Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.)

Classroom / Virtual-LIVE Programme

The Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information is the practical qualification for those that work in the field of Freedom of Information.

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 tuition section of the Programme requires candidates to attend four one-day Compulsory Courses (see upcoming course dates below).

  • 4 days interactive ‘Classroom’ or ‘Virtual-LIVE’ training
  • Study of course materials
  • The Examination (takes place online twice yearly)

The tuition section of the Programme requires candidates to attend four one-day Compulsory Courses (see below).

Classroom versions of each course are held in several cities throughout the UK at various times of the year.

Compulsory Courses

Candidates must attend all courses shown below (click on the links to see the course descriptions).

Classroom, Virtual (Teams), eLearning

Course Specialisation:
Environmental Information, Freedom of Information
  • Monday 12th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Monday 16th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 2nd March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 15th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 4th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 7th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 27th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 11th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Monday 15th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning
  • Monday 12th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Monday 16th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 2nd March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 15th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 4th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 7th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 27th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Monday 11th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Monday 15th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning

Classroom, Virtual (Teams), eLearning

Course Specialisation:
Freedom of Information
  • Tuesday 13th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 17th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 3rd March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 16th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 5th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 8th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 28th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 12th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 16th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning
  • Tuesday 13th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 17th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 3rd March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 16th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 5th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 8th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 28th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Tuesday 12th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Tuesday 16th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning

Classroom, Virtual (Teams), eLearning

Course Specialisation:
Data Protection, Environmental Information, Freedom of Information
  • Wednesday 14th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 18th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 4th March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 17th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 6th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 9th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 29th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 13th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 17th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning
  • Wednesday 14th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 18th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 4th March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 17th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 6th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 9th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 29th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Wednesday 13th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Wednesday 17th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning

Classroom, Virtual (Teams), eLearning

Course Specialisation:
Environmental Information, Freedom of Information
  • Thursday 15th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 19th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Friday 5th March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 18th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Friday 7th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 10th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 30th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 14th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 18th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning
  • Thursday 15th October, 2026
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 19th November, 2026
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Friday 5th March, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 18th March, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Friday 7th May, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 10th June, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 30th September, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
  • Thursday 14th October, 2027
    London (Classroom)
  • Thursday 18th November, 2027
    Virtual-LIVE (Teams)

  • eLearning

Programme – Things to Know

Exam Dates

The next dates for the Examination are as follows:

  • Monday, 7th December 2026
  • Monday, 28th June 2027
  • Monday, 6th December 2027

Fees

Classroom Programme
£2,495 plus VAT (fully inclusive of tuition, materials and the Examination).

Virtual-LIVE Programme (facilitated via Microsoft Teams)
£2,195 plus VAT (fully inclusive of tuition, materials and the Examination).

A discount of 10% is available for each additional candidate from your organisation enrolling at the same time.

Candidates who have already attended any of the Compulsory Courses are not required to attend them again – a discount of £350 per course already attended will be applied to the Programme fee. Please let us know which courses you have already attended when you enrol on the Programme.

Alternatively if you have completed all 4 required courses before enrolling on the Qualification Programme, you can enrol onto the Qualification for £495 plus VAT. This fee is fully inclusive of comprehensive up-to-date printed materials, entry into the Examination and maintenance of your name on the Register of Qualified Practitioners (as well as PDP’s handling of queries from employers as to your qualified status for your career lifetime).

 

Register of Qualified Freedom of Information Practitioners

The online register of those who have gained the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information can viewed here.

 
eLearning Programme Available

The Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.) is also available as an eLearning Programme (fully on-demand for those who wish to study flexibly around other commitments).

 

Syllabus

The Syllabus for the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information Programme has been designed by the Examination Board.

 

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

"The trainers were great, very knowledgeable and approachable. The examination was tough but that’s how it should be - I liked the format and the advice received beforehand, including practice questions, was really useful. The programme is definitely helpful to my role and I still regularly refer to the excellent workbooks."

David Ward - Information Rights Case Adviser
Department for Business and Trade

"I am very pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The programme provides excellent knowledge and understanding on the practical applications of handling requests for information"

Louise Smith - Information Rights Officer
Financial Ombudsman Service

"I am thrilled to have passed PDP's Practitioner Certificate in FOI and joined the ranks of a qualified FOI Practitioner. My knowledge of FOI, DPA and EIR has increased immensely and I feel so much more confident in dealing with requests as well as running inductions. I now feel that I belong in my role."

Anabel Raszpla - Senior Information Officer
Medical Research Council

"I am extremely pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The four day course was extremely informative and provided me with a large amount of information on the practical application of the Act, it really helped to fill the gaps. I would highly recommend this course to those working with FOI on a day to day basis."

Daniel Howard - Access to Information Officer
Electoral Commission

"I really enjoyed FOI practitioner programme - the tutors were real experts in their field. They went above and beyond to answer your questions and help you understand the material."

