Digital Services Act | Online Training, Exam, Certificate of Completion
Become a Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro)
Overview
The Digital Services Act is the most important and most ambitious regulation in the world in the field of the protection of the digital space against the spread of illegal content, and the protection of users’ fundamental rights. It is a comprehensive set of new rules that regulate the responsibilities of intermediaries that connect consumers with goods, services and content. The regulation covers online marketplaces, social networks, content-sharing platforms, app stores, online travel and accommodation platforms, etc.
Very large platforms are now obliged to assess the risks their systems pose, regarding not only illegal content and products, but also systemic risks to the public interests, fundamental rights, public health and security. They must develop appropriate risk management tools and measures to protect the integrity of their services against the use of manipulative techniques.
According to Article 52 ("Penalties"), the maximum amount of fines that may be imposed for a failure to comply with an obligation laid down in the Digital Services Act is 6 % of the annual worldwide turnover of the provider of intermediary services concerned in the preceding financial year. The maximum amount of the fine that may be imposed for the supply of incorrect, incomplete or misleading information, failure to reply or rectify incorrect, incomplete or misleading information and failure to submit to an inspection is 1 % of the annual income or worldwide turnover of the provider of intermediary services or person concerned in the preceding financial year.
According to Article 41 of the DSA:
- The management body of the provider of the very large online platform or of the very large online search engine shall define, oversee and be accountable for the implementation of the provider's governance arrangements that ensure the independence of the compliance function, including the division of responsibilities within the organisation of the provider of very large online platform or of very large online search engine, the prevention of conflicts of interest, and sound management of systemic risks.
- The management body shall approve and review periodically, at least once a year, the strategies and policies for taking up, managing, monitoring and mitigating the risks identified to which the very large online platform or the very large online search engine is or might be exposed to.
- The management body shall devote sufficient time to the consideration of the measures related to risk management. It shall be actively involved in the decisions related to risk management, and shall ensure that adequate resources are allocated to the management of the risks identified in accordance with Article 34.
According to Article 13:
- Providers of intermediary services which do not have an establishment in the Union but which offer services in the Union shall designate, in writing, a legal or natural person to act as their legal representative in one of the Member States where the provider offers its services.
- Providers of intermediary services shall mandate their legal representatives for the purpose of being addressed in addition to or instead of such providers, by the Member States’ competent authorities, the Commission and the Board, on all issues necessary for the receipt of, compliance with and enforcement of decisions issued in relation to this Regulation. Providers of intermediary services shall provide their legal representative with necessary powers and sufficient resources to guarantee their efficient and timely cooperation with the Member States’ competent authorities, the Commission and the Board, and to comply with such decisions.
- It shall be possible for the designated legal representative to be held liable for non-compliance with obligations under this Regulation, without prejudice to the liability and legal actions that could be initiated against the provider of intermediary services.
The marketplace is clearly demanding qualified professionals that have the knowledge and skills needed to comply with this regulation.
Objectives
The program has been designed to provide with the skills needed to understand and support compliance with the Digital Services Act.
It also provides with the skills needed to pass the Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro) exam, and to receive the Certificate of Completion, that provides independent evidence that you have a quantifiable understanding of the subject matter.
Target Audience
The program is beneficial to risk and compliance managers and professionals, auditors, consultants, and service providers that work for:
- EU companies and organizations that have to comply with the Digital Services Act,
- non-EU companies and organizations that have operations in EU Member States or provide services to EU citizens, and have to comply with the Digital Services Act.
It includes:
- Intermediary services offering network infrastructure, like Internet access providers, and domain name registrars.
- Hosting services such as cloud and webhosting services.
- Online platforms bringing together sellers and consumers such as online marketplaces, app stores, collaborative economy platforms and social media platforms.
- Very large platforms. They pose particular risks in the dissemination of illegal content and societal harms.
Course Synopsis
The European Union (EU) - key institutions, the EU legislative process, the roles.
- The European System of Financial Supervision.
- The major changes after the Lisbon Treaty.
- Delegated acts - supplementing or amending certain non-essential elements of a basic act.
- Implementing acts.
- Regulatory technical standards (RTS), Implementing technical standards (ITS).
- The Committee of European Auditing Oversight Bodies (CEAOB).
- The European External Action Service, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), European Cyber Defence Policy Framework (CDPF).
Before the Digital Services Act.
The need for the Digital Services Act.
