# The New Era of Certification in Personal Data Protection

Personal data protection has become a central theme in the management of organizations and companies, especially in light of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in May 2018. This European regulatory framework has imposed obligations on entities that handle sensitive information to ensure security and privacy, leading to the creation of a critical role: the Data Protection Officer (DPO).

## The Evolution of the DPO Role

With the increased awareness of the importance of privacy, there has been a growing need for qualified professionals who can manage and ensure compliance with the GDPR. Currently, the number of certified DPOs is rapidly increasing, playing a crucial role in both the public and private sectors. This growth not only testifies to the demand for specialized skills but also highlights the importance of professionals who have received adequate training and who are capable of addressing the challenges arising from the implementation of data protection policies.

## The New Certification Standards

Recently, new technical standards have been introduced that define the requirements for professional profiles related to personal data protection, outlined in the regulations UNI CEI EN 17740:2024 and UNI/TS 11945:2024. These regulations represent a significant revision compared to the previous UNI 11697:2017 and UNI PdR 66:2019, allowing for greater specialization and a clear definition of responsibilities associated with various roles in the field of data protection.

Specifically, the UNI CEI EN 17740:2024 standard establishes several professional profiles, including:

– **Data Protection Officer (DPO)** – responsible for data protection.
– **Data Protection Manager** – data protection manager.
– **Data Protection Specialist** – data protection specialist.
– **Data Protection Engineer** – data protection technician.
– **Data Protection Auditor** – data protection evaluator.

This provision enables organizations to have a clear understanding of the necessary skills and responsibilities of each profile.

## Benefits of Certification

Professional certification according to these new standards is of fundamental importance for ensuring a transparent and competitive market in the field of data protection. Certification attests that professionals possess the necessary skills to appropriately manage personal data, thereby helping to mitigate the risks associated with their management.

In addition, certification offers numerous advantages:

1. **Guarantee of Competence**: Ensures that those managing sensitive data have up-to-date and adequate knowledge in personal data protection.

2. **Increased Trust**: Allows clients and stakeholders to have greater confidence in the management and protection of their data.

3. **Regulatory Compliance**: Aids companies in adhering to the regulations set forth by the GDPR, avoiding penalties and legal issues.

4. **Accurate Selection**: Facilitates the identification of competent professionals within a rapidly evolving market, enabling companies to make informed choices.

## The Transition to the New Regulatory Framework

The transition to the new certification and accreditation system is a gradual process involving accredited bodies and already certified professionals. Organizations must complete a self-assessment and submit the results to Accredia by November 30, 2024. Furthermore, all certificates issued under previous regulations must be updated by April 30, 2025, thus ensuring complete alignment with the new regulatory framework.

These steps represent a challenge but also an opportunity for certification bodies and the professionals themselves, who can demonstrate their skills and preparedness in a continuously evolving field.

## Conclusions: A Future of Growth and Opportunities

Data protection is an increasingly relevant issue, and with the evolution of certification requirements, the professional market is expected to continue growing. Continuous education and updates in this domain will be crucial for professionals to remain competitive and effective in their roles.