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The CAPAPA Accreditation Award symbolizes official recognition of excellence in programs relevant to the Privacy and Access Profession in Canada.

Conferences, seminars and workshops may be recognized and considered as part of the education hours required for certification.

CAPAPA maintains a list of recognized and accredited Courses and Programs, which includes independent learning events.

If you are uncertain whether the conference or seminar you wish to attend is accredited, inquire at Certification[@]capapa.org

Meeting National Standards

A vital element of Professional Certification is knowing that educational programs meet high standards and offer program content that is relevant to Privacy and Access Professionals in Canada — and to the employers who look for well qualified candidates.

Accreditation is a voluntary, unbiased, and non-governmental process of review.

Post-secondary institutions that seek and are granted accreditation status agree to uphold the quality standards set out in CAPAPA's Professional Certification and Accreditation Standards. The institution also agrees to periodically submit to accreditation renewal review.

As part of the accreditation process, CAPAPA helps post-secondary institutions to develop certificate and degree programs that ensure the accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.

"Training for ATIP coordinators has been the subject of a number of reports on access to information law reform. ATIP coordinators should be required to have extensive training and be certified pursuant to national standards."

Report of the Standing Committee on
Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics

Read the National Core Competency Standards that define competent and capable Access and Privacy Professionals

Getting Started

CAPAPA’s mandate includes promoting the ongoing professional development, education, and expertise of persons engaged or interested in the field of information access and protection of privacy in Canada.

CAPAPA seeks information about education programs that target access and privacy professionals to encourage participation in those programs. CAPAPA also seeks to assist faculty and universities to improve certificate and degree programs.

For details about having your courses and programs accredited, email Certification[@]capapa.org

"Because of an acute shortage of experienced personnel in the area, institutions have had a difficult time attracting and keeping qualified professionals to manage access to information operations. They are attempting to cope with the shortage by hiring consultants – a practice which is unsustainable over the long term.

"It is also worth noting that there is currently no mandatory staff training on access to information in federal institutions, despite the high payoff in terms of raising awareness about the Act and improving the processing of access to information requests."

Information Commissioner of Canada
Special Report to Parliament: Systemic Issues Affecting Access to Information in Canada 2007-2008