The Digital Services Act, important articles.
Chapter I, General Provisions.
- Subject matter and scope.
- Definitions.
Chapter II, Liability of Providers of Intermediary Services.
- Mere conduit.
- Caching.
- Hosting.
- Voluntary own-initiative investigations and legal compliance.
- No general monitoring or active fact-finding obligations.
- Orders to act against illegal content.
Chapter III, Due Diligence Obligations for a Transparent and Safe Online Environment.
Section 1, Provisions applicable to all providers of intermediary services.
- Points of contact for Member States’ authorities, the Commission and the Board.
- Points of contact for recipients of the service.
- Legal representatives.
- Terms and conditions.
- Transparency reporting obligations for providers of intermediary services.
Section 2, Additional provisions applicable to providers of hosting services, including online platforms.
- Notice and action mechanisms.
- Statement of reasons.
- Notification of suspicions of criminal offences.
Section 3, Additional provisions applicable to providers of online platforms.
- Exclusion for micro and small enterprises.
- Internal complaint-handling system.
- Out-of-court dispute settlement.
- Trusted flaggers.
- Measures and protection against misuse.
- Transparency reporting obligations for providers of online platforms.
- Online interface design and organisation.
- Advertising on online platforms.
- Recommender system transparency.
- Online protection of minors.
Section 4, Additional provisions applicable to providers of online platforms allowing consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders.
- Exclusion for micro and small enterprises.
- Traceability of traders.
- Compliance by design.
- Right to information.
Section 5, Additional obligations for providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines to manage systemic risks.
- Very large online platforms and very large online search engines.
- Risk assessment.
- Mitigation of risks.
- Crisis response mechanism.
- Independent audit.
- Recommender systems.
- Additional online advertising transparency.
- Data access and scrutiny.
- Compliance function.
- Transparency reporting obligations.
- Supervisory fee.
Section 6, Other provisions concerning due diligence obligations.
- Standards.
- Codes of conduct.
- Codes of conduct for online advertising.
- Codes of conduct for accessibility.
- Crisis protocols.
Chapter IV, Implementation, Cooperation, Penalties and Enforcement.
Section 1, Competent authorities and national Digital Services Coordinators.
- Competent authorities and Digital Services Coordinators.
- Requirements for Digital Services Coordinators.
- Powers of Digital Services Coordinators.
- Penalties.
- Right to lodge a complaint.
- Compensation.
- Activity reports.
Section 2, Competences, coordinated investigation and consistency mechanisms.
- Competences.
- Mutual assistance.
- Cross-border cooperation among Digital Services Coordinators.
- Referral to the Commission.
- Joint investigations.
Section 3, European Board for Digital Services.
- European Board for Digital Services.
- Structure of the Board.
- Tasks of the Board.
Section 4, Supervision, investigation, enforcement and monitoring in respect of providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines.
- Development of expertise and capabilities.
- Enforcement of obligations of providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines.
- Initiation of proceedings by the Commission and cooperation in investigation.
- Requests for information.
- Power to take interviews and statements.
- Power to conduct inspections.
- Interim measures.
- Commitments.
- Monitoring actions.
- Non-compliance.
- Fines.
- Enhanced supervision of remedies to address infringements of obligations laid down in Section 5 of Chapter III.
- Periodic penalty payments.
- Limitation period for the imposition of penalties.
- Limitation period for the enforcement of penalties.
- Right to be heard and access to the file.
- Publication of decisions.
- Review by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
- Requests for access restrictions and cooperation with national courts.
- Implementing acts relating to Commission intervention.
Section 5, Common provisions on enforcement.
- Professional secrecy.
- Information sharing system.
- Representation.
Section 6, Delegated and implementing acts.
- Exercise of the delegation.
- Committee procedure.
Chapter V, Final Provisions.
- Review.
- Anticipated application to providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines.
- Entry into force and application.
Understanding better the Digital Services Act.
Deadlines.
Commission Implementing Regulations after the DSA.
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1201 of 21 June 2023 on detailed arrangements for the conduct of certain proceedings by the Commission pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘Digital Services Act’).
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/607 of 15 February 2024, on the practical and operational arrangements for the functioning of the information sharing system pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘Digital Services Act’).
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1127 of 2 March 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council with the detailed methodologies and procedures regarding the supervisory fees charged by the Commission on providers of very large online platforms and very large online search engines.
