Data Protection Specialist
The Data Protection Specialist certification demonstrates your knowledge of data protection principles, individual rights, and organizational obligations — and your ability to apply that knowledge in a professional context.
Data protection is now a regulatory reality for organizations in virtually every country and every sector. With over 130 countries having enacted data protection legislation, and enforcement intensifying globally, professionals who understand how data protection works and what it requires are in demand across compliance, legal, IT, HR, marketing, and management functions.
By earning this certification, you prove to employers, clients, and colleagues that your understanding of data protection goes beyond awareness — and that you can contribute meaningfully to your organization's data protection and privacy compliance efforts
Give it a try for free. Take a short quiz to see how you score.
This package includes:
About this certification
The Data Protection Specialist certification demonstrates your knowledge of data protection principles, individual rights, and organizational obligations — and your ability to apply that knowledge in realistic professional contexts.
To earn this credential, you must pass an online exam covering the full scope of data protection essentials — from the core principles and legal bases for processing, to individual rights, organizational obligations, privacy by design, and privacy in the context of artificial intelligence. The exam tests applied knowledge through scenario-based questions that reflect real organizational situations.
This certification is recognized by professionals across the globe and is issued by RIGCERT, a certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17021-1 since 2017.
Why choose this certification?
This certification is particularly relevant if you:
- Work in an organization that handles personal data and want to demonstrate a solid understanding of data protection obligations
- Are a compliance, legal, HR, IT, or marketing professional seeking a recognized credential in data protection
- Consult or advise organizations on privacy and data protection matters
- Are building towards a more advanced role in privacy management or data protection auditing
- Want to demonstrate your data protection knowledge to current or prospective employers
If you are looking for a more advanced credential in privacy management, we also offer the ISO/IEC 27701 Practitioner and Auditor certifications, covering the international standard for Privacy Information Management Systems
Key benefits
Training materials
Materials to help you along the way.
Transparent process
Everything is clear. No surprises.
Online testing
The whole process is online.
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About the exam
The Data Protection Specialist Exam consists of 32 questions that you should answer in maximum 50 minutes. The minimum percentage of correct answers is 65%.
The exam is delivered entirely online — no scheduling, no travel, no fixed sessions. You take it when you feel ready. Results are sent by email within one to two working days.
Your first retake is free of charge. Subsequent retakes are available at a 60% discount on the certification price.
All questions in the exam relate to data protection principles, individual rights, organizational obligations, privacy by design, and the data protection challenges created by artificial intelligence — tested through a combination of knowledge questions and realistic scenario-based situations.
You get the results of the exam on the email in 1-2 working days.
You can prepare for this exam using our pre-recorded online courses and PDF handbooks.
About RIGCERT
Your certificate will be issued by RIGCERT.
We are a certification body operating on several European markets. Our main business is in the field of management system certification, and we are accredited for this activity according to ISO/IEC 17021-1 since 2017.
More information about us and what we do you can find on rigcert.org.
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