Information Access and Protection of Privacy
Earn a Certificate
Courses for everyone 8
“The IAPP certificate completely changed my career path. It opened new professional opportunities and allowed me to be a part of an exciting and fast-developing field.
The program was very engaging, and instructors were able to create a sense of community even though students were interacting online from all over Canada. I felt encouraged and supported by all instructors and staff. I am certain that future students will also find that this certificate equips them to embark on a captivating new career path.”

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This award-winning, online program focuses on the theories, concepts, principles, issues, and best practices involved in the appropriate administration of access and privacy legislation such as FOIP, PIPEDA, ATIA, and others. Complex legislation, practices, and application in the public and private sectors are also explored.
A balance between privacy and transparency is a crucial issue in a democracy. Access and privacy legislation seeks to achieve this delicate balance. It is important as well as challenging to clearly understand how access and privacy principles are applied.
The IAPP program has received numerous awards:
- Information Rights Pioneer Award (2015)
- Robert C. Clark Award (2013)
- Grace-Pépin Access to Information Award (2011)
- CAUCE/AÉPUC Program Award of Distinction for Academic Excellence (2004)
This program will be of benefit for individuals interested in pursuing a career in access and privacy, as well as for professionals:
- Federal, provincial, and municipal government employees
- Access and privacy administrators in the private and public sectors
- Human resources professionals
- Auditors and management consultants
- Records management professionals
- Publicity, marketing, and telemarketing staff
- Lawyers and legal professionals

The instructors are experienced and engaging. They effectively leveraged current events and practical examples to reinforce key concepts.
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student
The IAPP program was flexible enough to adapt to my work and life schedule. It was doable while working full time and being a single parent to two kids.
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student


This was my first fully online program, and I loved it. Never thought one can learn so much using this method. Now I am hooked!
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student
Explore issues in privacy theories, best practices, and exercising sound judgment.
Develop the practical skills necessary to become effective information rights administrators.
Share information and network with information rights industry leaders and experts from across Canada as you learn and grow into this new profession.
Understand how access to information and protection of privacy impact information/records management, IT and security.
Earn a Certificate
in Information Access and Protection of Privacy
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University of Alberta parchment in as little as 1 year
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Pay as you go
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Currently open for enrolment
Complete all four
Complete 40 hours of electives
5+ courses needed to graduate with this UAlberta Certificate and become a UAlberta Associate Alumni.
Only interested in taking a course? You can register for a course without applying and enrolling in the program – browse our Information Access and Protection of Privacy courses. If later you decide to apply for the full program, the course you’ve taken will be applied toward your Certificate as long as it is still part of the program plan at the time of your application. Please note, program requirements are subject to change over time.
Enrolling in the program is a requirement if you want to earn the certificate. You may apply for admission as you start your studies or, if you prefer, after you have taken one or more courses.
To enrol, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, four years of work experience, or a post-secondary credential.
You are still invited to apply if you do not meet the admission requirements. Your qualifications will be reviewed, and conditional entrance may be granted.
This program is comprised of four core courses and one elective, all of them offered online through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. Each course is equivalent to 40 hours, for a total of 200 instructional hours.
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Foundations is a prerequisite to all other courses in the program. There is no specific order recommended for the remaining courses: as long as the prerequisite is met, students may choose the core courses or electives that best fit their schedule in any given term.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to obtain the certificate.
Your program requirements
Once you are admitted, you can verify your program requirements by logging into the University of Alberta’s student portal, Bear Tracks, to view your Academic Advisement.
Applying for Graduation
Submit your request to graduate to obtain your credential, receive a parchment, and (optionally) attend the graduation ceremony. Apply for graduation between November 1 and February 1 via Bear Tracks.
- If you haven’t previously completed a program application, you must do so in order to qualify for graduation.
- You must apply for graduation even if you do not plan to attend the ceremony.
CIAPP Certified designation
Students who complete the Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate will be granted the CIAPP Certified designation upon application to the Canadian Institute of Access and Privacy Professionals (CIAPP).
The CIAPP Certified designation is the leading certification program for public and private sector access and privacy professionals in Canada, and resulted from a partnership between CIAPP and the Canadian Access and Privacy Association (CAPA), the oldest and largest organization of access to information and privacy professionals in Canada.
- An application fee of $100 is required for admission into the program.
- Tuition is paid on a course-by-course basis as you register for your classes.
- Courses are GST-exempt.
- Eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.
All course materials are provided within the password-protected eClass at no extra charge.
Bursaries and funding opportunities
Eligibility
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Apply by |
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Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Available for businesses in all sectors across Alberta |
Two-thirds of the training costs (up to 100% if hiring an unemployed Albertan) any time |
Canada Training Benefit
Residents of Canada, 25-65 years old, who have $10,000-150,000 in earnings for work. |
$250+ income tax return |
Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan
Whether you intend to work in the same field you trained in outside of Canada, or you wish to apply your transferable skills to a new career, this low-interest loan helps you cover the cost of education and related living expenses. |
Up to $15,000 loan N/A |
Alumni Professional Development Grant
Any graduate of the University of Alberta |
Up to $500 anually monthly deadline |
HRDF
Employed by the University of Alberta as Non-Academic Staff (NASA) |
$750 annually Dec / Mar / Jun / Sep |
Calytera Systems Award
Students who have completed the Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate program. |
$500 annually instructor nominated |
You may also be interested in
Related courses and workshops — not for credit towards this program's requirements:
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Be sure to read our refund, withdrawal, and transfer policies
Call Continuing Education Student Services Office at 780-492-3113
or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400