EU Data Protection Officer DPO

DPO/EU DPO Course | Data Protection Officer prepares professionals to perform the role of DPO/EU DPO within the scope of the GDPR, clarifying responsibilities and organisational positioning. The training develops practical competences to manage continuous compliance in data protection, with a case study and a step-by-step approach to a GDPR programme.

Upcoming dates

Public dates on the website.
Synchronous, live training. Interaction with the trainer and the group.

1 June 2026
Live Online • next edition
17 August 2026
Live Online • base price
Duration: 3 days / 24h
Language: available in PT or ENG
Training: practical course + case study
Exam: held at the end of the course
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL – Practical application of methods in a professional context.

Why this course exists

To train and prepare professionals to perform the DPO role, with legal framework, method and practical competences for the continuous management of GDPR compliance.

In many organisations there is an intention to achieve compliance, but critical elements are missing: the role and positioning of the DPO, privacy governance, processes, evidence, monitoring and continuous improvement. The DPO/EU DPO course clarifies GDPR requirements and relevant legislation, integrates internationally recognised privacy management structures and standards, and provides a practical approach to plan, implement, operate and improve a GDPR programme, including the DPO’s responsibilities in each phase.

What this course enables you to do

Clarify the role and responsibilities of the DPO

Understand requirements, guidelines and tasks of the DPO/EU DPO in the context of the GDPR, including designation, position and interaction with the organisation.

Structure a GDPR programme with method

Plan, implement and operate a GDPR compliance programme, with a step-by-step approach and integration of the DPO throughout the programme phases.

Operate continuous compliance

Support the organisation in monitoring, reviewing and continuously improving compliance, with aligned criteria, evidence and practices.

Apply privacy frameworks and standards

Frame the GDPR with international privacy and security frameworks and standards, integrating recognised practices and language.

Frameworks, models and structures addressed throughout the course

GDPR — requirements and structure
DPO/EU DPO role and guidelines (position, tasks, independence)
GDPR programme (planning, implementation, operation, improvement)
Internationally recognised privacy structures and standards
Integration with ISMS and governance models
Case study and practical exercises
Preparation for EU Data Protection Officer certification

Value for the organisation

  • Better definition of privacy governance and responsibilities (reducing ambiguity and operational risk).
  • Ability to plan and operate a GDPR programme with method and evidence.
  • Greater maturity in monitoring and continuous improvement of compliance and privacy risk management.
  • Integration of privacy with information security and organisational practices (common language and consistency).

Introduction

The DPO/EU DPO Data Protection Officer course turns the GDPR into practice, preparing the participant to structure and operate a compliance programme and to perform the role of DPO/EPD rigorously. The training applies a BEHAVIOUR step-by-step methodology, supported by a case study and templates, covering privacy governance, risk management, processing mapping, legal bases, data subject rights, contracts/third parties, DPIA, security and continuous improvement.

This Training Plan and all associated documents are protected by Copyright and registered as a literary work with IGAC.

General Objectives

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

  • Understand fundamental concepts of privacy, data protection and information security, and identify roles and responsibilities in data protection within the framework of the GDPR.
  • Know relevant privacy management and data protection structures and standards, and understand their relationship with the GDPR.
  • Understand the EU data protection legislative framework, including the structure and content of the GDPR.
  • Understand the role of the DPO/EU DPO, the responsibilities and requirements, including designation, position and tasks in the context of the GDPR.
  • Plan, implement, operate, monitor, review and improve a GDPR programme, understanding the role of the DPO throughout its phases.
  • Support the organisation in advising on and monitoring compliance with the GDPR.
  • Prepare for the certification exam and for the process of applying for the credential under the EU DPO scheme.

Target Audience

  • Current DPOs/EPDs and professionals designated for the role, in public and private organisations.
  • Professionals in data protection, information security and IT/IS (including consultants) who provide privacy and data protection management services.
  • IT professionals involved in the implementation of a GDPR programme.
  • Privacy/data protection consultants and auditors supporting compliance with EU requirements and international requirements.
  • Lawyers (specialists or specialising) in data protection, legislation and privacy management standards.
  • Professionals integrating data protection into ISO/IEC 27001 (ISMS) and ISO/IEC 27701 (PIMS/SGIP) programmes.
  • Any professional wishing to acquire the foundation to establish, operate and monitor a data protection programme aligned with the GDPR and best practices.

Prerequisites

There are no mandatory formal prerequisites. However, other specific requirements may apply, where relevant, depending on the quotation/proposal presented (please consult the proposal).

Programme

Structure
  • Introduction to the GDPR, privacy and data protection concepts and principles; roles and responsibilities in data protection; privacy and data protection structures; EU data protection legislative framework; DPO requirements for data protection in the EU.
  • Planning, implementation and operation of a GDPR programme for data protection compliance – requirements and guidelines for the DPO.
  • Monitoring, review and improvement of a GDPR programme for data protection compliance – requirements and guidelines for the DPO.
Methodology (theory + practice)
  • Theoretical and practical sessions supported by a case study adapted to a real context.
  • Practical and theoretical exercises to prepare for real-context challenges and for the exam.
  • Models and templates used to support the implementation and operation of a GDPR programme.

