Since the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) came into force in May 2018, the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) has become central. The linchpin of compliance, the DPO is responsible for advising, informing and monitoring the application of the RGPD within his or her organization.

Faced with the growing complexity of data protection issues, companies and administrations are looking for professionals whose skills are attested by trusted third parties. It is against this backdrop that the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) has created the DPO skills certification scheme. This certification is official recognition of expertise and proof of mastery of RGPD requirements. It enables professionals to have their knowledge and know-how validated, and organizations to ensure that their DPO's profile is suited to the missions entrusted to him or her.

Your ambition

Do you want to prove that you have specialist knowledge of data protection law and practice? Whether you're already a compliance professional or you'd like to become one, the DPO Certification of Competence is an indispensable asset.

DPO certification is a crucial voluntary mechanism, although it is not compulsory to exercise the functions of Data Protection Officer, nor is it a prerequisite for your appointment with the CNIL. Yet obtaining this certificate is a powerful vote of confidence, both for the organization that calls on your services, and for its customers, suppliers, employees or agents.

DPO certification is aimed at :

  • Current DPOs wishing to officially validate their skills.
  • Professionals with at least 2 years' experience in DPO tasks (processing, protection, awareness-raising, compliance of personal data).
  • Aspiring DPOs, subject to meeting the prerequisites (and/or after preparatory training).
  • Organizations needing to appoint a DPO (e.g. large-scale processing of sensitive data), and wishing to guarantee a function performed by a qualified and certified person.

Our solution: why Apave Certification?

Apave Certification, an organization approved by the CNIL and accredited by the COFRAC, offers you a Certification of DPO skills that complies with the CNIL's reference framework (deliberation n°2018-318 of September 20, 2018).

Choosing Apave Certification, a subsidiary of the Apave Group, for your Certification of Data Protection Officer (DPO) skills, means relying on the expertise of a benchmark player in risk management and compliance.

Partner training organizations

We work closely with recognized training organizations that can prepare you effectively for the exam. Don't hesitate to contact them, specifying that your request comes from Apave Certification.
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Our qualification is based on three fundamental pillars:

Official recognition and legitimacy from CNIL

Apave Certification is one of the few organizations in France to be approved by the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) to issue DPO certification. This approval, granted after a rigorous assessment, attests to our ability to guarantee the integrity and rigor of the certification process. It is a guarantee that our certification is in full compliance with the official CNIL standards, thus ensuring that your skills are recognized in the job market.

Historical expertise in risk management

With over 150 years' experience, the Apave Group is a major player in the management of technical, environmental, social and human risks. Apave Certification benefits from this historical expertise and culture of independent third-party assessment. Our approach is not limited to simple theoretical validation, but is based on a concrete understanding of business issues and the associated risks. We assess your DPO skills according to a rigorous methodology developed by experts.

A commitment to quality and trust

As an independent certification body, Apave Certification guarantees the impartiality and objectivity of the assessment. We offer a transparent process and personalized follow-up for candidates. When you choose Apave Certification, you can be sure that your certificate will be issued by a trustworthy organization, recognized for the quality of its services and the commitment of its teams. This recognition reinforces the credibility of your profile with employers and partners.

In short, DPO certification by Apave Certification is more than just an exam: it's the validation of your expertise by an organization accredited by the CNIL, backed by the Apave Group's long experience in risk management and recognized for the quality of its services. A major asset for your career.

  • CNIL accredited organization: CNIL accreditation (N° 2019-138, valid since November 21, 2019) is a guarantee of our compliance and reliability.
  • COFRAC accreditation: Accreditation (scope N°4-0521) testifies to the reliability of our certification processes.
  • Compliance with CNIL standards: Assessment program covering the 17 skills and know-how required by the CNIL.

