Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection

eLearning ("Distance Learning") Programme

 

Practitioner Certificate in Data ProtectionIreland's leading Practical Qualification for Data Protection Professionals

 

eLearning

 

The Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection ("PC.dp.") is the practical qualification for those that work in the fields of data protection and privacy. Successful completion of the Programme demonstrates to employers and others that the candidate possesses a solid knowledge of data protection law, as well as an understanding of the practical implications for organisations of the GDPR.

 

The Qualificaton can be undertaken on the following basis:

  • eLearning Programme (also known as "Distance Learning")
  • Classroom / Virtual-LIVE Programme

Outlined below is further information the 'eLearning' version of the Programme. Individuals looking to complete the in-person/Virtual-LIVE option should view Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection - Classroom/Virtual-LIVE Programme

 

Includes full instruction on the EU GDPR

 

The Programme

"Due to my many other commitments, being able to study at my own convenience and access content
on-demand was invaluable"

The Distance Learning Programme provides candidates with the opportunity to study the material in their own time and at their own pace, either at home or in the office. The comprehensive materials consist of 14 learning modules. Each module contains self-assessment questions (with answers) to allow candidates to test their knowledge and to prepare for the online examination.

 

The Exam

When candidates are ready, they can proceed to take the online examination. The examination is ‘open book’, meaning that candidates can refer to their materials, books and notes during the examination.

 

The Fee

The fee for the Distance Learning Programme is €2,395. A discount of 10% is available for each additional candidate from your organisation enrolling at the same time.

 

The Programme is wholly on-demand enabling you to learn at your own pace

Syllabus and Examination Board

The Syllabus for the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection Programme is available for download here.

Information on the Members of the Examination Board is available here

 

Register of Qualified Data Protection Practitioners

The online register of those who have gained the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection can be viewed here.

 

Continuing Professional Development

The GDPR requires data protection professionals to maintain their knowledge on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the Examination Board has stipulated that candidates are required to complete one designated training course per year after the first anniversary of successfully completing their qualification. Designated training courses are listed in the online FAQs. Distance Learning candidates will be able to complete the designated courses on a distance learning basis.

 

Further Information

If you have a query about the Programme, please:

  • visit the online FAQs
  • telephone PDP on +353 (0)1 695 0405
  • contact us by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Application

Three easy ways to enrol onto the Programme:

  • apply online
  • telephone PDP on +353 (0)1 695 0405
  • contact us by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 
 

Make a booking for the Practitioners Certificate in Data Protection

Sign up for PDP's Email Newsletter

 

 

Testimonials

 

I found the course practical, informative and very well run. I am delighted I took the time out to complete the course and to have been successful in passing the PC.dp."
Louise Colgan
Data Protection Officer
Central Bank of Ireland

 

“I found the eLearning programme very convenient. I was able to review modules in my own time, and take the exam in the comfort of my own home.”
Grace Kelly
Risk and Controls Officer
Dixons Carphone

 

“As someone who was new to privacy in 2020, the positives for me included the straightforward but detailed nature of the material, the fact that I could pace myself and complete the course gradually, and able to take time to apply to practice was very valuable. I am now working in a DPO role for a complex global organisation and have found the qualification to be a key element that has enabled me to improve my knowledge and confidence over time.”
Tracy Cherrington
DPO
Acacium Group

 

“I really enjoyed the Programme. It was easy to access, the course materials were excellent. All the technology worked smoothly. Any queries I had were dealt with efficiently by friendly staff. I would definitely recommend taking PDP courses to others.”
Candice Pressinger
Senior Security Consultant
Elavon

 

“The content was well structured and comprehensive. The videos are definitely a welcome addition. The exam was interesting in that the questions ensured you read the question/scenario fully and thought about the answer as opposed to merely testing your knowledge of the GDPR.”
Vikki Chivers
Sales Data Manager
Shell

 

“I found the eLearning qualification to be very manageable, materials relevant and sufficiently comprehensive. Most helpful were the video tutorials and mock questions. These brought the technical understanding together in my head to enable practical application.”
Iryna Marner
Legal Counsel
Allianz Insurance

 