Exam(s) and Certification

Exam “Certified EU Data Protection Officer”

The exam covers the following competence domains:

  • Domain 1: Privacy and data protection concepts and principles
  • Domain 2: EU data protection legislation and related structures
  • Domain 3: DPO requirements for data protection in the EU
  • Domain 4: Planning, implementing, monitoring and improving an EU data protection programme

 

Language(s): Portuguese and English (please consult BEHAVIOUR regarding availability in other languages).
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
Format: Open questions based on a case study and related to the competence domains.
Score: 700/1000 points.
Results: Pass or Fail.
Issuing entity: Behaviour (legal entity), through its certification service Behaviour Certification Services.
Retake: 1 free retake within a maximum period of 2 months from the date of the initial exam result.

Certification (levels and requirements)

After successfully completing the exam and accepting/signing the applicable agreement and Code of Ethics, candidates may apply for one of the three available levels under this personal certification scheme, depending on their level of experience:

  • Certified Associate EU Data Protection Officer: no prior experience required.
  • Certified EU Data Protection Officer: 2 years of experience in privacy and/or data protection in the related competence domains.
  • Certified Lead EU Data Protection Officer: 5 years of experience in privacy and/or data protection in the related competence domains.

 

A Certificate and a Digital Certification Badge will be issued to participants who successfully complete the certification exam and satisfy all requirements of the certification for which they apply. Certification is issued by Behaviour (legal entity), through its certification service Behaviour Certification Services.

The personal certification programme “Certified EU Data Protection Officer” is designed and maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024.

Certification programmes are valid only for individuals (not companies), and the award and maintenance of certification depend on the exam result, professional experience and compliance with the applicable agreement/Code of Ethics.

If the professional does not comply with the agreement/Code of Ethics, the certification is not granted or is revoked.

Other Information

General Information
  • Training in Portuguese or English
  • Online training materials in Portuguese and English, with online access, and in accordance with the awarded conditions
  • Practical step-by-step implementation methodology
  • Behaviour digital Training Attendance Certificate with 24 CPD/CPE credits
  • Online Certification Exam, in Portuguese or English. The exam may be taken up to 2 months from the course start date
  • If the candidate does not pass the exam, they are entitled to one free retake within a maximum period of 2 months from the date of the release of the initial exam result
  • Digital Certification Diploma and Digital Certification Badge after successfully passing the exam and completing the application process.
Trainer(s)
Learn from senior consultants and auditors in privacy, data protection, GRC and information security, with practical experience in the implementation and audit of GDPR programmes and related frameworks.

Benefits

View benefits
  • Practical competences to perform the DPO/EU DPO role in accordance with the GDPR and applicable guidelines.
  • Ability to support the organisation in the implementation, operation, monitoring and improvement of a GDPR programme.
  • Framing with internationally recognised standards and frameworks, reinforcing consistency and common language.
  • Structured preparation for the exam with a case study and exercises oriented towards practical application.
  • Enhanced professional credibility through certification and distinction from peers.

Logistics

Useful information
  • Live Online (synchronous time): 09h30–17h30 (Lisbon, GMT 0), with lunch break and short breaks
  • Classroom (synchronous time): 09h30–17h30 (Lisbon, GMT 0), with lunch break and short breaks
  • 21 hours of synchronous training, distributed across 3 consecutive days
  • Estimated 3 hours of guided autonomous work, intended for content consolidation and exam preparation, carried out flexibly outside the synchronous sessions
  • Requirements: computer with stable internet, browser, PDF reader, audio/video
Hotels in Lisbon
Find out where you can stay in Lisbon, near Behaviour, for classroom training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Objective answers to the most common questions about the DPO/EU DPO course and its professional context.

Is this course suitable for an internal DPO and an external DPO (as-a-service)?
Yes. The course was designed to prepare the DPO/EU DPO role in an organisational context, regardless of the delivery model (internal, external or as-a-service), clarifying responsibilities and good practices for the implementation and operation of a GDPR programme.
Which profiles and roles benefit most from this training?
Current or designated DPOs/EPDs, privacy and compliance professionals, information security, IT and governance professionals, consultants and auditors supporting organisations in GDPR compliance, and professionals who need to operationalise privacy with method and evidence.
What is the difference between the DPO/EU DPO course and the ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Implementer course?
The DPO/EU DPO course prepares participants to perform the role of Data Protection Officer: responsibilities, positioning, advising, monitoring and privacy governance within the scope of the GDPR. The ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Implementer course prepares participants to implement and operate a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) based on ISO/IEC 27701, with management system structure, controls/measures and evidence. In practical terms: DPO/EU DPO focuses on the role; ISO/IEC 27701 focuses on the system (PIMS) and its implementation.
In which organisational situations is this course most relevant?
It is especially relevant when there is (or will be) a DPO designation, when the organisation needs to formalise privacy governance, when there is intensive data processing (including sensitive data), when there are relevant third parties and subcontracting chains, or when it is necessary to strengthen processes and evidence for audits, clients or the supervisory authority.
Does the course help prepare the DPO’s role in audits and requests from the supervisory authority?
Yes. The training strengthens the DPO’s ability to organise evidence, structure records and documentation, support internal reviews and prepare consistent responses to audits, clients and requests from the supervisory authority, with a focus on continuous and defensible compliance.

For general questions about registration, delivery modes, exams, certification and recertification, please consult the BEHAVIOUR® FAQs.

Registration

Complete the form to request your registration for the preferred edition. Check the upcoming dates.

Contact name
=

Request more information

If you would like help to frame the course within your professional or organisational context, contact us and we will indicate the most suitable path.

Request Information

Companies: request a proposal

For team registrations, we provide volume conditions and a proposal tailored to the organisational need.

Request Proposal