2022 Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation.
- Demonetising the dissemination of disinformation.
- Guaranteeing transparency of political advertising.
- Enhancing cooperation with fact-checkers.
- Facilitating access to data for researchers.
Signatories of the 2022 Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation – including Adobe, Alliance4Europe, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Twitter etc.
Other new EU Directives and Regulations.
- The NIS 2 Directive.
- The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
- The Artificial Intelligence Act.
- The Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER).
- The European Data Act.
- The European Data Governance Act (DGA).
- The European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
- The Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- The European Chips Act.
- The Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive.
- The Framework for Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Practices (FAICP).
- The EU Cyber Solidarity Act.
- The Digital Networks Act (DNA).
- The European ePrivacy Regulation.
- The European Digital Identity Regulation.
- The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
- The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
- The Systemic Cyber Incident Coordination Framework (EU-SCICF).
- The European Health Data Space (EHDS).
- The European Financial Data Space (EFDS).
- The Financial Data Access (FiDA) Regulation.
- The Payment Services Directive 3 (PSD3), Payment Services Regulation (PSR).
- Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA).
- The European Space Law (EUSL).
Closing remarks.
Become a Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro)
This is a Distance Learning with Certificate of Completion program, provided by Cyber Risk GmbH. The General Terms and Conditions for all legal transactions made through the Cyber Risk GmbH websites (hereinafter “GTC”) can be found at: https://www.cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Impressum.html
Each Distance Learning with Certificate of Completion program (hereinafter referred to as “distance learning program”) is provided at a fixed price, that includes VAT. There is no additional cost, now or in the future, for any reason.
We will send the distance learning program via email up to 24 hours after the payment (working days). Please remember to check the spam folder of your email client too, as emails with attachments are often landed in the spam folder.
You have the option to ask for a full refund up to 60 days after the payment. If you do not want one of our distance learning programs for any reason, all you must do is to send us an email, and we will refund the payment, no questions asked.
Your payment will be received by Cyber Risk GmbH (Dammstrasse 16, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland, Handelsregister des Kantons Zürich, Firmennummer: CHE-244.099.341). Cyber Risk GmbH will also send the certificates of completion to all persons that will pass the exam.
The all-inclusive cost is 297 USD (US Dollars). There is no additional cost, now or in the future, for this program.
First option: You can purchase the Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro) program with VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.
Purchase the Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro) program here (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.)
Second option: QR code payment.
i. Open the camera app or the QR app on your phone.
ii. Scan the QR code and possibly wait for a few seconds.
iii. Click on the link that appears, open your browser, and make the payment.
Third option: You can purchase the NIS 2 Directive Trained Professional (NIS2DTP) program with PayPal
What is included in the cost of the distance learning program:
A. The official presentations (1350 slides).
The presentations are effective and appropriate to study online or offline. Busy professionals have full control over their own learning and are able to study at their own speed. They are able to move faster through areas of the course they feel comfortable with, but slower through those that they need a little more time on.
B. Up to 3 online exam attempts per year.
Candidates must pass only one exam. If they fail, they must study the official presentations and retake the exam. Candidates are entitled to 3 exam attempts every year.
If candidates do not achieve a passing score on the exam the first time, they can retake the exam a second time.
If they do not achieve a passing score the second time, they can retake the exam a third time.
If candidates do not achieve a passing score the third time, they must wait at least one year before retaking the exam. There is no additional cost for additional exam attempts.
To learn more, you may visit:
C. The certificate of completion, with a scannable QR code for verification.
You will receive your certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf), with a scannable QR code for verification, 7 business days after you pass the exam. A business day refers to any day in which normal business operations are conducted (in our case Monday through Friday), excluding weekends and public holidays.
D. Cyber Risk GmbH will develop a web page dedicated to each certified professional (https://www.cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Your_Name.htm).
When third parties scan the QR code on your certificate, they will visit this web page (https://www.cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Your_Name.htm), and they will be able to verify that you are a certified professional, and your certificates are valid and legitimate.
In this web page we will have your name, all the certificates you have received from us, and pictures of your certificates.
This is an example:
https://www.cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Monika_Meier.html
You can print your certificate that you will receive in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf). With the scannable QR code, all third parties can verify the authenticity of each certificate in a matter of seconds. Professional certificates are some of the most frequently falsified documents. Employers and third parties need an easy, effective, and efficient way to check the authenticity of each certificate. QR code verification is a good response to this demand.