“I really enjoyed the structure – the breakdown of topic areas and the way these were divided into bite size modules and the flow between the modules worked well. The self-test questions at the end really helped to get a feel for likely style of exam questions and allowed testing of content learnt.”
Amanda Blacker-Laybourn
Head of Legal and Governance
Border to Coast Pensions

 

“For anyone working in the area of Data Protection, the Practitioner Certificate is a must. I studied the course through distance learning which afforded me time to study at my own convenience which was invaluable due to my busy schedule. The modules were very informative and also gave you an insight as to how other industries are coping with everyday issues.”
Jan Corcoran
Head of Finance
Dillon Eustace

 

“The Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection was very thorough and well drawn together - bringing complex topics together in a rational and practical manner. The distance learning aspect of the programme allowed me to study around work commitments at a time that suited my schedule.”
Clare Daly
Solicitor
Comyn Kelleher Tobin

 

"The PDP learning materials were of a high quality, well-structured, broken up into a logical module pathway which built on earlier topics, and supplemented by the video summaries."
Joe Hewson
Knowledge and Information Manager
MHRA

 

"I thought that the eLearning qualification was very well structured. It was great to have videos alongside the material. The content is high quality and user-friendly."
Justyna Suldecka
Senior Data Protection Consultant
Judicium Education

 

 

"I thought the eLearning course materials were very thorough and a good mix of both reading materials and interactivity with the videos. The self-assessments were really helpful with regards to the application of the learnings in real life scenarios."
Kirsty Steel
Quality Manager
Axa Health

 

"I am delighted to have passed the examination and I now feel much more qualified to work in this field."
Judith Hills
Legal Associate
Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd

 

"The eLearning materials were excellent and I liked the way that the test questions made me think things through - and therefore did a much better job of preparing, both for the exam and for real world questions."
Andrew Jackson
Head of Data Protection
ATOS

 

"I enjoyed the eLearning qualification programme and found the video material very helpful and clear."
Hannah Bridle
Legal and Compliance Officer
Ng Sonocent

 

"The eLearning Qualification Programme was well set out with several modules and self-assessment questions and WP29 further reading. The material was well-presented and in particular the self-assessment questions with multiple choice A-D were excellent practice for the style of exam questions."
David Mayers
Data Protection Officer
Northern Ireland Housing Executive

 

"I’m delighted to have completed the eLearning qualification programme! I found the course to be well structured, concise and appropriately complimented by practical examples to aid understanding. Thanks again."
Dawn Carney
Head of Research Contracts
National University of Ireland, Galway

 

"The Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection Distance Learning programme is perfect for individuals wishing to expand their knowledge on EU data protection law at their own pace, wherever based. The course modules set out the subject matter of the GDPR in a clear and simple manner, allowing for a thorough understanding not only of the spirit of the law, but also, of how it should be applied in practice.”
Roxanne Meilak Borg
Data Protection Officer
University of Malta

 

"The Distance Learning Programme has afforded me a global perspective on issues of data privacy. Having successfully completed the course, I feel further equipped and empowered to provide expert advice to public officers and members of the public on matters of data privacy. Indeed, I am delighted to join a cadre of globally recognized data protection professionals."
Chadwick Noel
Freedom of Information Officer
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

 

"The practitioner certificate is a must for anyone working with Data Protection. I am delighted to have passed the certification and look forward to applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program"
Julie Groves
Information Assurance
Capital One

 

"I found the course to be thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening in a number of areas. I have managed to apply the knowledge gained through the course already in my day to day role."
Brendan Byrne
Senior Managing Consultant Security & Privacy
IBM

 

"Having the ability to study towards a Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection using the distance learning programme was really helpful. Due to my many other commitments, being able to study at my own convenience was invaluable. The course content was clear and concise and provided all the necessary information required to sit the exam. The accompanying videos were well presented."
David Hardman
Cyber Assurance Expert
Ports of Jersey

 

"The structure and contents of the Practitioner Certificate are world class. PDP has not only groomed credible practitioners in Europe, but also globally, via its up-to-date pragmatic modules. First class without a doubt!"
Noriswadi Ismail
Co-Founder
Quotient Consulting (Malaysia)

 

