Top Data Protection courses in 2024
Which one should you choose?
Bob Armstrong
28 May, 2024
Ever since The Data Protection Act came into effect six years ago, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been a game-changer for the way companies operate in the European Union.
The Data Protection Act 2018 led companies to create special Data Protection teams to remain GDPR-compliant and avoid hefty fines of up to 4% of their annual worldwide turnover.
These teams of professionals certified in Data Protection have become indispensable for any company operating in the EU or with EU customers.
Are you thinking of a career in Data Protection? Do you want to certify your team?
Let's take a look at the Top Data Protection certifications we offer in 2024.
7. IAPP Foundations of Privacy and Data Protection
If you're considering a career in Data Protection, this course is an excellent introduction to the field. It describes common operational processes and illustrates privacy at work through case studies and real-world examples.
There are no prerequisites to attend, and this course takes you through fundamental topics such as Key Privacy Concepts, Fair Information Practices (FIPs), Major Privacy and Data Protection Laws, Case Studies, and more.
At the end of this course, you can achieve the official IAPP Foundations of Privacy and Data Protection certification. Find out more.
6. GDPR Foundation and GDPR Practitioner
Next on our list, this course combines the Foundation and Practitioner GDPR levels into four days of intensive study.
This course is designed for professionals with a practical need to understand and implement enterprise governance and business processes. If you're a Senior Executive responsible for process and governance, a corporate lawyer, a business consultant, an auditor, or a contractor, and have more than five years of business experience, this course is meant for you.
The course covers three important parts, from GDPR Foundation (privacy policies, assessments, etc.) to GDPR Practitioner (Privacy Law, Risk Management, non-compliance, the impact of Brexit on GDPR, etc.), to study modules specific to Data Protection Officers (DPOs) such as statutory requirements, accountabilities, and more. There are no prerequisites to attend.
At the end of the course, you can take the GDPR Foundation and Practitioner exams and return to work certified. Find out more.
5. Firebrand's General Data Protection Regulation
This next course is similar to number 6 but condensed to just one day. It doesn't cover as much as the latter but is nonetheless very useful for Senior Executives, lawyers, consultants, and auditors who only have a minute to spare for GDPR.
This course takes you through GDPR basics, Risk Management, and the responsibilities of Data Protection Officers. This course explores Personal Data and Consent: The six pathways to lawful business models, Key Data Subject Rights, GDPR and case law, International Transfers, practical enterprise approaches to GDPR compliance, Enterprise Privacy Architecture basics, Multi-jurisdictional Legal Architecture, and more.
At the end of this course, you'll be able to take the official exam and become certified; the exam fully meets the requirements of the PECB Examination and Certification Programme (ECP). Find out more.
4. ISO Certified Data Protection Officer
If you know the basics of GDPR and would like to become a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) (or upskill your team), this excellent course developed by ISO is a great option. This course is ideal for professionals involved in Data Protection and Data Privacy and members of Information Security, Incident Management, or Business Continuity teams.
In just three days, you'll develop the skills to build, maintain, and operate a compliance programme to fulfil GDPR requirements. The course takes an in-depth look at GDPR requirements, approaches, and concepts, how they can be implemented, and how you can manage a team implementing GDPR.
At the end of this course, you'll be able to sit the official PECB Certified Data Protection Officer Exam and return to work certified. You will also earn a digital badge via Credly.
3. IAPP Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
Developed by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, IAPP, the Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) is ideal for those with experience in IT Security, Software Engineering, Data Management, and Auditing.
This course is a great starting point for IT practitioners looking to develop an understanding of privacy requirements in technology. The course is ideal for those involved in the development, engineering, security, deployment, or auditing of IT products, including professionals such as Head of Product Development, Head of Administration, DPO, and CISCO.
The comprehensive curriculum takes you through the foundations of privacy in technology, privacy threats and violations, privacy engineering, privacy by design, and many interesting topics.
CIPT is well-known as the first global privacy certification developed for IT practitioners. At Firebrand, we are proud to be an Official IAPP Training Partner; we offer the latest courseware taught by IAPP-certified instructors.
2. IAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
At number 2, another industry-known course developed by IAPP: the Certified Information Privacy Manager, also known as CIPM.
This course is ideal for those in Risk Management, Privacy Operations, Accountability, Auditing, and similar roles, including DPO, Data Protection Manager, CISCO, and Procurement.
The course takes you through privacy governance, applicable laws and regulations, data assessments, data breach incident plans, and more. Earning the CIPM attests that you have the knowledge and skills you need to be the first point of contact for all things GDPR-related in your company. The certification also holds accreditation under ISO 17024:2012.
At Firebrand, you can take the CIPP/E and CIPM courses together and achieve both exams during our combined course that takes only 4 days.
1. IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional: Europe, Asia, Canada (CIPP/E, CIPP/A, CIPP/C)
Finally, at number one, an excellent course that can help you get the right Data Protection foundations for your business: the IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP).
This course is aimed at Data Protection Officers and Lawyers, Information and Compliance Officers, Human Resource Officers, Security Managers, Information Managers, Auditors, and anyone involved with Data Protection processes.
This course takes you through Data Protection laws, Data Subjects' rights, Processing, Accountability, International Data Transfers, Compliance, and more.
Depending on the geographical areas in which your business operates, you can take three versions of this course at Firebrand:
- for Europe, the IAPP CIPP/E
- for Asia, IAPP CIPP/A
- for Canada, IAPP CIPP/C
We also offer a combined course to achieve CIPP/E and CIPM together in just 4 days.
Interested in IAPP courses, but not sure which one to take?
Read our blog, The Complete Guide to IAPP Certification: CIPP, CIPM, CIPT.
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