ISC2 Plans First AI Security Certification for Early 2027

ISC2, the nonprofit behind the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) qualification, has announced a new certification focused on securing AI-enabled environments. The credential was revealed at its Security Congress 2026 in Denver, Colorado, on October 26. It is ISC2's 10th certification and is aimed at cybersecurity and AI professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge. CEO Scott Beale told Infosecurity Magazine it is still in development and "doesn't even have a name yet."

Beale said the move partly reflects ISC2 members wanting the organisation to "ambitiously and vocally step into the AI safety and security space." The early work drew on input from 10,000 volunteer professionals worldwide through Job Task Analysis surveys. A pilot exam phase opened on October 26, giving professionals and employers insight into the topics the exam will assess. ISC2 is seeking 3000 volunteers for a beta version of the exam in December 2026, and interest must be submitted by November 4.

ISC2's COO, Casey Marks, said the pilot will provide evidence on whether the exam measures AI security competence reliably, fairly and defensibly. If the pilot succeeds, the certification could be available from the first quarter of 2027, possibly as early as January, according to Beale. It will be open to ISC2 members and non-members, including people without existing ISC2 credentials.