguards such as SCCs, BCRs, or adequacy decisions.
The principle of proportionality in e-discovery requires that:
Answer: B. The burden and cost of discovery must be proportional to the needs of the case
FRCP Rule 26(b)(1) embeds proportionality, requiring that the scope of discovery be proportional to the needs of the case considering factors like the amount in controversy, importance of the issues, and the burden of discovery.
What is the main purpose of a records retention schedule in relation to information security?
Answer: B. Specify how long records must be kept and when they should be destroyed
A records retention schedule defines required retention periods for each record type and the authorized disposition method, supporting both legal compliance and data minimization.
Take the full Information Governance Professional practice test
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.