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British Columbia Information Privacy Certificate Program

Last updated on September 29, 2023

The British Columbia Information Privacy Certificate Program (BCIP) offers comprehensive privacy training designed specifically for BC Public Service staff.

The courses are for employees committed to protecting privacy or those preparing for a career in information privacy. Employees who want a better understanding of how privacy – and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) – impacts their work will also benefit.

The Courses

To complete the certificate, there are four required, three-hour courses and an elective option, which can be completed in under a year. Courses include:

  • Privacy Governance
  • Information Incidents
  • FOIPPA: Privacy
  • Privacy Tools: Privacy Impact Assessments

The courses are available by webinar and are facilitated by the Corporate Privacy Office (CPO). The courses can be taken in any order, and participants do not have to sign up for the full certificate program (any of the courses can be taken as a one-off).

Participants enrolled in the full certificate program must select one of the following elective options:

  1. Webinar (three hours)
    • FOIPPA: Access
  2. ELearning
    • IM 112: Records Management Foundations
    • IM 118: Information Security and Awareness: Supporting Employees in the Workplace

To register for these courses or to learn more about what each course covers, continue reading or visit MyLearningLink is restricted to goverment employees with an IDIR username and password and search using the course names or by entering “BCIP."

To enroll in the certificate program, please email the Corporate Privacy Office. Please obtain supervisory approval prior to requesting enrollment.

Check out additional learning opportunities at Privacy & Information Management Training.

Course Descriptions

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Privacy Governance (Item-814)

Privacy governance is more than legislation – it encompasses all the processes and tools in place that help build a culture of privacy. This course introduces those elements that make up a privacy management program.

This three-hour course introduces privacy governance within any organization, including the BC public service. The course includes the following:

  • An overview of privacy and its importance
  • Introduction to the concept of privacy governance and how the privacy management program fits into it
  • Details on the elements of a privacy management program
  • Tips on how to build a positive privacy culture

Participants will improve their understanding of how privacy spans across the BC public service and the requirements for a privacy management program.

Note: This course can be taken independent of the certificate program.

 

Information Incidents (Item-815)

When an information incident happens, including a privacy breach, employees are often unsure of what to do. This course helps participants understand the information incident process and will improve their understanding of what to expect if they discover an information incident.

During this three-hour course, participants will learn

  • The difference between personal information and confidential information
  • How to identify an information incident, including a privacy breach
  • How to report an incident
  • What to expect after that incident is reported

Note: This course can be taken independent of the certificate program.

 

FOIPPA: Privacy (Item-816)

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) is a complex law that outlines privacy protection requirements for over 2,900 public bodies in B.C. This course helps take the mystery out of Part 3 of FOIPPA, which covers collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

During this three-hour course, participants will learn the following:

  • What personal information is, including how to identify personal information through the mosaic effect
  • Collection, use and disclosure of personal information
  • Accuracy and correction of personal information
  • Data residency requirements
  • Security requirements under FOIPPA

Participants will improve their understanding of B.C.’s privacy legislation (law) and will be able to apply privacy requirements in their day-to-day work.

Note: This course can be taken independent of the certificate program.

 

Privacy Tools: Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) (Item-817)

The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is a helpful tool in any organization – when completed properly. This course is valuable for those who have never written a PIA, as well as for experienced PIA writers.

Completing PIAs can make the difference between a privacy-invasive and a privacy-enhancing initiative – without compromising business objectives or adding significant costs. It can be an educational tool or serve business and project planning needs.

Upon completion of this three-hour course, participants will gain a better understanding of each section of the B.C. government’s PIA template. In particular, participants will be able to:

  • Identify privacy risks within a project
  • Identify personal information, including the potential for the mosaic effect
  • Document the entire data flow of a project
  • Figure out if a project is a data-linking initiative or a common or integrated program
  • Write a compliant collection notice
  • Identify personal information banks

Note: This course can be taken independent of the certificate program.

 

FOIPPA: Access (Item-818)

Access to information rights under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) allows for transparency and accountability. This course will take the mystery out of the access process and help BC Government ministries understand their obligations.

This three-hour course provides an in-depth review of access and records management obligations under the Information Management Act (IMA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Key learning outcomes include the following:

  • Strategies for managing your records
  • Proactive disclosure of records
  • Part 2 of FOIPPA, which covers access to information:
    • Right of access
    • Duty to assist
    • Search for records
    • Timelines and fees
    • Exceptions to disclosure

Participants will improve their understanding of their obligations for access to information under FOIPPA and will gain tips on how to better manage records.

Note: This course can be taken independent of the certificate program.

 

 

Learn more about the program and how to register for courses.