CDPO Certification: What it is and How to Get it

The Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification helps take your knowledge of the GDPR and the role of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to an advanced level. This article will explore the benefits of obtaining this certification, and outline what the certification process entails.

What is the CDPO Certification?

The CDPO (Certified Data Protection Officer) certification is a professional certification that's offered by organizations such as PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) and the SECO Institute, amongst others.

This certification helps demonstrate that you have had advanced training on privacy law and GDPR compliance measures, and are fully capable of being a successful and globally recognized Data Protection Officer.

Individuals with the Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification will be able to create, implement and maintain data and privacy protection programs that are compliant with the GDPR, while also having the skills to consult and direct data processors and data controllers on compliant practices that must be implemented.

Who Should Get a CDPO Certification?

The Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification is perfect for individuals looking to become Data Privacy Officers within a business or organization. If you want to stand out from the rest of the professional applicants seeking employment as a DPO, the CDPO certification will help. It will show that you have advanced training, knowledge and experience that will be relevant to the job.

What is a Data Protection Officer?

A Data Protection Officer, or DPO, is someone who is responsible for compliance with data privacy laws, regulations and requirements. A DPO will have 3 major and main responsibilities within an organization or business:

1. Advise on and implement compliant practices
2. Monitor practices to ensure consistent compliance
3. Act as the contact point between the business/organization and international data protection authorities

Other responsibilities of a DPO will include the following:

• Assist with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Train staff on compliance
• Maintain records of data processing activities within the business/organization

A DPO will work with the highest level of management within a company.

What Professional Fields Will the CDPO Certification Help With?

While the Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification is mostly aimed towards the DPO field, it can benefit anyone working in fields that deal with international privacy laws and regulations, and compliance with them.

Some other fields that can benefit from obtaining a CDPO certification include the following:

• Information Governance Manager
• IT Security Specialist
• IT Manager
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Data Engineer

What is the Average Salary for Professionals With a CDPO Certification?

At the time of writing, the average salary for a DPO in the United States is $142,000.

This can range as high as just under $200,000, with the lower end of the range being around $110,000.

This will vary based on a number of factors including the experience level of the individual, as well as the location and the unique company the person works at.

Is a CDPO Certification Required for any Professions?

A Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification is not a requirement for any professions, including DPOs.

However, businesses may require this certification as a prerequisite to being hired, or as a condition of continued employment. This is because the DPO will be fundamental to the company's privacy law compliance, and mistakes in this area can lead to heavy fines and reputational damage.

While having a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification is not required by law for any profession, it will help you stand out from others seeking the same employment.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain a CDPO Certification?

There is a $500 application and exam fee to obtain a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification, with additional costs associated with a training course. However, note that most training courses factor the exam and application fee into the price.

What is the Process to Obtain a CDPO Certification?

The process to obtain a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification involves the following steps:

1. Sign up for a training course, if you choose to
2. Sign up for an exam. In person and remote options are available.
3. Take the exam. If you pass, you will be able to apply for certification.
4. Apply for certification.
5. Renew the certification as required by the board that certified you.

What's Required to Apply for a CDPO Certification?

To apply for the Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification, you must have taken and passed the CDPO certification exam, as well as meet the following requirements:

• Have at least five years of professional experience (including at least two years in a data protection role)
• Have completed at least 300 hours of data protection activities
• Have signed the Code of Ethics for wherever you are applying for certification from

What Topics are Covered on the CDPO Certification Exam?

Each certifying body's exam will vary slightly, but in general, a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification exam will cover the following topics:

• The GDPR's principles, definitions, requirements, etc.
• Data breach notification procedures - Identifying, assessing and reporting them
• Technical security measures such as data encryption, anonymization, minimization, and access controls
• Responsibilities and roles of a DPO - Monitoring, investigating and advising
• Conducting compliance audits and assessments
• Implementing data protection by design/default
• Rights of data subjects
• Advising and training on data privacy best practices

What is the CDPO Certification Exam Like?

The Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification exam has 80 multiple choice questions. Each question has 3 answer options. Test takers must obtain a score of at least 70% to pass. Some testing centers allow an open-book format.

If you take the exam online and in multiple choice format, you will get test results back instantly. Other testing formats can take up to 8 weeks to get results back.

If the exam failed, 15 days must pass between the first exam and taking the second exam.

Here's a sample exam question, taken from PECB's candidate handbook:

How Do You Maintain a CDPO Certification?

Check with the certification body you obtain your certification from to see what the maintenance requirements are. Typically, these will involve maintaining membership in the certifying organization, continuing education, training or professional practice, adhering to a code of ethics, and paying any required fees.

Summary

The Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) certification is a great choice for professionals wishing to enhance their abilities as a Data Protection Officer. The certification will show that you've learned the skills necessary to act as a DPO, and that you're ready to enforce GDPR compliance.