How to Achieve DPO Certification Through Academic Pathways

In our DPEX Network Community, we recognise there is a diverse base of learners such as the following:

1. Data protection officers (DPO)/information security (Infosec) professionals

2. Governance/risk management/compliance functions (GRC)

3. Departmental/functional heads

4. Operational or specialized roles

5. Those who just want to enhance or switch careers

Not everyone is a trained legal professional. When designing the courses, we decided to approach the curriculum from an operational perspective to data protection practices (besides a purely legal perspective) so that adult learners can relate better to their everyday work scenarios and build a stronger fundamental understanding of these topics.

These courses also take into account competencies highlighted by supervisory authorities, such as the Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore in their Data Protection Competency and Training Roadmap. Hence, we divided the courses into two categories of competencies:

1. Data Protection Operational Excellence

2. Data Protection Principles

Additionally, we worked with our DPEX Network partner universities in the region to incorporate these courses in their relevant data protection classes.

Why you need a DPO certification

Obtaining a DPO certification is becoming increasingly essential in today’s data-driven world. Holding a certification is one of the best qualifications for a DPO, especially if you aim to pursue this route for your long-term career and perform your job functions well.

Here's why a DPO certification is a must:

1. Legal Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data protection laws, organizations are required to appoint a DPO to ensure compliance. A DPO certification equips you with the core competencies needed to understand these complex regulations, interpret their requirements, and effectively implement necessary compliance measures. By having this DPO certification, you have the essential component needed to navigate the legal landscape and avoid potential fines or legal action due to non-compliance.

2. Increasing Demand for Qualified Professionals

As data breaches and privacy concerns become more prevalent, the demand for skilled data protection professionals continues to rise. Organisations are actively seeking certified DPOs who possess the expertise to manage data protection strategies effectively for their business processes. By obtaining a DPO certification, you enhance your employability and career prospects in a competitive job market, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers.

3. Strengthening Organisational Data Security

The role of a DPO is crucial in safeguarding personal data against breaches, mishandling, and potential risks. Through the DPO certification course, you will acquire essential skills and comprehensive knowledge tailored to developing and managing a robust data protection framework. This expertise enables you to identify vulnerabilities through risk assessment, implement security measures, and create a culture of data protection within your organization, ultimately protecting its reputation and financial stability.

4. Professional Development and Career Advancement

Certification as a DPO not only enhances your protection knowledge base but also signals your commitment to professional growth. It demonstrates to employers that you have met high industry standards and possess the skills required to handle sensitive data responsibly, which can lead to career advancement opportunities, higher salaries, and greater protection responsibilities within your organisation.

5. Networking Opportunities

Taking a DPO certification, especially in a classroom or instructor-led format, allows you to connect with other professionals in the field. Engaging with peers and instructors allows you to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to data protection matters.

6. Enhancing Organizational Trust and Credibility

In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about their privacy and data security, having a certified DPO who has gone through excellent training can enhance your organization’s credibility. By putting knowledge into practice, a distinguished professional reassures clients and partners that your organisation prioritises data protection and compliance, fostering trust and potentially leading to better business relationships through initiatives like risk management.

7. Strategic Role in Practical Data Governance

With the knowledge gained from a DPO certification, you can play a strategic role in your organization’s data governance initiatives, especially if the DPO certification course includes corporate training. Understanding the correlation between data protection regulations, legal requirements, other regulatory frameworks enables you to align data protection strategies with broader organizational goals. A DPO certificate positions you as a crucial player in shaping policies that govern data use and compliance.

Roadmap of Data Protection Competencies

Example of the Singapore Management University Learning Roadmap

Upon successful completion of all the above modules within the two categories of competencies, the learner would have acquired all the necessary competencies and theoretical knowledge needed. Note that the requirements towards the achievement of the advanced certificate, diploma or degree are dependent on the discretion of our DPEX Network partnering university. The above example of a learning path is from the Singapore Management University Academy.

We expect De La Salle University of the Philippines and International Islamic University Malaysia to formalise their DPO certification offerings and training dates by the end of 2020.

Data Protection Operational Excellence

As the name implies, we approached these courses from an operational compliance angle, catering to data protection roles, functions, and practices within an organisation, instead of focusing on just legal or personal data management.

In short, these DPO certification courses, in our view, will help data protection officers and functions to achieve operational excellence in data protection within the learning path. Hence, we have been working with several universities in the ASEAN region to incorporate these courses into their own local DPO certificate diplomas and degrees.

Data Protection Operational Excellence Roadmap – Singapore Management University

The above is an example of the Advanced Certificate in Data Protection Operational Excellence offered by Singapore Management University (SMU) in partnership with Straits Interactive.

Modular approach and flexibility Learners can take any of these modular courses at any time and work towards attaining an Advanced Certificate in Operational Excellence. For example, in the case of SMU, course participants have one year to complete all the courses and would need to pass a mini-assessment that will be given after each course module. The DPO certificate will be awarded upon passing all of the assessments.

Exemptions

We at Straits Interactive also took into account that learners may not start their DPO certification course as a beginner. Those who have already taken the Data Protection Hands-on course are exempted from taking the Practical Approach to Data Protection. For Singapore's citizens or permanent residents, the course is also exempted for those who successfully passed the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection AND have taken the PDPA – Operational Perspective courses or Fundamentals of the PDPA course.

Similarly, anyone with an IAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) professional certification (i.e. passed the examination) or anyone with a formal information security professional certification (e.g. IAPP Certified Information Privacy Technology (CIPT), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) will be exempted from taking the Information and Cybersecurity for Managers course.

Data Protection Principles

The other course category for data protection competencies is called Data Protection Principles. Breaching data protection principles carries the heaviest penalties under any data protection law. The curriculum was deliberately designed so that non-legal professionals especially those performing data protection functions can also take these courses without having a formal legal background as the content is presented with minimal legal language. However, regulatory references are still included for the convenience of legal professionals.

The scope of the content of this comprehensive training programme is catered primarily for those whose job scope covers ASEAN and to any extent Asia Pacific. The General Data Protection Regulation and Applications on Asia is therefore also covered. Although not every country in the Asia Pacific is covered (e.g. Korea and Japan), the course Data Protection Framework and Standards provides the learner with the necessary knowledge to cover any kind of data protection jurisdiction.

Data Protection Principles Roadmap – Singapore Management University

The above is an example of the Advanced Certificate in Data Protection Principles offered by Singapore Management University (SMU) in partnership with Straits Interactive.

Exemptions

Any IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) (i.e. passed the examination) will be exempted from certain course modules e.g. CIPP/A – Part 1, and CIPP/E – GDPR Similarly, anyone who clears Part 1 and the GDPR module has the option to register and sit for the respective certification exams (CIPP/A and Exin GDPR certification) separately. Note that the GDPR module within the series of courses within the Data Protection Principles does not equate to the CIPP/E module. Learners will have to sit for the course and exams separately with a training provider.

In conclusion, pursuing a DPO certification is essential for professionals who aim to excel in data protection roles, particularly in light of increasing data privacy regulations. The DPO certificate not only demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding personal data but also equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate complex compliance landscapes. Enrolling in a comprehensive DPO certification course provides foundational knowledge and practical insights crucial for effective data governance. By investing in this training, you position yourself as a vital asset to your organization, ensuring its resilience and reputation in the digital age.

By Kevin Shepherdson, CEO, Straits Interactive Pte Ltd

Write to us at courses@straitsinteractive.com should you need advice.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Data protection officers (DPO)

Data Protection Operational Excellence