How to Get IGP Certification Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Earning your IGP (Information Governance Professional) certification demonstrates your expertise in managing information as a strategic asset. With an IGP certification, you showcase your ability to develop implement and measure information governance programs.

More and more organizations are seeking out IGP-certified professionals to spearhead their efforts to reduce risk, optimize efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance through proper control of their data.

So how can you get IGP certified and take advantage of this growing career opportunity? Fortunately, with the flexibility of online exams, it’s easier than ever to get IGP certified from the comfort of home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• What is IGP certification?
• Benefits of becoming IGP-certified
• Eligibility requirements
• Step-by-step process to earn IGP certification online
• Preparing for the IGP exam
• Maintaining your certification

Let’s get started on the path to becoming a certified information governance professional.

What is IGP Certification?

IGP certification is an accredited credential administered by ARMA International that verifies expertise in information governance.

To earn the IGP designation, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam that covers core information governance concepts.

The IGP curriculum encompasses everything from building organizational support to performing risk assessments, establishing policies and procedures, implementing information lifecycle practices, and measuring program success.

IGP certification is the gold standard for information governance professionals. Holders of the IGP credential have demonstrated in-depth knowledge required to construct, manage, and improve an organization’s information governance program.

Key Benefits of Becoming IGP Certified

There are many advantages to earning your IGP certification:

• Professional development – Studying for the exam gives you a strong foundation in key information governance concepts. Preparing for the test bolsters your practical skills.

• Career advancement – Adding IGP to your credentials improves your resume and opens up new job opportunities. IGP-certified pros are in high demand.

• Higher salary potential – IGP certification can boost your earning power. Information governance is an increasingly critical discipline, so certified candidates command higher salaries.

• Recognition and validation – The IGP confirms your expertise and can improve your professional reputation. It’s a badge of honor recognized across industries.

• Flexible exam format – Thanks to online testing, you can take the exam when and where it’s convenient for your schedule.

In today’s data-driven business climate, information governance expertise provides a valuable competitive edge. IGP certification equips you with the knowledge and credibility to excel.

Eligibility Requirements for IGP Certification

To qualify for the IGP exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education – Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience – Have at least two years of professional experience in records and information management. Academic credentials can substitute for work experience.

Once ARMA verifies you meet the prerequisites above, you can register to take the exam.

Candidates should also review the official IGP exam content outline and ensure their work experience covers the key knowledge areas before registering.

4 Steps to Earn IGP Certification Online

Here is an overview of the complete process to attain your IGP credential through online testing:

Step 1: Submit IGP Exam Application

Visit ARMA International’s IGP exam page and download the application kit. The download includes instructions for submitting your application.

The application requests information on your education and work experience to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. Once approved, you’ll receive an authorization email allowing you to schedule the IGP exam.

Step 2: Schedule Your IGP Exam

After ARMA approves your exam application, use the authorization email to schedule your testing date, time, and location. You can take the computer-based IGP exam at hundreds of Pearson VUE test centers worldwide or schedule an online proctored exam.

When scheduling a test center exam, search for locations most convenient for you. If opting for online proctoring, choose a date when you will have a quiet space and stable internet connection.

Step 3: Study and Prepare for the Exam

With your IGP exam scheduled, you can focus on studying the exam content outline and topics. Review ARMA’s recommended reading list and other IGP exam prep materials. We’ll cover specific strategies for prep later in this guide.

Allow sufficient time to study based on your existing familiarity with information governance principles. You want to feel confident in your readiness before exam day.

Step 4: Take and Pass the IGP Exam

On exam day, arrive early at the test center or login for your online session. You will have 2 hours to complete 100 multiple choice questions. ARMA provides your pass/fail result immediately upon completion.

If you pass with a score of 70% or higher – congratulations! You’ve earned your IGP certification. Certified professionals can use the IGP designation after their name.

Candidates who don’t pass can retake the exam at a reduced fee after a 60 day waiting period. Use the time to brush up on weak areas and try again.

Preparing and Studying for the IGP Exam

Advance preparation is key to successfully passing the IGP exam. Here are some top tips to make sure you’re ready:

• Review the exam outline – Become familiar with each of the domains tested and the relative weight of questions from each. Identify any weak areas to focus study time.

• Read recommended books – Books like ARMA’s Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles provide an invaluable foundation in key concepts.

• Take practice tests – ARMA’s practice exams give you experience with the format and content you’ll face on the real test. Time yourself to build exam confidence.

• Study definitions – Know key terminology like records retention schedule, metadata, and RIM program. Flashcards can help memorize definitions.

• Review regulations – Understand legal/regulatory requirements like SEC 17a-4 and DoD 5015.02. Know when and how they apply.

• Leverage free resources – ARMA offers free webinars, practice quizzes, and an IGP community to aid prep.

• Get hands-on experience – Applying information governance principles on the job reinforces knowledge. If you have gaps in your experience, explore internships or volunteer work.

With diligent preparation using these strategies, you can tackle the IGP exam with confidence.

Maintaining Your IGP Certification

Once achieved, the IGP credential is valid for 3 years. To renew, IGP-certified pros must complete 45 hours of continuing education credit prior to the expiration date. This ensures you stay current on the latest information governance topics and trends.

You can easily earn renewal credits by attending ARMA events and web seminars or completing approved external programs. IGP holders report renewal activities using ARMA’s online CE reporting system.

Renewing your certification on time demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional development in the information governance discipline. Make sure to note your expiration deadline and accrue renewal credits well in advance.

Achieve Valuable IGP Certification Conveniently Online

Earning IGP certification is a great way to validate your information governance expertise while advancing your career. Thanks to online testing options, it’s never been easier to get IGP certified.

We covered the key steps from meeting eligibility requirements to taking the exam and maintaining your certification. With this roadmap in hand, you can embark on your path to becoming a certified IGP professional.

IGP certification communicates to employers that you possess the requisite knowledge and skills to successfully manage information governance programs. Add it to your credentials and open doors to new opportunities in this rapidly growing field.