As the May 25 2018 go live date of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) draws closer the need for suitably experienced data protection officers (DPO) is further highlighted.
Although there is no obligation for DPOs to gain a formal qualification, it is vital that they have a major amount of relevant experience in managing data protection issues. This will help them tackle the complexities of GDPR, and advise businesses properly.
DPO Accreditation in Spain
Spain has become is the first country within the EU to introduce formal accreditation for the DPO role. For an individual to be considered for accreditation, they must:
- Be experienced in working in a data protection role for a minimum of five years
- Have completed at least sixty hours of relevant training along with experience of working in a data protection role for at least three years
- Have undergone a minimum of one hundred hours of training along with experience of working in a data protection role for at least two years
- Have completed a minimum of one hundred and eight hours of training.
What do DPOs Need to be Expert in?
The training that is going to be provided in Spain will involve participants becoming knowledgeable just of GDPR but also about Spanish data protection laws and International data protection laws. The aim is for them to have well-rounded knowledge in this area. Spain is the first country to bring in this type of accreditation.