Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals

What Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals does

The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) is a non-profit professional certification body founded in 1973 and headquartered in Elgin, Illinois. ICCP establishes professional standards for the computer science, data, and IT industries through 19+ distinct certification programs spanning entry-level to executive credentials, covering artificial intelligence, data management, business intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and related disciplines. The organization has certified more than 75,000 professionals globally and operates an affiliated ICCP Education Foundation supporting student pathways and scholarships. ICCP is governed by a Board of Directors with Dr. Kewal Dhariwal serving as Executive Director.

ICCP's core technology is a standardized examination and credentialing platform delivered through both online and in-person formats. Candidates can take self-paced 60-90 minute examinations, purchase official study guides and digital sample examinations (priced $35-$125), and access training workshops on AI, generative AI, and data governance. The platform enforces rigorous passing standards (70% for Master/Executive level, 50% for Practitioner level) and continuing education requirements for credential renewal, supporting the integrity of the credential. Products are distributed through a direct e-commerce storefront, supplemented by online self-serve examinations, in-person workshops, authorized training centers, and university/college partnerships.

ICCP operates a diversified revenue model combining recurring and transactional streams. Recurring revenue comes from credential renewal fees and an annual conference membership priced at $150 per year. Transactional revenue comes from certification examination fees, sales of study guides and sample examinations ($35-$125 each), and conference registrations (ranging from $50 for students to $950 for non-members at The National AI, ML and Data Conference). Customers are primarily individual IT and data professionals, with secondary segments including students, international professionals (supported by an O1 Visa advisory service), and business leaders attending executive-focused events. The organization reaches these segments through events, webinars, newsletters, and partnerships with professional associations including DAMA Edmonton, ACM, IBM, NAIT, and CompTIA AITP.

Name

Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals

Legal name

The Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals

Website

https://iccp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) is a non-profit founded in 1973 that issues 19+ professional certifications in AI, data management, IT, and cybersecurity to individual practitioners globally, with 75,000+ credentials awarded since inception.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Elgin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Examinations and Credentials: ICCP generates revenue through certification examination fees, credential maintenance fees, and certification renewal charges. Professionals pay for exams, certification credentials, and ongoing renewal to maintain their certified status.
2. Examination Study Guides and Materials: Sale of official examination study guides and preparation materials including the ICCP Official Examinations Guide ($125), BDMP Guide ($115), CDP Guide ($89), C++ Guide ($45), CBIP Guide ($125), and AICP Guide ($125). Sample examinations available from $35.
3. Events and Conference Tickets: Revenue from conference registrations and workshop fees including The National AI, ML and Data Conference (ranging from $50 for students to $950 for non-members), workshops, and certification exam prep sessions.
4. Membership Fees: ICC P Conference Membership available for $150 per year, providing access to member rates on events and other membership benefits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ICCP develops and administers standardized professional certification examinations and credentials for IT, data, and computer science professionals, spanning 19 distinct certification programs from associate to executive level. It also produces and sells official examination study guides, sample examinations, workshops, webinars, and conferences, and issues annual memberships that provide member-rate access to events.