E. If you purchase the DiSeActTPro program now, you can receive all the updated and amended DiSeActTPro programs at no cost until January 31, 2028.
Every time we have important developments that affect regulatory compliance with the Digital Services Act, we will update and amend this training program, especially when we have important:
- Joint final draft technical standards, from the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) – the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
- Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS),
- Implementing Technical Standards (ITS),
- Delegated Acts, that supplement or amend non‑essential parts of EU legislative acts, and
- Implementing Acts, that ensure that EU laws are applied uniformly.
The all-inclusive cost of your first program is $297. The all-inclusive cost of your second (and each additional) program is $197. It includes the exam, the certificate of completion, and all the updated and amended programs at no cost until January 31, 2028. You can take the exam and receive the certificate of completion only once. You cannot take the exam again, and it is not possible to receive a new certificate of completion every time you receive an updated and amended program at no cost.
If you want to take the exam again, to receive a certificate of completion having a later date on it, and to have both certificates of completion with different dates at your dedicated web page, you must purchase the updated program at a discounted cost ($197). This is not required, your original certificate will not expire.
In order to receive the updated and amended program (you have purchased the program in the past, and now you want to receive the updated and amended program at no cost), please follow the simple steps:
Please check the “Course synopsis” of the program at the registration page, to check if you have the latest version.
If we have updated the program, please send us an email with title: “Please send me the updated DiSeActTPro program.”
In the email, please let us know which was the name and email address of the person or legal entity that had initially purchased the program.
You will receive the updated program in less than 48 hours (working days). Please remember to check your spam folder too.
Frequently Asked Questions for the distance learning programs.
1. I want to know more about Cyber Risk GmbH.
“Cyber Risk GmbH” is a company incorporated in Switzerland.
Registered address: Dammstrasse 16, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland.
Company number: CHE-244.099.341.
Cantonal Register of Commerce: Canton of Zürich.
Swiss VAT number: CHE-244.099.341 MWST.
EU VAT number: EU276036462. Cyber Risk GmbH is registered for EU VAT purposes in Germany (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern, One-Stop-Shop, Nicht EU-Regelung) for the sale of services in the EU. Cyber Risk GmbH declares and pays EU VAT in a single electronic quarterly return submitted to Germany, and the German Bundeszentralamt für Steuern forwards the EU VAT due to each member State of the EU.
Cyber Risk GmbH was founded in Horgen, Switzerland, by George Lekatis, a well-known expert in risk and compliance management. The company specializes in providing advanced cybersecurity, risk, and compliance training, helping organizations navigate and implement complex European, U.S., and international cybersecurity regulations. Additionally, Cyber Risk GmbH supports professionals in completing online training programs, passing exams, and obtaining Certificates of Completion, which serve as independent verification of their expertise for firms and organizations.
George Lekatis serves as the General Manager of Compliance LLC, a company incorporated in Wilmington, NC, with offices in Washington, DC. Compliance LLC provides risk and compliance management training in 58 countries. Several of its business units function as highly successful associations, offering a wide range of services to their members, including membership programs, regular updates (weekly or monthly), specialized training, and certification.
George is also the president of the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP, https://www.risk-compliance-association.com). He leads the team responsible for developing and maintaining the Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) program. The CRCMP certification is widely regarded as a preferred credential by companies and organizations. For more information on the demand for CRCMPs, you may visit: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com/CRCMP_Jobs_Careers.pdf
Other business units of Compliance LLC:
- The Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA), the largest Association of Sarbanes-Oxley professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com
- The Basel iii Compliance Professionals Association (BiiiCPA), the largest association of Basel iii Professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.basel-iii-association.com
- The Solvency II Association, the largest association of Solvency II professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.solvency-ii-association.com
Our instructors are professionals with extensive, real-world experience in their respective fields. They are equipped to deliver full-time, part-time, or short-form programs, all customized to suit your specific requirements. Beyond teaching, our instructors provide hands-on guidance, offering real-world insights that help bridge the gap between theory and practice. You will always be informed ahead of time about the instructor leading your program.
“Cyber Risk GmbH Training Programs” are training programs developed, updated and provided by Cyber Risk GmbH, and include:
a) In-House Instructor-Led Training programs,
b) Online Live Training programs,
c) Video-Recorded Training programs,
d) Distance Learning with Certificate of Completion programs.
