Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.)
Ensure you are enrolled on the UK's leading Practical Qualification in Freedom of Information
The Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (“PC.foi”) is the practical qualification for those that work in the field of FOI.
Successful completion of the Programme demonstrates to employers and others that the candidate possesses a solid knowledge of Freedom of Information law (and the Environmental Information Regulations), as well as an understanding of the practical implications for organisations of the legal requirements, including how to manage an FOI request from inception to completion.
The Qualification can be undertaken on the following basis:
- eLearning Programme (also known as “Distance Learning”)
- Classroom / Virtual-LIVE Programme
Outlined below is further information the ‘eLearning Programme’. Individuals looking to complete the qualification on a Classroom or Virtual-LIVE basis should view the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information – Classroom / Virtual-LIVE Programme.
- The eLearning Programme
The eLearning Programme provides candidates with the ability to study the material ‘on-demand’ in their own time and at their own pace, either at home or in the office.
The PC.foi. eLearning Programme (also known as the ‘Distance Learning Programme’) has been designed to enable candidates to study for the qualification while balancing work and personal commitments. Delivered through a dedicated eLearning platform, the Programme allows candidates to navigate the required training at their own pace, whether at home, in the office or on the move.
Scope of the Programme
The qualification comprises the following highly-practical training courses:
- FOI Practical Training – Level 1
- FOI Practical Training – Level 2
- FOI & Data Protection – How They Work Together
- Understanding the EIRs
Candidates enrolled in the eLearning Programme receive on-demand access to all four training courses, along with professionally printed hardcopy materials delivered by post to support their remote-learning.
Faciliated via the PC.foi. eLearning Online Platform
Each of the four training courses within the Programme features engaging video presentations, comprehensive written materials, and self-assessment multiple choice questions (MCQs). These MCQs enable candidates to test their knowledge and understanding as they progress, and help them prepare effectively for the online examination.
The Programme is entirely “on-demand” enabling you to study at your own pace whether at home, in the office or on the move
Programme – Things to Know
Fees
Distance Learning Programme
£1,895 plus VAT.
A discount of 10% is available for each additional candidate from your organisation enrolling at the same time.
Group Licenses with additional discounts are also available.
Syllabus and Examination Board
The Syllabus for the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information Programme is available for download here.
Information on the Members of the Examination Board is available here.
Register of Qualified FOI Practitioners
The online register of those who have gained the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information can viewed here.
New Enrolments
Applications for the Programme
Further Information
If you have a query about the Programme, please:
- Visit the FAQs page
- Telephone us: +44 (0)207 014 3399
- Contact us via online form
Enrol onto the Programme
Enrol onto the Programme
Applications for the Programme can be made by:
Online booking form
Telephoning PDP at
+44 (0)207 014 3399
What past delegates had to say…
Testimonials
"I am very pleased I did the distance learning version of the qualification, as it meant I could fit study in around my work (and home) commitments much more flexibly. Whenever I submitted a query, e.g. regarding the self-assessment questions, the response was always very prompt and explained things clearly. The learning materials were really good. The videos complemented the written materials perfectly."
"I found the materials easy to use, helpful and informative. The self-assessment questions are very useful. I really appreciated the freedom of managing my learning time through the distance learning programme so that I could work round my work and home commitments."
"The Distance Learning Programme is excellent. In terms of motivation to study, I found this relatively easy to do."
"The content was well structured and comprehensive. The videos are definitely a welcome addition. The exam was interesting in that the questions ensured you read the question/scenario fully and thought about the answer as opposed to merely testing your knowledge of the GDPR."
"This qualification programme has been incredibly helpful in my role. It has increased my knowledge and ability to apply the law to situations I encounter in the workplace, as well as my confidence in decision-making. It has also increased the trust my colleagues have in me as their DPO."
"The materials were very good, everything was clearly explained in the videos and in the written material."
"I really enjoyed the structure –the breakdown of topic areas and the way these were divided into bite size modules and the flow between the modules worked well. The self-test questions at the end really helped to get a feel for likely style of exam questions and allowed testing of content learnt."
