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Certificate in Data Protection Practitioner
The Certificate in Data Protection is designed for those with some data protection responsibilities in an organisation or who, for other reasons, wish to achieve and demonstrate a broad understanding of the law and its practical application. Developed to provide candidates with an industry recognised certification that incorporates the latest changes and updates outlined in the Data Protection Act of 1998.
Overview
What are the learning outcomes?
The Certificate in Data Protection is intended to promote an understanding of the practical application of UK Data Protection law including placing it in a human rights context. By obtaining the certificate individuals will possess:
- A recognised certification in data protection.
- An understanding of the way that the Act and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 work.
- An understanding of what has to done to achieve compliance.
- A broad appreciation of the wider context of the Act.
Candidates can expect to gain knowledge and understanding in the following upon successful completion of this certification:
- A basic appreciation of the context of data protection law
- Understanding of the major definitions in the Act and how to apply them
- Understanding of the practical application of the Act
For further information please read the syllabus
Who is it aimed at?The certification is aimed at those who have, or wish to have, some responsibility for data protection within an organisation. However, it will also be useful for others who wish to obtain, and demonstrate, a broad understanding of the UK’s data protection regime.
It is recognised that those with overall responsibility for data protection within an organisation will need to develop a more detailed understanding of the law, including those provisions which are not covered in this certification.
Entry Requirements:The pre-requisite for this certification is 70% attendance of an accredited training course. Alternatively if a candidate can demonstrate that at least 70% of the syllabus, in terms of both topic and weighting, has been covered during other training courses they may apply for exemption from accredited training (there is a non-refundable fee for this assessment).
There are no other formal requirements for this certification although candidates will need a reasonable standard of written English. However, this is quite a demanding course. Those candidates who already have some grasp of data protection law, particularly experience of applying it in a work context, will be at an advantage. Other candidates are likely to find the course daunting unless they have had some legal training, or experience of, or an aptitude for, applying the law.
Book Exam
This section contains information and documents that will help you take this examination.
Structure of the Exam
- A three hour scenario based written examination consisting of:
- Part A: 20 multiple choice questions. (1 mark each) - answer all questions
- Part B: 8 short answer bullet point questions (5 marks each) - answer all questions
- Part C: 6 essay style questions. (10 marks each) - 4 questions to be answered
- It will be a 'closed book' examination i.e. no notes or books are allowed into the examination room.
- The pass mark is 50% (50 out of 100)
- The distinction mark is 80% (80 out of 100)
- Accredited Training
If your business language and mother tongue is not English then you are entitled to an additional 45 minutes. Please contact your Examination Provider to request the additional time. You are allowed the use of a dictionary. - Attending Public Examination only
If your business language and mother tongue is not English then you are entitled to an additional 45 minutes. Please contact your Training Provider to request the additional time. You are allowed the use of a paper dictionary. Candidates taking the examination only must complete the Extra Time Request form available to download from the website and send it to BCS a minimum of three weeks before the exam date.
Exam Options, Dates & Locations
There are two exam options for this certification:
- Accredited Training Provider (course & exam)
- Public Examinations (exam only) - where special dispensation has been granted
Accredited Training Provider
It is recommended that candidates take an accredited training course prior to taking the exam. If you attend an accredited training course, details of the exam can be obtained from your Training Provider.Public Examinations
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm (3 hours)
Venue: BCS, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA- Friday 26 July, 2013
- Friday 25 October, 2013
Public examinations must be booked and paid for a minimum of three weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability).
Exam Fees
Public Examinations cost £165 (exc VAT).
A fee is also applicable for considering Direct Entry (public examination) applications in addition to the examination fee. This fee is non-refundable.
If you are booking via an Accredited Training Provider then you can obtain information on fees and charges by contacting them directly.
Register for the Exam
Training Provider
If you are taking training through an accredited training provider, you will obtain and submit your registration form through them.
Public Examinations
In order to register for the examination candidates should normally have attended an accredited training course. However BCS is willing to consider applications for exemption from the taught component of the process.Applications for exemption from accredited training must include documented evidence of other courses attended or relevant work experience.
In particular, information must be supplied as to the topics covered in the courses / work experience and the length of time devoted to individual subjects. This must correspond to at least 70% of the syllabus in terms of both topic and weighting.
Candidates wishing to enter the examination via the direct entry (public examination) route must download and complete the direct entry registration form and return with all supporting training documentation and the direct entry assessment fee. Candidates will be advised of BCS's decision in writing. The decision of BCS is final.
Payment methods:
a) Cheque (made payable to BCS)
b) Visa/Access/MasterCard
c) Invoice (this must be paid a minimum of four weeks prior to the exam date)Please note that an additional fee is chargeable for late cancellations
Extra time can be requested for candidates with a disability. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information on how and when to apply.
Extra time can be awarded for candidates who sit the exam in a language which is not their mother tongue and where the language of the exam is not their primary business language. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information.
- A three hour scenario based written examination consisting of:
Training Providers
Further information about the Certificate in Data Protection can be obtained from our accredited Training Providers.