Product overview

The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional certifications spanning from entry-level to executive levels. The certification portfolio includes 19 distinct programs covering AI (Artificial Intelligence Certified Professional), data management (Certified Data Professional, Business Data Management Professional, Data Governance & Stewardship Professional), business intelligence (Certified Business Intelligence Professional), software development (Certified Software Engineer, Certified Application Developer), cybersecurity (Certified Cyber Security Professional), and general computing disciplines. The certifications are organized in a roadmap from high school to professional/executive levels. ICCP also provides study materials including official examination guides, sample examinations, and sample exam topics covering Information Systems Core, Data Management, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Microcomputers & Networking, and Systems Development. Additionally, ICCP offers training workshops and conferences on AI, data governance, generative AI, and related topics. The company operates on a certification-plus-examination model where candidates can take exams, purchase study guides, and attend workshops to prepare for credentials.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Artificial Intelligence Certified Professional (AICP) Professional certification for AI practitioners covering machine learning, generative AI, large language models, and AI implementation strategies.
• Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) Certification for BI professionals covering data analytics, business intelligence, and data-driven decision making.
• Certified Data Professional (CDP) Comprehensive data management certification covering data governance, stewardship, and data-related credentials.
• Certified Data Scientist Professional certification for data science practitioners covering analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods.
• Certified Software Engineer Professional certification for software engineering covering software development, design patterns, and engineering practices.
• Certified IT Professional Entry to intermediate level IT professional certification covering computing fundamentals and industry standards.
• Certified Computing Professional (CCP) Professional certification for computing professionals covering comprehensive computing knowledge and skills.
• Certified Application Developer Professional certification for application developers covering software development, programming, and application design.
• Certified Big Data Professional Professional certification covering big data technologies, analytics, and data processing frameworks.
• Certified Blockchain Professional Professional certification covering blockchain technology, distributed ledgers, and cryptocurrency fundamentals.
• Certified Computer Scientist Advanced certification for computer scientists covering algorithms, computational theory, and scientific computing.
• Certified Cyber Security Professional Professional certification covering cybersecurity, information protection, and security best practices.
• Certified IT Consultant Professional certification for IT consultants covering advisory services, solution design, and implementation.
• Business Data Management Professional (BDMP) Certification for business professionals with data and analytics responsibilities, covering data management and business technology.
• Data Governance & Stewardship Professional Professional certification covering data governance frameworks, stewardship practices, and data quality management.
• Public Sector Data Governance Professional Specialized certification for public sector data governance, covering government data management requirements.
• Information Systems Analyst Professional certification for information systems analysts covering systems analysis and design.
• Computer Science Associate Associate-level certification covering foundational computer science concepts and principles.
• Associate Computing Professional Entry-level certification for computing professionals starting their career journey.
• ICCP Official Examinations Guide 500+ page digital guide to ICCP certifications providing subject outlines, references, and sample exam questions; sold as a digital download for $125.
• CDP Official Examinations Guide Certification guide for the Certified Data Professional covering data management, data governance, and stewardship credentials; $89 digital download.
• BDMP Official Examinations Guide Examination guide for the Business Data Management Professional covering business analytics and technology management; $115 digital download with subject outlines, textbook references, sample examinations, and answer explanations.
• CBIP Data Analytics Body of Knowledge and Exam Guide Body of knowledge and exam guide for the Certified Business Intelligence Professional; $125.
• C++ Official Examinations Guide Official examination guide for the C++ programming certification; $45 digital download.
• ICCP AICP Exam Study Guide Study guide for the Artificial Intelligence Certified Professional exam covering definitions, case studies, and sample examination questions.
• ICCP Sample Examinations Online practice exams covering Information Systems Core, Data Management, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Microcomputers & Networking, Data Communications, Systems Development, and Systems Programming; from $35 with randomized questions and answers simulating the actual exam.
• Generative AI Workshop Comprehensive online workshop on generative AI covering large language models (ChatGPT, Copilot, LLaMA), generative adversarial networks, image generation, and practical AI applications.
• Data Governance Workshop Workshop on managing information as an asset covering data management, program management, governance programs, security, compliance, and AI impact.
• Managing AI & Data Risk Workshop Practical workshop on ethical AI and data risk covering AI trustworthiness, data governance, real-world AI use cases, and the Data Ethics Canvas.
• AI ChatBot Development Workshop Workshop on building healthcare triage ChatBots using generative AI with practical demonstrations of AI agents.
• Federated Data Governance Webinar One-hour webinar on federated data governance and data products covering data marketplace technologies, self-serve data platforms, and data mesh principles.
