Forthcoming pilot exam phase marks the next step in the practitioner-led process to establish a global standard for professional excellence in AI security

Alexandria, Va., October 26, 2026 – ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – released its AI security certification pilot exam outline, giving cybersecurity professionals, employers and the global cybersecurity community insight into the domains and topics the exam is designed to assess. The forthcoming pilot exam is the next step in ISC2’s standards-based certification development process, informed by input from a pool of nearly 10,000 volunteer professionals worldwide through Job Task Analysis surveys, exam item development and expert review.

“Reaching this point reflects the extraordinary contributions of ISC2’s global volunteer community and the rigorous, standards-based steps taken to define the AI security knowledge, skills and abilities cybersecurity professionals need,” said Casey Marks, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer, ISC2. “The pilot exam provides critical evidence to evaluate whether the examination measures AI security competence reliably, fairly and defensibly, which are all key facets of the rigor essential to certification integrity and to employers’ and professionals’ trust in what earning the credential represents.”

As detailed in the pilot exam outline, the pilot exam will assess candidates’ knowledge, skills and abilities across the following areas of professional practice needed to secure AI-enabled environments:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Concepts and Security Fundamentals
  • AI Governance, Ethics, Risk and Compliance
  • AI Data Management, Privacy and Model Security
  • Secure AI Architecture, Engineering and Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Secure AI Operations and Incident Response (IR)
  • AI Threats, Testing and Lifecycle Management

Each domain includes topics and subtopics to help candidates understand the AI security expertise the exam is designed to evaluate.

The proposed experience requirements specify:

  • Candidates must have a minimum of four years of cumulative, paid full-time experience in cybersecurity or AI-related fields
  • Two years must be in cybersecurity, and one year must be in two or more of the domains of the AI security certification exam outline
  • An active CISSP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CCSP or CSSLP credential may be substituted for the entire AI security certification experience requirement

AI security certification is intended for those responsible for securing the design, deployment and maintenance of AI and machine learning systems throughout the AI lifecycle. This includes managing cybersecurity risks associated with AI-enabled services, and extending beyond technical defense to governance, ethics, risk-based guidance and enterprise collaboration.

Candidates are not required to hold an ISC2 certification.

Pilot Exam Phase to Begin Mid-December

The pilot exam administration of the AI security certification will start by the end of this year. Approximately 3,000 qualified volunteers will be selected to sit for the exam from mid-December through late January.

If the pilot exam phase is successful, the AI security certification will become operational and launch in 2027. Candidates who pass the pilot exam, meet the experience requirements and complete the endorsement process will become the first to earn the new ISC2 AI security certification.

Volunteer for the Pilot Exam

Those wishing to volunteer for the pilot exam can submit their interest through the program volunteer form by Nov 4. Pilot exam participants will be selected from program volunteers based on their relevant knowledge and experience. Volunteering for the program is open to the global cybersecurity community, and non-ISC2 members with AI security experience are encouraged to participate. 

For more information about the AI security certification, visit www.isc2.org/new-ai-certification.

About ISC2

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 270,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

© 2026 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CC, and CBK are registered marks of ISC2, Inc.

Media Contact:
Jarred LeFebvre
Senior Director, Global Communications
ISC2
communications@isc2.org