Top GDPR Auditors & Data Protection Consultants
GDPR does not have a formal certification requirement, but Article 42 encourages data protection certification mechanisms. Organizations increasingly engage third-party auditors to assess their GDPR compliance posture, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), and prepare for supervisory authority inquiries. The firms below specialize in GDPR readiness, audits, and ongoing compliance support.
What to Look For in a GDPR Auditor
- Verify the firm has expertise in EU data protection law — ideally with qualified lawyers or certified Data Protection Officers on staff.
- Ask whether the firm can serve as an external DPO (Data Protection Officer) if you need one under Article 37.
- Check if the firm has experience with your specific supervisory authorities (ICO, CNIL, BfDI, DPC Ireland, etc.).
- Confirm the firm covers both technical and legal/organizational GDPR requirements — many firms only cover one side.
- Ask about their approach to Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
- Look for firms with ISO 27701 (privacy information management) audit capabilities, as this extends ISO 27001 for GDPR.
- Request references from companies with similar processing activities and data volumes.
GDPR Auditor Firms
GDPR Auditing
UK-based GDPR specialist that has worked with over 400 clients on data protection compliance. They offer GDPR gap analyses, DPIAs, ROPA development, and ongoing DPO services. Known for practical, actionable audit reports.
TrustArc
US-based privacy management company offering GDPR compliance assessments alongside their TRUSTe certification and privacy technology platform. TrustArc combines technology-driven assessments with expert consulting for global privacy compliance.
Schellman
Schellman offers ISO 27701 certification, which provides a structured privacy framework aligned with GDPR requirements. They can bundle GDPR-related assessments with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 engagements.
BSI (British Standards Institution)
BSI offers GDPR readiness assessments and ISO 27701 certification. Their global presence and deep standards expertise make them well-suited for multinational organizations needing consistent GDPR compliance across multiple EU markets.
LRQA (Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance)
Global certification body offering ISO 27701 certification and GDPR compliance assessments. LRQA has a team of over 250 cybersecurity specialists and deep expertise in data protection across European markets.
KirkpatrickPrice
Nashville-based firm offering GDPR readiness assessments and gap analyses alongside their SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audit practices. They help US-based companies that need to comply with GDPR for their European customers.
A-LIGN
A-LIGN offers GDPR compliance assessments as part of their multi-framework compliance services. They help organizations map GDPR requirements to existing SOC 2 and ISO 27001 controls to reduce duplication.
Pricing & Timeline
Typical Pricing
$15,000 – $80,000
Depending on organization size, scope, and complexity. First-time assessments may include readiness and gap analysis fees.
Expected Timeline
2-4 weeks for a GDPR gap analysis, 4-8 weeks for a comprehensive compliance assessment. ISO 27701 certification follows the ISO 27001 timeline (3-6 months). Ongoing DPO services are typically annual retainers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GDPR certification mandatory?
No. GDPR does not require certification, though Article 42 encourages data protection certification mechanisms. Third-party assessments are voluntary but demonstrate accountability — a core GDPR principle under Article 5.
What is ISO 27701 and how does it relate to GDPR?
ISO 27701 is a privacy extension to ISO 27001 that provides a framework for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). While not GDPR-specific, it maps closely to GDPR requirements and is the closest thing to a GDPR certification.
Do US companies need GDPR compliance?
Yes, if they offer goods or services to individuals in the EU/EEA or monitor the behavior of individuals in the EU/EEA. This applies regardless of where the company is headquartered.
What is a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)?
A DPIA is required under GDPR Article 35 for processing activities that are likely to result in high risk to individuals. It must be conducted before the processing begins and should assess necessity, proportionality, and risk mitigation measures.
How much does a GDPR audit cost?
GDPR assessments typically range from $15,000 to $80,000 depending on scope, organization size, number of processing activities, and whether ISO 27701 certification is included. Ongoing DPO services add $3,000-$10,000 per month.
Do I need a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?
Under GDPR Article 37, a DPO is required for public authorities, organizations that conduct large-scale systematic monitoring, and organizations that process special category data at scale. Even if not required, appointing a DPO is often considered best practice.
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