The GDPR Awareness Course is structured into four detailed modules, each focusing on critical aspects of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Through interactive discussions, real-world scenarios, and actionable insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of GDPR and its impact on their roles and organizations.

Module 1: Introduction to GDPR – Key Concepts and Principles

This foundational module provides an overview of GDPR, its objectives, and its scope of application. Participants will learn about the historical context and key drivers for the regulation’s introduction, as well as the fundamental principles that underpin GDPR-compliant practices.

• Historical context and need for GDPR
• Scope of GDPR: Who and what it applies to
• Six core principles of GDPR, including lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
• Overview of personal data and special categories of data
• The global impact of GDPR and its extraterritorial application

Module 2: Data Subject Rights and Consent

This module explores the rights granted to individuals under GDPR and the mechanisms organizations must implement to honor these rights. Participants will delve into the complexities of obtaining and managing consent effectively.

• Data subject rights: Access, rectification, erasure, and portability
• The right to be informed and the right to object
• Mechanisms for managing data subject requests
• Importance of consent: Valid, explicit, and informed consent requirements
• Withdrawing consent and its implications for organizations

Module 3: Accountability and Governance

Participants will focus on the responsibilities of organizations to demonstrate accountability and ensure compliance with GDPR. This module emphasizes practical steps and governance frameworks for data protection.

• Data protection by design and by default
• The role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)
• Documentation requirements: Records of processing activities (ROPA)
• Data breach notification processes and timelines
• Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

Module 4: Other Key Aspects

The final module addresses additional critical components of GDPR, including cross-border data transfers, fines, and enforcement. Participants will also learn about fostering a privacy-first culture within their organizations.

• Cross-border data transfers and adequacy decisions
• Penalties for non-compliance: Fines and enforcement actions
• Key roles: Supervisory authorities and their powers
• Building a culture of privacy awareness in organizations
• GDPR’s interplay with other privacy regulations (e.g., CCPA, LGPD)

The GDPR Awareness Course is designed for individuals and professionals across industries who need to understand the key principles and requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is particularly beneficial for those involved in the handling of personal data or responsible for ensuring compliance within their organizations.

This course is ideal for:

• Business Professionals: Managers, team leaders, and staff who process personal data as part of their daily operations and need to align with GDPR requirements.
• IT and Security Specialists: Individuals responsible for implementing data protection measures, managing data security, or addressing potential breaches.
• Legal and Compliance Officers: Professionals tasked with ensuring regulatory compliance and managing organizational risks related to personal data.
• Human Resources Personnel: HR professionals who handle employee data and need to ensure GDPR compliance in recruitment, employee records, and other HR functions.
• Marketing and Sales Teams: Professionals managing customer data, consent processes, or analytics to ensure ethical and lawful data usage.
• Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Those seeking to protect their businesses by embedding GDPR principles into their operations.

This course is also valuable for anyone interested in gaining a foundational understanding of GDPR and its implications for privacy, data security, and organizational governance.

The GDPR Awareness course concludes with an official APMG Examination, designed to validate the participant’s understanding of the core principles and requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This structured assessment ensures that learners have grasped the foundational knowledge needed to apply GDPR confidently in their professional roles. Below are the key details about the examination:

• Material Allowed: This is a closed-book exam. Study materials—including the GDPR Handbook or course guide—may be used for preparation but are not permitted during the examination.
• Exam Duration: The exam lasts 45 minutes. Candidates taking the exam in a language other than their native or working language receive an extra 25 % of time, extending the duration to 60 minutes.
• Marks and Scoring: The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 mark. There is no negative marking, and unanswered questions simply receive no marks. To pass, participants must score 20 marks (65 %) or more. An elevated pass mark of 23 marks (75 %) is required for individuals aspiring to become trainers.
• Complexity: Questions are set at Bloom’s Levels 1 and 2.
  • Level 1 (Recall): Tests the ability to recall key facts and concepts from the course.
  • Level 2 (Understanding): Assesses the participant’s comprehension of GDPR principles and their ability to interpret them in context.

This examination is designed to confirm that participants have achieved a solid foundation in GDPR, enabling them to apply their knowledge effectively and confidently in real-world scenarios.