Data Protection Training Course (GDPR)
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The Essentials of Data Protection (GDPR) training is ideal for anyone who handles personal information in their job. During this data protection training course you will learn what the different types of data are and about the six principles, how to handle sensitive data, the rights of data subjects, and key responsibilities of the information commissioner.
Course Level: Intermediate
5 Modules (Duration: 1-2 CPD Hours)
Accreditation: CPD Certified
Certificate: Self-Printed Certificate
Description
This course is aimed at those involved in the handling of people’s information as part of their day to day role.
This Course will provide a Data Protection (GDPR) overview for those looking to gain more information on how to uphold the 6 principles. With this course learners will understand the key principles and process under the regulation and what their roles and responsibilities include.
In its early days, data protection compliance quickly became a key priority for businesses, as the risk of large financial penalties for failing to introduce a culture of greater data transparency were introduced.
Legislation has since given consumers more power than ever before over their data. They now have the right to know how their data is used and stored, and for how long. They also have the right to be deleted from marketing databases, and businesses that fail to comply with any of these requests could find themselves facing a fine of up to £17 million, or four per cent of annual turnover, depending on which is greater.
It is vital that everyone who handles data as part of their job is aware of the current legislation, and this is exactly what the Virtual College’s the Essentials of Data Protection e-learning course is designed to help with.
Why take this GDPR training course?
It's important that everyone within a business is aware of the new data protection rules and understands data protection compliance to ensure the company is staying in line with the rules laid out by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
After completing our The Essentials of Data Protection course, learners will:
- Understand what data is, and the different types of data
- Recognise the six principles of data protection
- Understand how to safely handle sensitive data
- Understand the rights of data subjects
- Know the responsibilities of the information commissioner
Our online data protection training course has been made for anyone working with personal data to ensure their and their employer's compliance.
Who is this course for?
The Essentials of Data Protection (GDPR) is designed for anyone who handles personal information as part of their job. This could be recruitment consultants, administrative assistants, marketing executives or managers of any kind. Data handling and processing forms part of many roles, so our e-learning course would be of benefit to many professionals.
This GDPR training course is also suitable for those who want to understand how companies are required to store personal data and the legal procedures for collecting personal data. This Data Protection training will also explain consumer data rights, including the six principles of data protection.
It is important to note that the content of this Data Protection (GDPR) training is based around fictional characters, places, events, businesses and incidents. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.
Testing and certification
At the end of our The Essentials of Data Protection (GDPR) e-learning course, there is a test consisting of 15 multiple choice questions, for which a pass mark of at least 75 per cent is required. Learners can have as many as six attempts at the test at no extra cost, and further tries can be arranged by contacting the Virtual College team.
After achieving a pass mark of 75 per cent, learners will be able to download and print a Virtual College certificate for their records.
Course duration
The Essentials of Data Protection (GDPR) course should take one to two hours to complete, but this depends on how quickly each individual absorbs the study material. Progress is recorded throughout by the Virtual College Learning Management System, meaning learners can take as long as they need to understand the new data protection rules.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this data protection training course.
What you'll learn
- Understand what data is and the different types of data
- Recognise the six principles
- Understand how to safely handle sensitive data
- Understand the rights of data subjects
- Know the responsibilities of the information commissioner
Suitable for
- Recruitment Consultants
- Administrative Assistants
- Marketing Executives
- Marketing Assistants
- Managers of any kind
- Team Leaders
- Customer Service Staff
- Call Centre Staff
- Anyone working in a role involving using, storing or collecting personal information
Course Structure
This section in the course gives a visual representation of different typical personal data that could be found in a workplace and explains sensitive personal data and anonymous data. It also goes on to explain what a data controller is and what they do and how data is processed in workplaces.
Certification
Upon completion of any of our courses, learners will be able to download a digital certificate from Virtual College which will include the accrediting bodies logo where applicable, the learner's name, the title of the course and the date of completion.
If you have purchased the posted certificate option, available on selected courses, a high quality, seal embossed, certificate will be sent out the following working week after completion.

Self-Printed Certificate Option
Upon completion of the course, a digital certificate will be available to download instantly.
Recommended renewal: 3 years
Whilst none of our certificates have an expiry date it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every three years. This is based on industry best practice to ensure awareness and knowledge of the latest guidance and legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
While The Essentials of Data Protection (GDPR) certificate does not technically run out, it is best practice to renew it every three years. However, we at Virtual College are constantly updating our courses to keep up to date with Data Protection regulations and guidance, therefore some organisations encourage retaking each year.
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20th January 2026
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This was very easy to follow
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Really clear and informative course
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Like this course was helpful
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