“Cyber Risk GmbH websites” are all websites that belong to Cyber Risk GmbH, and include the following:
a. General, Sectors, Industries.
1. Hybrid Risk
4. Defensive Hybrid Intelligence (DHI)
5. Cognitive Intelligence (COGINT)
6. Legal Intelligence (LEGINT)
7. Algorithmic and AI Intelligence (ALGINT)
8. Synthetic Cognitive Intelligence (SCINT)
9. Hybrid Resilience Initiative (HRI)
10. Cyber Risk GmbH
11. Social Engineering Training
22. Sanctions Risk
23. American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 (APRA)
24. Travel Security
25. Risk management, what is different in Switzerland
b. Understanding Cybersecurity.
4. What is Synthetic Identity Fraud?
6. What is Quantum Risk Management?
c. Understanding Cybersecurity in the European Union.
2. The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
3. The Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER)
5. The European Data Governance Act (DGA)
6. The European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
7. The Digital Services Act (DSA)
8. The Digital Markets Act (DMA)
10. The Artificial Intelligence Act
11. The Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive
12. The Framework for Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Practices (FAICP)
13. The EU Cyber Solidarity Act
14. The Digital Networks Act (DNA)
15. The European ePrivacy Regulation
16. The European Digital Identity Regulation
17. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)
18. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
19. The Systemic Cyber Incident Coordination Framework (EU-SCICF)
20. The European Health Data Space (EHDS)
21. The European Financial Data Space (EFDS)
22. The Financial Data Access (FiDA) Regulation
23. The Payment Services Directive 3 (PSD3), Payment Services Regulation (PSR)
24. The Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA)
26. The European Cyber Defence Policy
27. The Strategic Compass of the European Union
28. The European Space Law (EUSL)
30. The EU-US Data Privacy Framework
31. The European Cloud and AI Development Act
34. The EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox
2. Is there any discount available for the distance learning programs?
We do not offer a discount for your first program. You have a $100 discount for your second and each additional program.
After you purchase the Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro) program at $297, you can purchase:
a. The Artificial Intelligence Act Trained Professional (AIActTPro) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.artificial-intelligence-act.com/Artificial_Intelligence_Act_Trained_Professional_(AIActTPro).html .
b. The Digital Operational Resilience Act Trained Professional (DORATPro) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.digital-operational-resilience-act.com/Digital_Operational_Resilience_Act_Trained_Professional_(DORATPro).html .
c. The NIS 2 Directive Trained Professional (NIS2DTP) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.nis-2-directive.com/NIS_2_Directive_Trained_Professional_(NIS2DTP).html .
d. The Digital Markets Act Trained Professional (DiMaActTPro) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.eu-digital-markets-act.com/DiMaActTPro_Training.html.
e. The Data Governance Act Trained Professional (DatGovActTP) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.european-data-governance-act.com/DatGovActTP_Training.html.
f. The European Chips Act Trained Professional (EChipsActTPro) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.european-chips-act.com/European_Chips_Act_Trained_Professional_(EChipsActTPro).html .
g. The Data Act Trained Professional (DataActTPro) program at $197. You can find more about the program at: https://www.eu-data-act.com/Data_Act_Trained_Professional_(DataActTPro).html .
In order to receive the URL for the discounted cost for your second and each additional program, please send us an email with title: “Please send me the URL for the discounted cost.”
In the email, please let us know:
a. Which was the name and email address of the person or legal entity that had purchased the first program.
b. Which is the program you want to purchase now at $197 instead of $297.
You will receive the URL for the discounted cost for your second and each additional program in less than 48 hours (working days). Please remember to check your spam folder too.
3. Are there any entry requirements or prerequisites required for enrolling in the training programs?
There are no entry requirements or prerequisites for enrollment in our programs. We believe that learning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, academic credentials, or professional experience. In contrast to providers that set stringent prerequisites or entry barriers, our approach prioritizes accessibility and openness. We do not believe that the opportunity to learn and grow should be limited by prior qualifications. Whether you're just beginning your career, changing paths, or expanding your expertise, our programs are designed to support individuals at all levels. Each course provides a clear and structured learning path, allowing individuals at all levels to gain valuable insights, and build practical skills. Our approach empowers motivated learners from different industries and career stages to gain value and opportunity from the program.
4. I want to learn more about the exam.
You can take the exam online from your home or office, in all countries.
