5 Best Data Protection Officer Training Courses (Free and Paid)

After hours of intensive research, and reading reviews from various aggregators and forums, I’ve narrowed down the best Data Protection Officer training courses and certifications (free and paid) available to the list below.

The primary role of the data protection officer (DPO) is to ensure that her organisation processes the personal data of its staff, customers, providers or any other individuals (also referred to as data subjects) in compliance with the applicable data protection rules. Because of the adoption of the GDPR, it is expected that the need for data protection officers will continue to rise. As more countries adopt laws like the GDPR, more data protection officers will be needed to uphold the regulations involved.

According to PayScale, the average salary of a DPO is €71,584 annually in Europe and $105,292 U.S. dollars per year in the United States.

6 Best Data Protection Officer Training Courses

DPOs must have a strong understanding of data protection law and regulatory requirements. For these reasons, we looked at over a dozen popular DPO training courses and certifications and chose the best—those with the highest demand, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement.

1. GDPR Foundation Certification – ISO 17024

This self-paced online training program is a modular recording of IT Governance classroom course, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the GDPR and a practical understanding of the implications and legal requirements for organizations of any size.

Successful completion of the course and exam leads to the ISO 17024-Certificated EU GDPR Foundation (EU GDPR F) qualification. Attendees take the ISO 17024-certificated Certified EU General Data Protection Regulation Foundation (EU GDPR F) exam set by  IBITGQ  at the end of the course

Course details

• Institution: IT Governance
• Format: Self-paced online
• Cost: $376.00
• Rating: 4.8/5

2. Privacy in Europe

This free short GDPR Data Protection Officer (DPO) offers a basic, practical understanding of the law, policy, and practice of GDPR. After successful completion of the course you will have sufficient baggage to know about the important legal elements and historical background on the coming into being of European privacy protection.

Course details

• Institution: EIT Digital
• Format: Self-paced online
• Cost: Free
• Rating: 4.5/5

3. Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe

IAPP European Data Protection Training, the training aligned with ANSI/ISO-accredited CIPP/E certification, is in-depth instruction on understanding and applying laws governing data collection, processing and management.

This online training builds a deep understanding of European laws, regulations and policy frameworks. The curriculum includes explanations of European regulatory structures; concepts of data protection; major laws including the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive; and more.

Course details

• Institution: IAPP
• Format: Self-paced online, Virtual classroom, Group, In-person
• Cost: $550
• Rating: 4.5/5

4. Certified Information Privacy Manager

IAPP Privacy Program Management Training, the training aligned with ANSI/ISO-accredited CIPM certification, gives professionals the skills to operationalize privacy and minimize risks to reputation from improper handling of personal data.

CIPM training teaches a process for conceptualizing, designing, building and operating a data privacy management program. The curriculum includes creating a company vision, structuring data protection teams, developing and implementing system frameworks, and measuring performance.

Course details

• Institution: IAPP
• Format: Self-paced online, Virtual classroom, Group, In-person
• Cost: $550
• Rating: 4.5/5

5. EU GDPR Data Protection Officer

This free Data Protection Officer course is intended for those performing the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO). As a beginner-level course, no prior knowledge of EU GDPR or experience with the privacy role is necessary. You will learn everything you need to know about EU GDPR as well as the requirements for the DPO.

After completing the course, you will have the option to take an online certification exam. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate proving that you know all the requirements of EU GDPR and that you are fully competent in performing the role of Data Protection Officer.

Course details

• Institution: IAPP
• Format: Self-paced online
• Cost: Access to this course and the quizzes is completely free; the fee for the online certification exam is €449
• Rating: 45/5