Michael Speight - Compliance Officer
NS&I

"A very worthwhile qualification which I wholeheartedly recommend to colleagues"

Edd Mustill - Information Access Officer
General Medical Council

“I am so pleased to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in FOI. The 4 day course was excellent and I am now confident in my role as FOI Officer for Social Services. The course has helped me develop my skills and knowledge of FOI/EIR and DP and I would encourage anyone working in this area to attend.”

Rachael Strand - Freedom of Information Officer
Flintshire County Council

“The Practitioner Certificate in FOI was an excellent opportunity to receive specialised training and gain a recognised qualification. In particular, I found the instructors to be both knowledgeable and engaging. As a regulator in an overseas territory, I was easily able to translate the learning into practice. I have and do encourage other FOI practitioners to take advantage of this training programme.”

Clara Smith - Appeals & Compliance Analyst
Information Commissioner’s Office (Grand Cayman)

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"The trainers were great, very knowledgeable and approachable. The examination was tough but that’s how it should be - I liked the format and the advice received beforehand, including practice questions, was really useful. The programme is definitely helpful to my role and I still regularly refer to the excellent workbooks."

David Ward - Information Rights Case Adviser
Department for Business and Trade

"I am very pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The programme provides excellent knowledge and understanding on the practical applications of handling requests for information"

Louise Smith - Information Rights Officer
Financial Ombudsman Service

"I am thrilled to have passed PDP's Practitioner Certificate in FOI and joined the ranks of a qualified FOI Practitioner. My knowledge of FOI, DPA and EIR has increased immensely and I feel so much more confident in dealing with requests as well as running inductions. I now feel that I belong in my role."

Anabel Raszpla - Senior Information Officer
Medical Research Council

"I am extremely pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The four day course was extremely informative and provided me with a large amount of information on the practical application of the Act, it really helped to fill the gaps. I would highly recommend this course to those working with FOI on a day to day basis."

Daniel Howard - Access to Information Officer
Electoral Commission

"I really enjoyed FOI practitioner programme - the tutors were real experts in their field. They went above and beyond to answer your questions and help you understand the material."

Michael Speight - Compliance Officer
NS&I

"A very worthwhile qualification which I wholeheartedly recommend to colleagues"

Edd Mustill - Information Access Officer
General Medical Council

“I am so pleased to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in FOI. The 4 day course was excellent and I am now confident in my role as FOI Officer for Social Services. The course has helped me develop my skills and knowledge of FOI/EIR and DP and I would encourage anyone working in this area to attend.”

Rachael Strand - Freedom of Information Officer
Flintshire County Council

“The Practitioner Certificate in FOI was an excellent opportunity to receive specialised training and gain a recognised qualification. In particular, I found the instructors to be both knowledgeable and engaging. As a regulator in an overseas territory, I was easily able to translate the learning into practice. I have and do encourage other FOI practitioners to take advantage of this training programme.”

Clara Smith - Appeals & Compliance Analyst
Information Commissioner’s Office (Grand Cayman)

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David Ward - Information Rights Case Adviser
Department for Business and Trade

"I am very pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The programme provides excellent knowledge and understanding on the practical applications of handling requests for information"

Louise Smith - Information Rights Officer
Financial Ombudsman Service

"I am thrilled to have passed PDP's Practitioner Certificate in FOI and joined the ranks of a qualified FOI Practitioner. My knowledge of FOI, DPA and EIR has increased immensely and I feel so much more confident in dealing with requests as well as running inductions. I now feel that I belong in my role."

Anabel Raszpla - Senior Information Officer
Medical Research Council

"I am extremely pleased to have achieved the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. The four day course was extremely informative and provided me with a large amount of information on the practical application of the Act, it really helped to fill the gaps. I would highly recommend this course to those working with FOI on a day to day basis."

Daniel Howard - Access to Information Officer
Electoral Commission

"I really enjoyed FOI practitioner programme - the tutors were real experts in their field. They went above and beyond to answer your questions and help you understand the material."

Michael Speight - Compliance Officer
NS&I

"A very worthwhile qualification which I wholeheartedly recommend to colleagues"

Edd Mustill - Information Access Officer
General Medical Council

“I am so pleased to have passed the Practitioner Certificate in FOI. The 4 day course was excellent and I am now confident in my role as FOI Officer for Social Services. The course has helped me develop my skills and knowledge of FOI/EIR and DP and I would encourage anyone working in this area to attend.”

Rachael Strand - Freedom of Information Officer
Flintshire County Council

“The Practitioner Certificate in FOI was an excellent opportunity to receive specialised training and gain a recognised qualification. In particular, I found the instructors to be both knowledgeable and engaging. As a regulator in an overseas territory, I was easily able to translate the learning into practice. I have and do encourage other FOI practitioners to take advantage of this training programme.”

Clara Smith - Appeals & Compliance Analyst
Information Commissioner’s Office (Grand Cayman)