The certification process

  • 1. Review
  • 2. Conditions for success
  • 3. Certification
  • A 120-question MCQ lasting 3 hours.
  • 30% of questions are practical cases relating to data protection.
  • 4 suggested answers per question, with at least one correct answer (the number of expected answers is indicated if > 1).
  • The exam assesses your knowledge and skills in the 3 key areas of the DPO:
    • Area 1: General data protection regulations and compliance measures (50% of questions).
    • Area 2: Responsibility for data protection (30% of questions).
    • Area 3: Technical and organizational measures for data security and risk management (20% of questions).
  • Obtain a minimum of 75% correct answers to the MCQ (i.e. 15/20 minimum).
  • Obtain a minimum of 50% correct answers for each of the 3 areas (Regulations, Responsibility, Safety).

Once you have passed the exam, Apave Certification will issue your DPO skills certificate.

Period of validity and renewal

Your certification is valid for 3 years. To renew it, you must:

  • ◦ Pass a new written test under the same conditions as the initial exam.
  • ◦ Demonstrate at least one year's professional experience, acquired over the last three years, in projects, activities or tasks related to DPO missions (data protection or information security), attested by a third party (employer or client).

Prices

◦ Initial certification: 600€ H.T (face-to-face or distance learning).
◦ Rattrapage: 300€ H.T.
◦ Renewal: 410€ H.T* (preferential rate for candidates already certified by Apave Certification).
◦ Renewal retraining: 300€ H.T.

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Focus

DPO in the healthcare sector

Are you familiar with the "Protection and management of personal data in the healthcare sector" certification? This voluntary initiative aims to validate the expertise of DPOs working in the specific healthcare sector.

> Identify the specialized skills needed to address specific issues and help professionalize the healthcare sector.

[FAQ] DPO Certification of Competence

  • What is the DPO Certification of Competence?

    DPO certification is a scheme created by the CNIL to officially validate the knowledge and know-how of data protection professionals, in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is a recognition of expertise by a trusted third party.

  • Why is DPO certification important?

    Although DPO certification is not a prerequisite to practice, it is an indispensable asset. It enables you to:

    • Prove mastery of RGPD requirements.
    • Enhance the credibility of your profile with employers and partners.
    • Guarantee the trust of customers, suppliers and employees.

  • Who is eligible for DPO certification?

    The certification is aimed at several profiles:

    • Current DPOs wishing to validate their skills.
    • Professionals with at least two years' DPO-related experience.
    • Aspiring DPOs who meet the prerequisites or have taken a preparatory training course.
    • Organizations seeking to ensure that their DPO is qualified.

  • Why choose Apave Certification for DPO certification?

    Apave Certification is one of the few organizations in France approved by the CNIL to deliver this certification. By choosing us, you benefit from :

    • Official recognition: Our CNIL approval (N° 2019-138) guarantees that our process complies with official standards.
    • Trusted expertise : As a subsidiary of the Apave Group, a major player in risk management for over 150 years, we offer you a rigorous, practical approach.
    • Quality and impartiality : Our assessment process is transparent, objective and accredited by COFRAC (N°4-0521).

  • How does the DPO certification exam work?

    The exam is a 120-question MCQ lasting 3 hours. It covers three main areas:

    1. Regulations and compliance measures (50% of questions).
    2. Responsibility for data protection (30% of questions).
    3. Technical and organizational measures (20% of questions).

    To pass, you must obtain a minimum of 75% correct answers overall, and at least 50% in each of the three areas.

  • How long is the DPO certification valid and how can it be renewed?

    Your certification is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must :

    • Pass a new written exam.
    • Prove at least one year's professional experience in DPO missions within the last three years.

  • How much does DPO certification cost?

    • Initial certification: €600 excl.
    • Renewal: 410 € HT (preferential rate).
    • Catch-up (initial or renewal): €300 excl.

  • Are there any training courses to prepare for the DPO exam?

    Yes, we work closely with partner training organizations. You can consult the list on our page to find a training course suited to your needs.

  • I'm a DPO in the healthcare sector. Is there a specific certification?

    Absolutely. In addition to the general certification, we offer a"Protection and management of personal data in the healthcare sector" certification, designed to validate the expertise of DPOs in dealing with the specific issues of this field.

  • How can I register for DPO certification?

    To register, download the registration form and e-mail it to sihem.belatreche@apave.com. We offer both face-to-face and distance learning sessions, and sessions can be organized on request for a minimum of three candidates.

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