BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection

Description

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection will explore the application of current data protection laws, including the EU-GDPR, the UK-GDPR (although not included within the exam) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018.  

The qualification demonstrates a level of practical competence and knowledge obtained by those responsible for dealing with data protection in an organisation.

NB: The syllabus is updated to October 2020, at a time when the UK had left the EU, but an agreement between the UK and EU on its withdrawal has not yet been agreed, and the implementation of the UK GDPR legislation has not yet come into effect. The version delivered by DPAS reflects the law as at October 2020, updates to legislation after this date will not come into effect in the exam under post July 2021.

What's Included:

• Paperback BCS Data Protection and Compliance book released in November 2021 (sent to your home address prior to the course).
• 12-month BCS Associate membership.
• Printed course materials including sample papers.
• BCS exam (to be taken when convenient to you). 
• Support for 1-month post-course on data protection related matters.
• Over 40 useful tools, templates, audits, policies and more for you to use within your organisation. 
• Sample papers to help you revise.
• An innovative risk model designed for you to assess data protection risks in your organisation.
• Opportunity to network with other data protection professionals.

Course Format

The course takes 3 days to complete and will be held virtually.  

You will need access to Microsoft Teams throughout the course. All documents will be shared, and sessions will be held, via Teams.

The exam will be online via remote proctor, completed after the course at a suitable time for you. 

The course will start at 9:00 am and finish at 4:30 pm.

The BCS exam is included within the cost of the course. The exam is currently available online via remote proctor. 

The DPAS Training Manager will set you up on the dedicated BCS portal which is where you will book your exam. To access this you will be sent a one time link to the portal to book your exam.

You can take your exam at any time that suits you, there is no time limit on when you sit the exam. However, you will need to ensure that you are following the updated syllabus if you take it 6 months after the course.

The exam itself is held via remote proctor (essentially, someone watches you complete the exam). You can do this at any location convenient to you. You will use your own device for the exam. The exam is a 1-hour closed book exam. The pass rate is 26/40 (65%). 

Course Content

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection is designed for those who wish to acquire sound knowledge in the key elements of the law and its practical application.

This qualification is primarily aimed at those who need to understand data protection, and the GDPR, to do their job; or those whose effectiveness in their role would be enhanced by knowledge of the law in this area.

The aim of the syllabus is so delegates gain knowledge of UK data protection law, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018, along with an understanding of how they are applied in practice.

Day 1

• History of Data Protection

• Principles of Data Protection & Applicable Terminology

• Lawful bases for processing Personal Data

Day 2

• Governance & Accountability

• Interaction between Controller and Processor

• Transfers of Personal Data to third countries

Day 3

• Data Subject Rights

• Independent Supervisory Authority

• Breaches, Enforcement and Liability

• Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR)

Candidates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key provisions of Data Protection legislation in the following areas:

• An Introduction to the History of Data Protection in the U.K.

• Principles of Data Protection and Applicable Terminology

• Lawful bases for processing of Personal Data

• Governance and Accountability of Data Protection within organisations

• Controller and Processor obligations

• Transfers of personal data to third countries or international organisations

• Data Subject Rights

• Independent Supervisory Authority (ICO)

• Breaches, Enforcement and Liability

• Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations (PECR) 2003

You can download the syllabus on the BCS website by clicking here:

https://www.bcs.org/media/6518/data-protection-foundation-syllabus.pdf 

Our course is great for

This qualification is primarily aimed at those who need to have an understanding of data protection, and the GDPR in particular, to do their job; or those whose effectiveness in their role would be enhanced by knowledge of the law in this area.

The Foundation Certificate will also provide a steppingstone for those who have, or who will have, some responsibility for data protection within an organisation and who intend in due course to gain the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection.

This qualification is likely to be of particular benefit to those working in the following areas:

• Data Protection and Privacy

• Information Governance, risk and compliance

• Data Management

• Project Management

• Directors/Senior Managers with Data Protection responsibilities

• Legal and procurement

• Marketing and Sales professionals

• Information Security and IT

• Human Resources