What Is ISC2’s New AI Security Certification?

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing cybersecurity. Organizations are integrating Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI agents, machine learning models, and AI-powered applications into everyday business operations. As adoption grows, security teams are facing a new challenge: How do you secure AI systems effectively?

That shift is also changing the cybersecurity certification landscape.

ISC2, known globally for certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, and Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), is now preparing to launch its own dedicated AI Security Certification for cybersecurity professionals. However, candidates should understand one important point: ISC2’s new AI Security Certification has not officially launched yet. The certification is currently under development. ISC2 expects to conduct a pilot exam in late 2026 and does not expect the certification to become operational before 2027.

The move is significant because ISC2 is not alone. ISACA has already introduced AI-focused certifications such as Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM), Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA), and  Advanced in AI Risk (AAIR). At the same time, EC-Council has expanded into Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE), Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM), Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP), and Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics (CRAGE).

So, what exactly is ISC2 planning, why is it introducing an AI security credential, what might the certification cover, and who should consider it?

What Is ISC2’s New AI Security Certification?

ISC2’s upcoming AI security certification is a vendor-neutral professional cybersecurity credential being developed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to secure AI systems, manage AI-related threats, and reduce AI security risks.

ISC2 announced the development initiative on July 15, 2026.

Unlike a short training program or certificate of completion, the new credential is intended to operate as a professional certification. It will assess whether candidates can apply AI security knowledge in real-world environments.

According to ISC2, the certification aims to establish a globally recognized professional standard for practitioners responsible for securely designing, implementing, managing, and protecting AI systems.

When Will the ISC2 AI Security Certification Launch?

ISC2 currently anticipates conducting a pilot exam in late 2026.

The organization states that the certification itself is not expected to become operational until 2027. Therefore, candidates cannot currently register for the final operational certification.

ISC2 also has not yet announced:

• The certification’s official name
• Final exam domains
• Exam price
• Required professional experience
• Eligibility requirements
• Passing score
• Continuing Professional Education requirements
• Official training program

Pilot candidates are expected to receive a pilot exam outline before sitting for the examination.

Why This Matters for Your Career

Let us discuss the three trends that explain the rush of AI security certifications:

1. AI Expands the Attack Surface: Generative AI, AI-powered security tools, and autonomous agents have introduced new attack surfaces and governance concerns.

2. AI Knowledge is Becoming Baseline: AI knowledge now becomes part of most cybersecurity roles, while a more specialized AI security discipline continues to develop.  

3. Employers Want Proof: A recognized certification validates that you can do more than use AI tools; you can secure them.

ISC2 AI Security Certification vs. ISC2 AI Security Certificate

This is an important difference. ISC2 already has learning resources related to AI security, including an AI Security Certificate. But a certificate and a professional certification both are different things.

AI Security Certificate generally focuses on education and skill development. It helps professionals learn a particular subject and validates that they have completed the associated learning program. At the same time, the upcoming AI Security Certification is intended to be a professional credential. It will aim to independently validate whether a professional possesses the required AI security knowledge and capabilities.

ISC2 has already clarified that the upcoming certification is different from its existing AI Security Certificate.

Who Should Consider the ISC2 AI Security Certification?

Currently, the final target audience is not finalized, but once ISC2 publishes the official certification requirements, it will be clear. It is working with the cybersecurity community to decide who the certification should serve, and roles are still being defined. The certification is expected to support professionals whose roles are evolving as AI becomes part of cybersecurity operations, as well as roles that may come to require dedicated AI systems security expertise.

ISC2 says AI security responsibilities are already emerging across these areas:

• Security and risk management
• Security operations
• Security assessment and testing
• Security architecture and engineering
• Software development security
• Communication and network security
• Governance, risk and compliance

How InfosecTrain Can Help You Build AI Security Skills

The ISC2 AI security certification is still under development, but AI security skills are already relevant today. Organizations are already deploying LLM applications, generative AI platforms, AI agents, and AI-enabled security solutions, and they require professionals who can protect them. Waiting for a final exam blueprint does not stop these risks from appearing. Professionals who build their skills early are better placed to take on AI security responsibilities and move quickly when new certifications become available.

InfosecTrain helps cybersecurity professionals build the foundational and advanced skills required to work in modern AI-driven security environments.  Whether you are new to AI security or already have years of experience in cybersecurity, our training connects core security principles to securing AI systems. That includes understanding how AI-driven threats work, how risks are assessed and governed, and how to secure the LLM applications, generative AI platforms, and AI agents your organization is adopting.

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