It is an open book exam. Risk and compliance management is something you must understand and learn, not memorize. You must acquire knowledge and skills, not commit something to memory.
You will be given 90 minutes to complete a 35-question exam. You must score 70% or higher.
The exam contains only questions that have been clearly answered in the official presentations.
All exam questions are multiple-choice, composed of two parts:
a. A stem (a question asked, or an incomplete statement to be completed).
b. Four possible responses.
In multiple-choice questions, you must not look for a correct answer, you must look for the best answer. Cross out all the answers you know are incorrect, then focus on the remaining ones. Which is the best answer? With this approach, you save time, and you greatly increase the likelihood of selecting the correct answer.
TIME LIMIT - This exam has a 90-minute time limit. You must complete this exam within this time limit, otherwise the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.
BACK BUTTON - When taking this exam you are NOT permitted to move backwards to review/change prior answers. Your browser back button will refresh the current page instead of moving backward.
RESTART/RESUME – You CANNOT stop and then resume the exam. If you stop taking this exam by closing your browser, your answers will be lost, and the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.
SKIP - You CANNOT skip answering questions while taking this exam. You must answer all the questions in the order the questions are presented.
When you are ready to take the exam, you must follow the steps described at "Question h. I am ready for the exam. What must I do?", at:
5. How comprehensive are the presentations? Are they just bullet points?
The presentations are not collections of bullet points, they are thoughtfully structured, in-depth learning materials designed to provide clear explanations, context, and real-world relevance. Unlike slide decks that rely on brief summaries, our presentations guide you through each concept in a comprehensive and engaging manner. They are highly effective for both online and offline study, making them ideal for professionals who value substance and flexibility in their learning experience.
6. Do I need to buy books to pass the exam?
No. If you study the presentations, you can pass the exam. All the exam questions are clearly answered in the presentations. If you fail the first time, you must study more. You can:
- Highlight key terms and sections to help you focus during review.
- Add digital sticky notes (just like Post-it notes) anywhere in the document to remind yourself where specific answers or explanations are.
- Underline or circle text using freehand drawing tools.
- Add bookmarks to easily navigate to important sections.
- Search each document using keywords to quickly find what you need.
7. Is it an open book exam? Why?
Yes, it is an open book exam. Risk and compliance management is a field that requires deep understanding, critical thinking, and the ability to apply principles in real-world situations, not simply the ability to memorize facts. The goal of our certification programs is to help you build lasting knowledge and practical skills that you can confidently use in your professional role.
In real-life scenarios, risk and compliance professionals have access to regulations, frameworks, and reference materials, and are expected to use them thoughtfully. Our open book exam reflects this reality by assessing your comprehension and ability to apply what you've learned, rather than testing your memory.
8. Do I have to take the exam soon after receiving the presentations?
No, there is no fixed exam date. You may take the exam at any time that suits you within four (4) years from the date of your payment. Your access to the training materials, including any future updates, will remain available to you at no additional cost during this four-year period.
Cyber Risk GmbH reserves the right to amend the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) at any time. Any changes will become effective upon publication on our websites, and will apply exclusively to training programs purchased after the date of modification.
For our distance learning and online certification programs, the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) in effect at the time of purchase shall apply for a period of four (4) years from the date of payment. After the expiry of this four-year period, the participant’s access to the program and the right to take the exam shall expire. Any future participation in the program shall require a new enrollment and will be subject to the General Terms and Conditions in force at that time.
Cyber Risk GmbH may, at its sole discretion, extend the four-year period for individual participants or for a group of participants. Such an extension is a voluntary option of Cyber Risk GmbH and shall not create any obligation, entitlement, or precedent for future cases.
9. Do I have to spend more money in the future to keep my certificate of completion valid?
No. Your certificate of completion is issued with lifetime validity and does not expire. There are no renewal fees, no hidden costs, and no requirement to retake the exam in the future. Once certified, you remain certified.
10. Ok, the certificate of completion never expires, but things change.
Things do change. While many organizations introduce mandatory recertification as a recurring revenue stream, we’ve taken a different approach. Although we were advised to "introduce multiple recurring revenue streams to keep business flowing", we made a conscious decision to prioritize long-term value for our clients over short-term profit. That’s why no recertification is required for our programs.
