Exam Registration and Scheduling Policy

Institute of Information Management (IIM)

Examination Instructions Manual

Compliant with ISO/IEC 17024 and Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Purpose
2.0 Examination Registration
2.1 Registration 
2.2 Scheduling 
3.0 Rescheduling or Cancelling an Examination
4.0 Special Accommodations
5.0 Examination Structure and Format
6.0 Candidate Agreements and Code of Conduct
7.0 Dismissal and Rule Violations
8.0 Expenses and Liability
9.0 Examination Delivery and Remote Proctoring
9.1 Checking In 
9.2 Taking the Examination 
9.3 Examination Rules 
9.4 Pre-Examination Requirements 
9.5 Examination Environment 
10.0 Results and Scoring
10.1 Scoring System 
11.0 Examination Outcomes
11.1 Passing the Examination 
11.2 Failing the Examination 
11.3 Examination No-Show 
11.4 Examination Development and Updates 
11.5 Retake Policy 
12.0 Data Protection and Confidentiality Statement

1.0 Purpose

This document outlines the Institute of Information Management (IIM) policy and procedures governing registration, conduct, and administration of certification examinations. It provides clear guidance to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with ISO/IEC 17024 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

2.0 Examination Registration

2.1 Registration

Candidates can register for the IIM Certified Data Protection Certification Examination via the official IIM website. Once payment is confirmed, and all necessary examination registration process has been completed, and examination attempted, Candidate’s will be profiled and have their Certificate appear under the candidate’s MyIIM Portal if they are successful in the examination.

  • Registration fee: ₦200,000 (IIM Member)/₦250,000 (Non-IIM Member).
  • Retake fee: ₦100,000 (IIM Member)/₦150,000 (Non-IIM Member) per attempt.

All fees are non-refundable, except under approved exceptional circumstances. Candidates will be notified via email within five (5) business days following an unsuccessful attempt, with instructions to reregister or redeem a new attempt.

2.2 Scheduling

Candidates must schedule and complete their examinations within 90 days of registration. Expired exams are forfeited without refund. Scheduling must occur at least ten (10) days before the intended exam date.

Before scheduling, candidates must verify that the name on their **registered names and details** matches their government-issued ID. Discrepancies must be corrected before writing the examination.

3.0 Rescheduling or Cancelling an Examination

All requests for examination cancellation or rescheduling must be submitted at least seventy-eight (78) hours before the scheduled mock examination date.

  1. Mode of Request 
  • All cancellation or rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via email to: certification@iim-africa.org
  • Requests submitted through any other channel (including phone calls, messaging platforms, or verbal communication) shall not be recognised or processed.
  1. Approval Requirement
  •  All cancellation or rescheduling requests are subject to formal approval by the Institute of Information Management (IIM).
  • A request shall be deemed invalid unless written approval is issued by IIM. 
  1. Administrative Penalty
  • Any approved cancellation or rescheduling request submitted after registration and issuance of examination login details shall attract an administrative penalty fee equivalent to twenty percent (20%) of the original examination fee.
  1. Failure to Attend 
  • Failure to attend the examination without prior approved cancellation or rescheduling shall result in automatic forfeiture of the full examination fee.
  1. Mock Examination Participation 
  • Candidates who attempt the mock examination but subsequently choose not to proceed with the main examination shall be required to pay a ₦150,000 examination retake fee to re-enrol for the examination.

4.0 Special Accommodations

IIM supports equitable access for candidates with qualifying disabilities or temporary medical conditions. Requests for accommodations must be submitted during scheduling. Candidates must provide supporting documentation.

All submitted information will be handled confidentially per IIM’s Data Protection Policy. Approved accommodations expire after one (1) week following approval and must be renewed for future sittings.

5.0 Examination Structure and Format

  • Number of Questions: 82 (single-choice-Obj 50, multiple choice 20, Theory 12)
  • Duration: 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)
  • Format: Scenario-based, single-choice, multiple-choice, fill-in-the-gap, and essay questions
  • Scoring: Each objective question = 2 points; each scenario-based question = 2.5 points
  • Passing Mark: 70% (equivalent to 105 marks)
  • Marking Scheme: No negative marking; candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.

