PECB Training & Certification FAQ

General Purchase & Enrolment Process

Q: How is Brainframe related to PECB.com?

Brainframe is a Gold reselling partner of PECB since 2022

Q: How do I purchase and enrol in a PECB training course through Brainframe?

1. Create an account on PECB.com using your personal email.
2. Purchase your course on Brainframe.com using the same email. If applicable, include your company VAT details for invoicing.
3. Assignment of materials: Within 24 hours, we assign the course material directly to your PECB account, along with a free exam and retake.
4. Study period: You have 12 months to study and complete the exam.
5. Certification: Once you pass, PECB will issue the applicable credential as defined by the course experience requirements.

Training & Learning Materials

Q: Where will I access my training and study materials?

All training materials, eLearning modules, exams, and certifications are delivered directly through the PECB website.

Q: Can I still access training materials on the KATE platform?

No. The KATE platform has been discontinued. All course materials, eLearning, exams, and certifications are now exclusively available through your MyPECB portal.

Q: What types of training formats are available?

• Self-study: Study the official course materials at your own pace.
• eLearning: Study the official course materials at your own pace, combined with video materials for those that prefer visual learning
• Both allow you to ask questions to material experts through the customers@pecb.com email
• We do not offer any in person PECB trainings at Brainframe.

Q: How long do I have access to my training materials?

You will have access to your training material for 12 months from the date of assignment.

Exams & Certification

Q: What are the rules for PECB exams?

PECB has strict certification rules and policies, available here: Exam Rules.

Q: What is the general PECB certification process?

The complete process is outlined here: Certification Process.

Q: How do I schedule my exam?

You can schedule your exam through your PECB account. Exams can often be taken remotely at your convenience and are organised multiple times a week. Students can schedule their online exams immediately after prerequisites are met.

Q: How long does my certification last?

Most PECB certifications are valid for three years. After this period, you must maintain and renew your certification (see CPD section).

Q: Do I still need a coupon code to book my exam?

No. PECB has removed coupon codes for online exam bookings. If you were previously issued a coupon or are eligible for a retake, your eligibility remains valid under the new system.

Exam Preparation

Q: How should I prepare for my PECB exam?

PECB provides official training materials and structured learning paths to help you succeed. To prepare effectively:

• Study the official course book included with your training — this is the primary source aligned to exam content.
• Use the eLearning platform (if chosen) to review expert-led video modules and interactive exercises.
• Practice with case studies and exercises provided in the course. These help translate theory into real-world application.
• Review the exam rules and policies: PECB Exam Rules. This ensures you understand exam logistics, conditions, and requirements.

Q: Are there practice tests available?

PECB does not provide public “mock exams,” but your course material contains sample questions to familiarize you with the structure and style of questions you will face.

Q: How much time should I dedicate to preparation?

Most candidates prepare over several weeks. A good benchmark:

• Foundation courses: ~2–3 weeks of preparation.
• Manager/Lead courses: ~4–6 weeks, depending on prior knowledge and experience.

Q: Where can I find the latest guidance on MyPECB processes?

The updated Member Manual and Online Examinee Manual are available in your MyPECB account. They include details on accessing materials, scheduling exams, renewing certifications, and submitting CPDs/AMFs.

Proof of Experience

Q: How do I provide proof of professional experience for certification?

Depending on your credential (see course description), you may be required to demonstrate relevant work experience. Acceptable evidence includes:

• References from employers
• Job specifications or assessments
• Certificates of service
• Letters of appointment

This ensures your certification is backed by practical application, not just theory.

Certification Maintenance & CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Details can be found in the PECB Certification maintenance policy

Q: Which certifications require maintenance?

Maintenance (CPDs + AMFs + Code of Ethics) applies to most credentials. No maintenance is required for Foundation, Provisional, and Transition credentials.

Q: What do I need to do to keep my certification active?

During each 3-year cycle you must:

• Submit CPD hours relevant to your certification field.
• Pay Annual Maintenance Fees (AMFs).
• Adhere to the PECB Code of Ethics.

Q: When and how do I renew?

Keep logging CPDs and paying AMFs throughout the 3-year cycle. If requirements are met, renewal is processed at the end of year 3. You can initiate it in your PECB Dashboard → My Certifications → Renew.

Q: How many CPD hours do I need?

These are 3-year totals (see the CPD Requirements table on p.6–7):

• 60 hours: Implementer; Auditor/Assessor; Manager; EBIOS/MEHARI; Six Sigma Green Belt; Risk Manager.
• 90 hours: Lead Implementer; Lead Auditor/Assessor; Lead Manager; Lead Risk Manager; CLFE / CLPI / CDPO / CLSIP.
• 180 hours: Senior Lead Implementer; Senior Lead Auditor; Senior Lead Manager; Senior Risk Manager; Senior Lead Risk Manager.
• 270 hours: Master.

CPD activities include project work, audits/assessments, training, private study, coaching, webinars, seminars, conferences, and related professional tasks. (Policy p.3, p.6–7)

Q: How much are the AMFs?

• Foundation / Provisional / Transition: No fee
• All other certifications: USD $120 per year (paid to PECB)
• 10% Discount for Early Payment: You can choose to pay for three years of AMFs in advance and receive a 10% discount. This way you'll avoid annual payments for the next three years. 
• AMF Cap: Regardless of how many certifications you hold, you will only be required to pay AMFs for a maximum of five certificates per year.

Q: How do I report CPDs and pay AMFs?

Log in to the PECB Dashboard → My Certifications → CPD Info → Submit CPD and follow the prompts for AMF payment. You can submit CPDs any time, and PECB sends maintenance reminders during the cycle.

Q: What happens if I don’t maintain my certification?

• If AMF isn’t paid, CPDs aren’t submitted, totals are insufficient, or evidence isn’t provided on request, your certification will be suspended for 12 months. If obligations aren’t met, the certification will be revoked. To regain the credential, you'll need to retake the exam and reapply.
• Certifications may also be suspended or revoked for ethics violations, misuse of marks/logos, or other rule breaches.

Q: Any CNIL-specific recert rules?

Yes. CNIL recertification requires passing a new written test and proving ≥1 year of relevant DPO-type professional experience in the last 3 years, verified by a third party (employer or client).

Q: Can I upgrade later?

Yes—apply via your dashboard (My Certifications → Upgrade). Fee: USD $120 ($125 as of Jan 2026). If you were downgraded, PECB may evaluate whether a new exam is required before upgrading.

Q: What’s new about the PECB Master Credential?

PECB has updated the Master Credential with revised prerequisites, professional experience requirements, adjusted AMF, and new benefits. Existing Master holders are automatically transitioned to the new framework without extra requirements.

Career Guidance & Support

Q: What if I need help choosing the right certification?

We offer career guidance sessions to help you identify the right course and certification path for your goals.

Q: How can I get support for my training journey?

• Simply reply to the email you received from us.
• Or book a free consultation via calendly.com/brainframe/trainings.

Updated on: 14/09/2025