"As someone who was new to privacy in 2020, the positives for me included the straightforward but detailed nature of the material, the fact that I could pace myself and complete the course gradually, and able to take time to apply to practice was very valuable. I am now working in a DPO role for a complex global organisation and have found the qualification to be a key element that has enabled me to improve my knowledge and confidence over time."
"The quality of the modules was excellent. The videos were informative and helped my understanding of the materials. The on-demand access worked well for me as it allowed me to plan a set time each week in my work schedule (or in my own time if I chose to)."
"I am very pleased I did the distance learning version of the qualification, as it meant I could fit study in around my work (and home) commitments much more flexibly. Whenever I submitted a query, e.g. regarding the self-assessment questions, the response was always very prompt and explained things clearly. The learning materials were really good. The videos complemented the written materials perfectly."
"I found the materials easy to use, helpful and informative. The self-assessment questions are very useful. I really appreciated the freedom of managing my learning time through the distance learning programme so that I could work round my work and home commitments."
"The Distance Learning Programme is excellent. In terms of motivation to study, I found this relatively easy to do."
"The content was well structured and comprehensive. The videos are definitely a welcome addition. The exam was interesting in that the questions ensured you read the question/scenario fully and thought about the answer as opposed to merely testing your knowledge of the GDPR."
"This qualification programme has been incredibly helpful in my role. It has increased my knowledge and ability to apply the law to situations I encounter in the workplace, as well as my confidence in decision-making. It has also increased the trust my colleagues have in me as their DPO."
"The materials were very good, everything was clearly explained in the videos and in the written material."
"I really enjoyed the structure –the breakdown of topic areas and the way these were divided into bite size modules and the flow between the modules worked well. The self-test questions at the end really helped to get a feel for likely style of exam questions and allowed testing of content learnt."
"As someone who was new to privacy in 2020, the positives for me included the straightforward but detailed nature of the material, the fact that I could pace myself and complete the course gradually, and able to take time to apply to practice was very valuable. I am now working in a DPO role for a complex global organisation and have found the qualification to be a key element that has enabled me to improve my knowledge and confidence over time."
"The quality of the modules was excellent. The videos were informative and helped my understanding of the materials. The on-demand access worked well for me as it allowed me to plan a set time each week in my work schedule (or in my own time if I chose to)."
"I am very pleased I did the distance learning version of the qualification, as it meant I could fit study in around my work (and home) commitments much more flexibly. Whenever I submitted a query, e.g. regarding the self-assessment questions, the response was always very prompt and explained things clearly. The learning materials were really good. The videos complemented the written materials perfectly."
"I found the materials easy to use, helpful and informative. The self-assessment questions are very useful. I really appreciated the freedom of managing my learning time through the distance learning programme so that I could work round my work and home commitments."
"The content was well structured and comprehensive. The videos are definitely a welcome addition. The exam was interesting in that the questions ensured you read the question/scenario fully and thought about the answer as opposed to merely testing your knowledge of the GDPR."
"This qualification programme has been incredibly helpful in my role. It has increased my knowledge and ability to apply the law to situations I encounter in the workplace, as well as my confidence in decision-making. It has also increased the trust my colleagues have in me as their DPO."
"The materials were very good, everything was clearly explained in the videos and in the written material."
"I really enjoyed the structure –the breakdown of topic areas and the way these were divided into bite size modules and the flow between the modules worked well. The self-test questions at the end really helped to get a feel for likely style of exam questions and allowed testing of content learnt."
"As someone who was new to privacy in 2020, the positives for me included the straightforward but detailed nature of the material, the fact that I could pace myself and complete the course gradually, and able to take time to apply to practice was very valuable. I am now working in a DPO role for a complex global organisation and have found the qualification to be a key element that has enabled me to improve my knowledge and confidence over time."
"The quality of the modules was excellent. The videos were informative and helped my understanding of the materials. The on-demand access worked well for me as it allowed me to plan a set time each week in my work schedule (or in my own time if I chose to)."