• The National AI, ML and Data Conference Annual national conference on AI, ML, and Data covering practical business applications and predictive and strategic data analytics, with speakers including William Inmon and Dr. David Marco. Member rate $695, non-member $950, student/unemployed $150.
• DAMA Edmonton Annual Conference 10th Annual ICCP and DAMA Edmonton Conference on data management evolution, integrating GenAI and analytics for business success, held at NAIT Productivity Innovation Center.
• AI Evolution Conference 11th Annual DAMA Edmonton Conference themed AI Evolution - From Chaos to Order, covering AI, Data Science, ML, and Data Management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Certified professionals report career advancement including promotions to Director-level positions
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DAMA EdmontoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1973Long-standing strategic partner for data management education and certification. DAMA Edmonton and ICCP co-sponsor annual conferences including the 10th and 11th Annual DAMA Edmonton Conferences on AI and Data Management. The partnership includes certification workshops and joint educational events.
• ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier computing professional association partnership for advancing computer science and IT professions. ACM logo appears on ICCP materials indicating mutual recognition and collaboration.
• NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducational institution partner hosting ICCP events and conferences. NAIT Productivity Innovation Center serves as venue for annual conferences including DAMA Edmonton events.
• TDWI (The Data Warehouse Institute)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for data and analytics education. TDWI Orlando conference listed as co-promoted event for data and analytics education.
• CompTIA AITPminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAssociation of IT Professionals partnership for promoting certifications and professional development to IT professionals.
• Innova CoEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter of Excellence partnership for innovation in computing and AI. Contributes speakers and expertise to ICCP conferences on AI evolution.
• GenpactminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal professional services firm partnership for professional development and training initiatives.
• Western Governors UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline university partnership for educational pathways and professional credential integration.
• Excelsior CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducational institution partnership for credit recognition and professional certification pathways.
• Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian research insights organization partnership for advancing data and analytics standards in Canada.
• CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional IT association partnership in Canada for promoting computing professional standards and certifications.
• Buchanan EdwardsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsulting firm partnership for data management and governance professional development.
• Edmonton UnlimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation hub partnership in Edmonton providing venue for AI and data-focused workshops and events.
• ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness school accreditation body partnership for integrating professional certifications with academic programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DAMA International: Non-profit data management association that issues the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) credential, directly overlapping with ICCP's Certified Data Professional and BDMP programs and co-sponsoring events with ICCP.
• CompTIA: Leading vendor-neutral IT certification body offering credentials such as A+, Network+, Security+, and ITF+ that directly overlap ICCP's Certified IT Professional and Certified Computing Professional in serving entry to mid-level IT professionals.
• IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis): Non-profit certifying body for business analysts (CBAP, ECBA, CCA) that competes with ICCP's Information Systems Analyst and Certified Business Intelligence Professional credentials for similar professionals.
• (ISC)²: Non-profit credentialing organization for cybersecurity professionals (CISSP, CCSP), comparable to ICCP in mission, governance structure, and revenue model, and a direct competitor for ICCP's Certified Cyber Security Professional.
• ISACA: Global non-profit association issuing CISA, CISM, CRISC, and CGEIT certifications; competes with ICCP's data governance, IT consultant, and systems credentials for the same audit, governance, and risk professional audience.

Broad incumbents

• PMI (Project Management Institute): Large non-profit professional association offering the PMP and related credentials. While focused on project management rather than computing, PMI is a structural peer in non-profit professional certification, governance, and continuing education models.
• AWS Certification: Vendor-backed cloud certification program from Amazon Web Services, illustrating a category of product-specific credentials that increasingly compete with vendor-neutral credentials like ICCP's for hiring manager mindshare.
• Microsoft Certifications: Vendor-issued certifications (Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform) that compete with ICCP's generalist IT and developer credentials by tying credentials directly to widely deployed enterprise platforms.

Emerging players

• Google Career Certificates: Employer-recognized professional certificates in data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT support from Google, representing the new wave of employer-branded credentials that compete with traditional non-profit certifications like ICCP's.
• SAS Institute (SAS Credential Program): Vendor certification program for data analytics, AI, and statistics professionals, comparable in audience overlap to ICCP's data science and BI credentials, though centered on a specific analytics platform.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals