certified data protection officer Distance Learning Course

Authors: Franziska Ramrath-Winz , Stefan-Marc Rehm

Day-to-day tasks, strategic responsibilities, and legal duties of the Data Protection Officer:

• Monitoring GDPR Compliance: Oversight of Internal Data Processing Operations, Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs), and Data Processing by Third Parties
• Record of Processing Activities (RPA): Maintenance and Updating of the Central Documentation Tool Pursuant to Article 30 of the GDPR
• Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA): Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation of Risks in High-Risk Processing Activities Pursuant to Article 35 of the GDPR
• Data Breaches: Detection, Assessment, and Timely Reporting to the Supervisory Authority.
• Training and Awareness: Planning, Conducting, and Documenting Regular Employee Training Sessions
• Data Subject Rights: Coordination and Timely Processing of Requests for Access, Deletion, and Correction
• Consulting: Supporting management and specialized departments with data protection-related processes, projects, and technologies
• Cooperation with the Regulatory Authority: Points of Contact for Audits, Reports, and Regulatory Orders

Authors: Franziska Ramrath-Winz , Stefan-Marc Rehm

• Privacy Policy:Development process from the analysis phase through the design, drafting, and approval phases to implementation. Analysis phase, target audience analysis, stakeholder engagement, alignment with existing policies, and planning of supporting documents.
• Implementation:Communication strategy, training and awareness-raising measures, process adjustments, and technical and organizational measures (TOMs) for operational implementation. Collaboration with external service providers (data processing) and management of data protection incidents are critical areas of implementation.
• Monitoring, Audits, and Controls:Process monitoring, compliance audits, key performance indicators, and continuous improvement as components of sustainable implementation. The difference between a data protection audit and a data protection control; planning and conducting audits; routine and ad hoc controls; and documentation requirements.
• Final Report: Contentsof the audit report: Initial situation, objectives, scope and methodology of the audit, findings, risk assessment, and action plan. Characteristics of a professional report, as well as tools, templates, and checklists for audits.
• Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA):Legal Basis (Art. 35 GDPR), Obligations of the Data Controller, Responsibilities, and Documentation Requirements. Steps in the DPIA Process: Preparation, Description of the Processing, Necessity and Proportionality Assessment, Risk Assessment, Measures, and Consultation with the Supervisory Authority.

Authors: Franziska Ramrath-Winz , Stefan-Marc Rehm

• Backup Strategies: Types of backups(full, incremental, differential, mirror, continuous, cloud, and hybrid backups) as well as the 3-2-1 rule for data backup. Also covered: regular and automated data backups, versioning, retention periods, and recovery tests.
• IT security measures:Encryption (data at rest and data in transit), access controls (password protection, multi-factor authentication, role-based access control), protection against malware and ransomware, and physical security of servers and backup media.
• Organizational data protection strategies: data protection policiesand procedures, role and access control frameworks, data confidentiality agreements, and emergency and disaster recovery plans. In addition: regular risk assessments and audits.
• Training and Awareness:Introductory and mandatory training, regular refresher courses, role- and department-specific training content, as well as documentation and record-keeping in accordance with Article 24 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Data Protection Management Tools: Recordof Processing Activities (Art. 30 GDPR), TOM Documentation, Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), Consent Management, Incident and Data Breach Management, as well as Reporting and Audit Support.

Authors: Franziska Ramrath-Winz , Stefan-Marc Rehm

• Internal Communication in Data Protection: Goals, Measures, and Formats of Internal Communication—from training sessions and e-learning modules to newsletters and the intranet, as well as reporting channels and responsibilities.
• External Communication Regarding Data Protection:Privacy policies, handling of data subject requests and complaints, standardized communication channels, and communication with supervisory authorities in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Handling Complaints and Inquiries in Compliance with Regulations and the Law: Basic Principles(Legal Compliance, Deadlines, Documentation, Proportionality), Types of Complaints and Inquiries, and a Structured Process for Handling Them from Receipt Through Escalation.
• Data Protection Supervisory Authority and Reporting Obligations:The supervisory authority’s duties, powers, and responsibilities; reporting of data breaches under Article 33 of the GDPR and the obligation to cooperate under Article 31 of the GDPR.
• Required information and documentation for data protection audits:statement of facts, legal assessment, record of processing activities (RPA), data protection impact assessment (DPIA), technical and organizational measures (TOM), training records, and internal policies as audit documentation.

Authors: Franziska Ramrath-Winz , Stefan-Marc Rehm

This module brings together seven practical case studies from various industries and sectors—ranging from real estate agencies to medical practices to IT service providers. Using specific scenarios such as misdirected mail, lost devices, or taking data with you when changing jobs, it demonstrates how data protection violations occur, how they are classified legally, and what measures are effective. The focus is on applying the knowledge gained to real-world situations—including checklists and recommendations for daily practice.

Complete your online course with a graded certificate. This not only demonstrates your subject knowledge and newly acquired skills, but also helps advance your career. If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a certificate of participation.

Here's how the exam works:

• Exam format: Online exam 
• Duration: 50 minutes
• Question Type: 25 multiple-choice and single-choice questions

Your advantages

• Recognized Certificate: Demonstrate your expertise in data protection with a certificate from the Haufe Akademie.
• Your Edge: Prove yourself as a data protection expert and open new career opportunities.
• Instant results: You'll know right after the exam whether you passed.
• Maximum flexibility: Take the exam online, from the comfort of your workplace or at home—on the date of your choice.
• Haufe Akademie Seal of Quality: The standard in professional development since 1978.
• Free Second Attempt: Didn't pass? No problem! You can take the test again.