Career Path

EXIN Data Protection Officer

The EXIN Data Protection Certification provides the right knowledge and competences for those who are aiming to become or already are a Data Protection Officer, with the appropriate international recognition. When certified by EXIN as Data Protection Officer candidates have been extensively tested not only about the EU Regulation, but also the competences to take the role and perform the appropriate implementation and maintenance activities in an organization.

Get certified
EXIN Badge EXIN
Anyone who is certified by EXIN as Data Protection Officer has been extensively tested not only on the EU Regulation but also on the competences to take the role. This includes implementation and maintenance activities in an organization.

Certification information

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to consider becoming a DPO. Current developments mean that the sheer volume of data produced every day is increasing exponentially, especially due to new technologies such as IoT and Blockchain:

There are 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created each day at our current pace, but that pace is only accelerating with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). Over the last two years alone 90 percent of the data in the world was generated. (Forbes)

Aside from this, there is also a global shortage of privacy experts which means that professionals who are well versed in these subjects are in high demand. 

The diagram below shows the path you will need to take to become EXIN Certified Data Protection Officer. There are 3 certifications you need to complete successfully before you will be awarded the EXIN DPO title. These cover Privacy & Data Protection and Information Security to give you the theoretical knowledge required to as a Data Protection Officer. The highest level certification also includes practical assignments to ensure that you have the required skills to step straight into the DPO role. This certification has been designed to reflect a career path – it gradually becomes more difficult as you progress through the certifications. 

EXIN Data Protection Officer is ideal for professionals aspiring to become a data protection officer. This makes it ideal for professionals who have made a start in data privacy or information security but would like more support and direction in their career development. As the certifications can be taken one by one, professionals can work towards becoming an EXIN Data Protection Officer over a longer period of time. It is especially well suited to professionals who already have one of the certifications required as they then only have to attain the other certifications in the career path to receive the EXIN Data Protection Officer certification.

EXIN Certified Data Protection Officer

Become an EXIN Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers (DPOs) play a vital role in organizations that process large amounts of data. The digitalization of business means that the vast majority of companies are processing ever-increasing volumes of data. In order to protect customers and themselves, these organizations need to ensure that they take adequate measures to handle data responsibly.
EXIN Career Path data protection officer visual

Career Path Structure

The EXIN Certified Data Protection Officer certification naturally begins with the EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Foundation certification.  Information Security is very important for aspiring DPOs. In light of this, the second domain in the Certified Data Protection certification has Information Security as a mandatory subject. In combination with the EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Foundation certification, this gives candidates a broad understanding of security as a whole.

EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Foundation

EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Foundation

Privacy & Data Protection Foundation is designed for all who need to have an understanding of data protection and GDPR.

EXIN Information Security Foundation based on ISO/IEC 27001

EXIN Information Security Foundation based on ISO/IEC 27001

EXIN Information Security Foundation is suitable for all professionals who deal with confidential information. It creates a solid basis for higher-level certification.

The last certification is the specialist level Privacy & Data Protection certification that includes practical assignments so that candidates get to experience what is asked of a DPO and to test their skills before putting them into practice in real-life situations.

EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Professional

EXIN Privacy & Data Protection Professional

EXIN Privacy and Data Protection Practitioner is an advanced-level certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The exam tests the candidate's ability to apply this knowledge and understanding in everyday professional practice.

EXIN Data Protection Officer badge

How do I become an EXIN Data Protection Officer?

After completing the three required certifications, you will automatically be awarded the EXIN Data Protection Officer certification. To get started, please go to the Get Certified tool and select the certification you wish to attain first. If you would like to find out more information, please contact our support team.

Exceptions

You can check on this file the exceptions that can be used to achieve this EXIN Career Path certification. Note that only one exception can be applied for each of the EXIN Career Path certifications.

Izabel Cristina Testimonial DPO