"The Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection is an invaluable course for those practising in the area of data protection."
Olive McDaid
Senior Lawyer
KPMG Legal Services

 

"The qualification sets a recognised standard for data protection professionals, which clearly demonstrates a level of expertise that is able to offer confidence to businesses and individuals alike. I am delighted to have passed the exam."
Graham Bunce
General Manager
Appco Group

 

 

"I’m so pleased that I passed, it’s made my month! I really enjoyed the course, and found the videos very helpful. Learning from home was fine. I got into a good rhythm with it and felt I was able to control my learning a lot more."
Poppy Offer
Data Protection Specialist
Just Group PLC

 

"The study for the DP Practitioners Certificate was challenging but ultimately very informative and rewarding. I now take great pride in the fact that when I speak to the Aviva business on a DP matter I know that I’m qualified to do so"
Paul Davidson
Data Protection Specialist
Aviva

 

"Taking this course and preparing for the exam has given me the confidence to deal and advise on a wealth data protection topics. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who deals with data protection questions in their workplace and/or wants to gain a better understanding of the subject."
Michelle Hayward
Senior Corporate Counsel
SAP

 

"I am delighted to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection. The knowledge I acquired during the programme as a whole has, and will continue to be put to good use in my role as Data Protection Officer."
John Poole
Controls Manager
Sun Life Financial of Canada

 

"The course was very enjoyable and engaging. The examination was based on applying legislation and knowledge to practical cases rather than a test of how much information you could remember. I am delighted that I passed the exam and to have a qualification that is very much respected, as well as letters after my name!"
Bleneta Carr
Investigator
Pearson Education

 

"The written materials are of good quality and explain the modules in clear and plain English. The remote learning was perfect for me as I am currently on mat leave and therefore I completed the training during the evenings. The materials are of good quality and explain the modules in clear and plain English"

Michelle Embrey
Risk and Quality Manager
Payzone

 

"I have very much enjoyed learning from home as I could fit the learning around other commitments, juggling my time as needed. The reading material content was well supported by the videos, which broke up the learning and both materials were very concise."
Leigh Fyson
Senior Specialist Data Protection
DST Systems

 

"I am delighted to have achieved this qualification. The Certificate sets a recognised standard for data protection professionals and it has provided me with the knowledge and confidence of data protection requirements."
Joanne Maurizi
Assistant Manager
mutualone

 

"Attaining the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection evidences that I have the in-depth knowledge and understanding of data protection issues required to ensure our firm remains compliant with the requirements of the legislation."
Helen Hassen
Quality & Investigations Manager
Brewin Dolphin

 

"Synectics Solutions recognises that compliance with data protection regulation is critical to all organisations that handle personal information. It has never had a greater focus than at the present time. Having looked at the training and professional qualifications available, we concluded that the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection was the most appropriate for our business."
Steve Sands
Head of Security
Synectics Solutions

 

 

"This qualification is the foundation for supporting my colleagues across the diverse business areas."
Linda Downey
Information Risk and Privacy
Prudential

 

"I am delighted to have gained this qualification. It was an excellent course and a valuable and interesting experience."
Alexandra Bain
Senior Legal Counsel
Cable & Wireless Communications

 

"I'm so pleased to have achieved this qualification. The course content was excellent."
Cindy Knott
Professional Support Lawyer
Slaughter & May

 

"The exam required thorough revision of all material provided. I am proud of having achieved this valuable qualification"
Sabine Duffy
Legal Counsel
Click&Buy

 

"I am really pleased to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection. I feel more confident in my role as Data Protection Officer having undertaken this comprehensive study."
Claire Dumbleton
Knowledge Manager
The Society and College of Radiographers

 

"I am delighted to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection. The end-of-course examination was challenging and successfully obtaining this professional qualification has given me greater confidence and a more extensive knowledge base to go forward in my career."
Matthew James
Privacy & Communications Advisor
Linklaters

 

"If you are looking for a specialised course and a formal qualification in Data Protection, then this course is exactly what you need. The distance learning method involving video lectures and course material is comprehensive and allows you to study at your convenience and from the comfort of your home. I highly recommend PDP."
David Cauchi
Head of Compliance
Malta Data Protection Commissioner's Office