In case of technical issues, candidates may re-login up to 10 times during the examination session.

Candidates may navigate back and forth between questions during the examination.

6.0 Candidate Agreements and Code of Conduct

Before commencing the examination, candidates must review and agree to the Application Statement, Confidentiality Agreement, and IIM Code of Professional Conduct. Breach of these agreements constitutes grounds for dismissal and forfeiture of fees.

7.0 Dismissal and Rule Violations

The proctor is authorized to enforce all testing rules. Violation of exam policies (e.g., unauthorized materials, communication, or disruptive behavior) may result in immediate dismissal.

Candidates may appeal dismissal decisions within five (5) business days by submitting an Examination Appeal Form to the IIM Certification Committee.

8.0 Expenses and Liability

IIM is not liable for expenses related to travel, equipment, software, internet connectivity, or time lost due to exam scheduling or retakes. Compensation is limited to one complimentary retake in cases of verified technical or system failure.

9.0 Examination Delivery and Remote Proctoring

9.1 Checking In

Candidates must use a personal computer (not a work-issued device) and are prohibited from using VPNs. System checks must verify the device’s readiness (webcam, microphone, and internet). ID and facial recognition verification are mandatory.

9.2 Taking the Examination

Once launched, the exam timer begins immediately. Proctors monitor candidates via webcam and audio but cannot view exam content. Communication with proctors about exam content is prohibited.

9.3 Examination Rules

  • Face must remain visible to webcam at all times.
  • No external devices, headphones, or notes are permitted.
  • Leaving the workstation voids the attempt.
  • Food and smoking are not permitted; you may keep a bottle of water beside you.
  • Violations will result in dismissal and forfeiture of all fees.

9.4 Pre-Examination Requirements

  • Candidates must log in 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
  • Wait for human proctor authorization before beginning.
  • The exam will be AI and human proctored via webcam.
  • Candidates must use a laptop or desktop with a functional webcam and microphone.
  • A stable internet connection is required throughout the session.

9.5 Examination Environment

To ensure fairness and integrity:

  • Take the exam in a quiet, well-lit environment free from distractions.
  • Avoid unnecessary head movements or gestures that may trigger AI suspicion.
  • Grant permission for camera, microphone, and screen access.
  • Ensure no one else is present during the exam.
  • Remain on the exam screen at all times; navigating away is prohibited.
  • Take a snapshot of yourself and your valid ID before starting.
  • No breaks are allowed except to drink water.

10.0 Results and Scoring

10.1 Scoring System

Scores are computed automatically upon completion. Objective question results are displayed immediately after submission. Essay and scenario-based answers are evaluated by certified IIM examiners. Final results are communicated within two (2) weeks of the examination.

11.0 Examination Outcomes

11.1 Passing the Examination

Successful candidates who maintain active membership or have paid certification fees receive a digital certificate within two (2) weeks. Certificates include a unique verification ID accessible on the IIM Certification Verification Portal.

11.2 Failing the Examination

Candidates may retake the exam after seven (7) days. Retake scheduling follows the same registration process and fees as indicated by the institute.

11.3 Examination No-Show

Failure to attend a scheduled exam counts as a **“No Show.”** Fees are forfeited, and a new purchase is required for reattempt. Exceptions apply only for documented emergencies.

11.4 Examination Development and Updates

Exams are reviewed annually by the IIM Exam Development Board and certified psychometricians to ensure validity, fairness, and alignment with emerging practices. Updates are announced 90 days before release.

11.5 Retake Policy

Candidates who do not achieve a passing score may retake the exam according to the IIM Examination Policy.

  • ₦100,000 – IIM Members
  • ₦150,000 – Non-Members

12.0 Data Protection and Confidentiality Statement

All examination data, candidate records, and personal information are processed in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, ISO/IEC 17024, and the IIM Data Protection Policy. Data will not be disclosed to third parties without explicit consent.