Refreshed course includes data protection for local authorities and public authorities, AI and processing of personal data, data protection implications for employment practices code, international data transfers, more information about PECR, Freedom of Information requests, obligations of controllers.

Do you need a qualification in data protection or are you thinking about learning more about data protection for your organisation?

The BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection is a level 3-4 certified course designed for those with some data protection responsibilities in an organisation and wish to achieve and demonstrate a broad understanding of the law and progresses from what is taught in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection.

You will learn the knowledge of UK data protection law, incorporating the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 18), as well as the EU General, Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), along with an understanding of how they are applied in practice.

This version of the syllabus has been updated to take into account the UK’s withdrawalfrom the EU and following the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement that was signed in December 2020. It also includes the two adequacy decisions published 28 June 2021 by the EU Commission in respect of the UK regarding transfers under the EU GDPR; and to transfers under the Law Enforcement Directive (LED).

This course includes 'Pass Assist', a unique package of support to equip learners with knowledge and confidence to pass your BCS exam, including:

Practice exam papers
A series of videos to get the best out of the course, make a learning plan and preparing for the exam
Tutor support - use the discussion forum, email or What’s App to ask questions.

Online, self-study, global access to study in any country

COURSE FEATURES

Study time: 24 hours
Gain Industry Skills
12 months course access
Includes exam
Job and Career Support
Tutor support
Learn Online - Study at home or work
Aligned to SFIAPlus
IT Industry Framework
Globally Recognised BCS Certificate
Free 1 year BCS Membership*
*new BCS members.

Data Protection Course - BCS Practitioner

The BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection is a globally recognised professional qualification which will help develop your knowledge and understanding in these specific subjects:

Course Subjects You Learn

1. CONTEXT OF DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION

Explain the concepts of data protection and privacy.
Describe the history of data protection in the UK.
Describe the territorial scope and jurisdiction of GDPR.
When a representative of the controller is needed.

2. PRINCIPLES OF DATA PROTECTION AND APPLICABLE TERMINOLOGY

Define the following key items of terminology.
Demonstrate how the following UK GDPR principles regulate the processing of personal
data.

3. LAWFUL BASES FOR PROCESSING PERSONAL DATA

Illustrate the lawful bases to process personal data listed under (Article 6) of the UK
GDPR and as displayed below.
Describe the conditions permitted for processing special category data listed under
Article 9 of UK GDPR.
Explain the rules for processing criminal offence data.

4. ACCOUNTABILITY PRINCIPLE

Identify the accountability and data governance obligation (Article 5 (2) Article 24).
Describe the purpose of a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and when risks
arising from one may need prior consultation with the supervisory authority/ICO (Article
36).
Demonstrate the process of conducting a DPIA (Article 35)
Explain what a record of processing activity (RoPA) is, the information it should contain
and why this is important (Article 30).
Outline the interplay with privacy notices (Article 13 & 14).
Demonstrate how to adopt a ‘data protection by design and by default’ approach (Article
25).
Identify suitable information security measures (Article 32).
Explain the designation, position and tasks of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) (Article
37 to 39).
Explain the scope of the DPO role in monitoring compliance and managing risks through
a Privacy Management programme (Article 39 1.b).

5. OBLIGATIONS OF CONTROLLERS, JOINT CONTROLLERS AND DATA PROCESSORS

Explain controller and processor obligations (Article 24 & 28).
Describe the concept of joint controllers (Article 26).
Describe the act of processing under the authority of a controller or processor (Article
29).
Explain what a Data Processing Agreement is and when it would be necessary in a
controller-processor arrangement.

6. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS UNDER EU AND UK GDPR

Recognise the general principles for transferring personal data to third countries from
both the UK and the EU and illustrate what issues might arise from each of the following
mechanisms.

7. DATA SUBJECT RIGHTS

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the key rights granted to individuals (Articles 12
to 17 and 21 to 22).
Express awareness of the following rights in addition to the above.
Describe the restrictions and exemptions that may affect data subject rights.
Explain the fundamental rights of information requests.

8. THE ROLE OF INDEPENDENT SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES (ISAS) AND THE ICO

Explain the role and importance of supervisory authorities.
Explain the role of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

9. BREACHES, ENFORCEMENT AND LIABILITY

Explain what constitutes a personal data breach and the information required for
reporting.
Explain when the obligations arise to report breaches of personal data (Articles 33 and
34 UK GDPR).
Explain how a data protection complaint should be handled (Article 57 (1)(f)).
Describe the sanctions that could be imposed as a result of a personal data breach or
data protection complaint.
Describe the following liabilities:
- Indicative content
- Guidance
Identify the role of tribunal and judicial courts

10. PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA IN RELATION TO CHILDREN

Explain how data protection legislation applies to children.

11. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION OF PARTICULAR
RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

Define the meanings of public authority and public body and how it relates to both Data
Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR (Section 7 of Data Protection Act 2018).
Explain the provisions relating to Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for public authorities.
Explain awareness of the existence of the exemptions for health, social work and
education (Schedule 3, DPA 18).

12. PRIVACY AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS (EC DIRECTIVE) REGULATIONS
(PECR) 2003 AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS TO 2021.

Explain the relationship between PECR and the GDPR, including PECR’s:
- Indicative content
- Guidance

13. APPLICATION OF DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN KEY AREAS OF INDUSTRY.

Recognise the data protection implications of the Employment Practices Code.
Describe how the use of video surveillance and CCTV (Data Protection Code of Practice
for surveillance cameras and personal information) is governed by data protection law.
Identify how the use of cookies and digital technologies is governed by data protection
law.
Explain how data sharing practices are governed by data protection law (ICO Data
Sharing Code of Practice).

14. AI AND THE PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

Analyse the benefits versus the risks of AI for individuals and organisations.
Analyse the impact of AI on the principles and concepts of data protection.
Explain the process of completing a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) where
AI is used.

Study Easily Online with Duco Digital

• Work through online course content which is easy to follow, understand and in a logical format

• Login to continue your course and monitor your progression easily at-a-glance

• Book your online exam to take at home or in an office, no need to visit a test centre

• Multiple choice exam• Test paper included with practice questions

• Tutor support available 9 am - 5 pm weekdays GMT

• Start today!

Who is BCS?

Recognised globally by corporations, academics and IT professionals, BCS is the British Computer Society, more commonly known as the Chartered Institute for IT.

They have over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers all committed to their mission of leading the IT industry through its ethical challenges, to support the people who work in the industry, and to make IT good for society.

We're here to help you pass your course and grow your career; study with Duco Digital Training, the UK's leading online BCS accredited training provider.

Why should I take this course?

This Practitioner professional certification in Data Protection, certified at levels 3-4, will help develop your career if you have some data protection responsibilities in an organisation and wish to achieve and demonstrate a broad understanding of the law

The salary range for UK jobs in data protection is £34,140 - £65,000, so now is a great time to gain a qualification.

Have a question? - contact us

If you have any questions, please contact us or message us on What'sApp.

We're here to help you pass your course and grow your career; study with Duco Digital Training, the UK's leading online BCS accredited training provider.