Certified Data Protection Officer (S-CDPO)

Congratulations on taking the first step to a rewarding career in privacy and data protection and becoming a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO).

At the SECO-Institute, we are aware of the growing worldwide need for competent, well-qualified security leaders and specialists. We satisfy this need by developing training programs that enable professionals like you to gain the skillset a Data Protection Officer need. With a SECO- S-CDPO certification, you will be recognised as a qualified Data Protection Officer, and you will set yourself on a path of career success and continuous professional development.

Interested in following a Data Protection Course? Click here for the course agenda.

Become a Data Protection Officer with a SECO certification

We have designed a complete learning path, enabling you to develop from Foundation level to Certified Data Protection Officer level (CDPO).  We have designed this certification track with one goal in mind: to give you the knowledge and skills to achieve your career ambitions and establish yourself as a globally recognised DPO.
You will become a Certified Data Protection Officer able to implement and maintain a GDPR-compliant data protection program and advise your management on effective data protection practices.

The Data Protection Foundation course (S-DPF) is designed for professionals who seek to enter the career field. Foundation courses are 2-day courses focused on subject-matter awareness, key concepts and core principles. Following this course introduces you to European data protection legislation and enables you to develop an in-depth understanding of the GDPR. Foundation certificates are valuable entry-level qualifications that help you to kick-start a new career and progress to further study.

Data Protection Foundation

The Data Protection Practitioner course (S-DPP) is designed for professionals with solid basic knowledge of the GDPR. Practitioner courses are 5-day courses focused on hands-on practice in a simulated business environment. During this course, you employ your skills and knowledge to problem-solve realistic scenarios and case studies relating to a fictional company called Bicsma (See: www.bicsma.com). You will learn how to implement and safeguard GDPR-compliance in your organisation, and you will practice with hands-on DPO assignments. Practitioner certificates are intermediate qualifications that showcase your ability to carry out specific job-related tasks and enable you to progress to the Expert level.

Data Protection Practitioner

The Data Protection Expert course will be developed at a later stadium. This expert course will focus on specific privacy-related issues a DPO can face in practice.
To become a certified DPO, you need to demonstrate Practitioner-level knowledge when applying for the Certified Data Protection Officer certification.

S-DPE

The Certified Data Protection Officer (S-CDPO) certification title is the highest achievable qualification in this certification track. To be eligible for the Certified Data Protection Officer title, you need to demonstrate Practitioner-level knowledge (SECO Practitionoer certificate or equivalent) and at least 7 years of relevant work experience of which 5 in a leadership role. Certified Data Protection Officer (S-CDPO) qualifications are awarded to candidates upon a thorough assessment of their professional achievements and certificates.

S-CDPO

We help you study   – join the (S)ECO-System –

Your success is important to us, and so is your future as an emerging security professional. The (S)ECO-system provides you many options to help you prepare for your certification exams. As a student you can join the (S)ECO-system for free and get access to:

  • Study guides
  • Sample exams
  • Knowledge base with articles, video’s and more
  • Study advisors who can help you with specific question during your study
SECO-System

How to start?

You want to become a DPO but where to start? Depending on your level of expertise you may need to study a bit more before claiming the S-CDPO certification title.

Step 1: Join our (S)ECO-System

Register a free student account on our member website (Your training institute will provide more information). As a registered SECO-student, you will have the opportunity to access valuable extras and ask questions of certified professionals.

Also join our LinkedIn company page. On a daily base, we inform you with new courses, interesting articles and much more.

Step 2: Start your course

Step 3: Book your exam

You can book your certification exam with an accredited SECO-partner or directly with the SECO-Institute. Our online examination system allows you to take exams from the convenience of your home or office, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

The SECO-Institute delivers 3 types of certification exams:

  • Foundation exams:
    Foundation exams consist of 40 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 1 hour to complete the exam. The pass mark is 60%.
  • Practitioner exams:
    Practitioner exams consist of multiple-choice questions, short open-ended questions and a case study. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. The pass mark is 60%.

Step 4: Claim your certification title and become a SECO member

Upon successful completion of your exam, you will receive a certificate. In the possession of a SECO-certificate, you can apply for a SECO certification title and digital badge (S-DPF, S-DPP, S-CDPO).

If you apply for your certification title  you will become a SECO-Institute member.  As a SECO Member we provide you with networking opportunities and safeguards the value of our certifications by encouraging and stimulating continuing professional development. By becoming a member of our (S)ECO-system and using a SECO title, you demonstrate to employers and fellow professionals that your competence is up to date.

Step 5: Share your knowledge

The (S)ECO-System offers an extensive pool of knowledge and expertise. Our community is a network of worldwide members, certified trainers, course developers and top-level industry experts. We encourage our members to share their knowledge among other members and students by actively joining discussion groups, sharing knowledge through articles & white papers and become a buddy for professionals who seek to enter the career field.