Instead, we are committed to keeping you informed and up to date, at no cost. We invite you to visit our Reading Room each month and explore our newsletter, where you’ll find valuable insights, regulatory updates, timely alerts, and new opportunities. This ongoing access ensures you remain current and well-informed in a dynamic and constantly evolving field.
Our newsletter is the most extensive monthly cybersecurity and compliance intelligence report available anywhere worldwide. This is a curated report for decision-makers, executives, and security professionals who cannot afford blind spots. Our extensive editorial provides expert analysis on the most pressing cyber, regulatory, and geopolitical risks impacting businesses today. Busy professionals don’t avoid long reports, they avoid reports that waste their time. You may visit:
https://www.cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Reading_Room.html
11. Which is your refund policy?
Cyber Risk GmbH maintains a clear and customer-friendly refund policy. You are entitled to request a full refund within 60 days of your payment, no questions asked. If, for any reason, you decide that one of our programs or services is not right for you, simply send us an email within this 60-day window.
Once we receive your request, we will process your refund within one business day. There are no forms to fill out, no explanations required, and no delays. Our goal is to provide a risk-free and stress-free experience.
12. I want to receive a printed certificate. Can you send me one?
Unfortunately, we do not issue printed certificates. Instead, you will receive your official certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, which includes a scannable QR code for instant verification. Certificates are issued within 7 business days after you pass the exam. Please note that business days refer to Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
To ensure authenticity and transparency, the association creates a dedicated web page for each certified professional (cyber-risk-gmbh.com/Your_Name.html). This page will include your full name, a list of all certificates you have earned from us, and images of your certificates.
When a third party scans the QR code on your certificate, they are directed to your personalized verification page. This allows employers, clients, and other stakeholders to easily confirm that your certification is valid, current, and legitimately issued.
Professional certificates are among the most frequently falsified documents. Providing a secure, scannable QR code with direct access to official verification offers a fast, reliable, and efficient solution. You may also print your certificate from the PDF file at any time, with the embedded QR code ensuring instant and reliable validation.
13. Why should I choose your training programs?
I. Recognition and Credibility. Cyber Risk GmbH is trusted by professionals and organizations around the world (please look below, "Cyber Risk GmbH, some of our clients"). Our specialized training programs help participants master complex cybersecurity, risk, and compliance requirements and demonstrate their competence through examination. Our clients include leading companies and organizations. Their trust in our programs reflects the high standards of quality, accuracy, and professionalism that define every Cyber Risk GmbH training program.
II. Flexible and Convenient Learning: Our training programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Participants can access course materials and complete the exam anytime, from anywhere. This is especially beneficial for professionals with demanding schedules who need to learn at their own pace.
III. Affordable, All-Inclusive Pricing: Each program is offered at a low, all-inclusive price. There are no hidden fees or additional costs, now or in the future, for any reason.
IV. Discounts on Additional Programs: When you enroll in a second program, you receive a $100 discount. This means the all-inclusive cost for your second (and every additional) program is $197 (compared to the regular price of $297). There are no hidden fees or recurring charges.
V. Multiple Exam Attempts Included: Each program includes up to three exam attempts per year at no additional cost, as outlined above.
VI. No Recertification Required: Your certificates are issued with lifetime validity. No recertification is required, and your credentials will not expire.
VII. Potential for Career Advancement and Industry Recognition: There is a clear and growing demand for qualified professionals in risk and compliance management. Trained managers and employees are often recognized by employers, may enjoy broader career opportunities, and may be preferred for promotions or new roles. Specialized training and Certificates of Completion demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
However, it’s important to note that no training can guarantee a new or better job. Career advancement depends on many factors, including supply and demand, market conditions, and timing. Training is important, but it is only a part of a larger professional development journey.
VIII. The fit and proper requirement in regulations: Firms and organizations hire and promote fit and proper professionals who can provide evidence that they are qualified. Employers need assurance that managers and employees have the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks and accept responsibility. Supervisors and auditors ask for independent evidence that professionals are qualified, and that controls can operate as designed, because the persons responsible for these controls have the necessary knowledge and experience.
IX. Increased Earning Potential: Professionals who invest in gaining new skills may become eligible for higher-paying roles. Training and ongoing professional development may significantly enhance your earning potential and contribute to long-term career success. However, it’s important to understand that increased earnings are not guaranteed. Compensation and career advancement depend on various factors. Training is a valuable tool, but not a guarantee on your path to career growth.
Cyber Risk GmbH, some of our clients
