Best AI certifications in 2026, by role
There is no single winner. Match the job. Privacy and policy is AIGP. Hands-on AI security is CompTIA SecAI+. A security manager with CISM or CISSP looks at ISACA AAISM.
Fit, not a trophy
“Best” means fit, not a trophy. No ranked #1. This catalog is AI exams only.
By role
| Role | Cert | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy / legal / governance | AIGP | No prerequisite. BoK v2.1. |
| Secure AI systems | SecAI+ (CY0-001) | Launched 17 Feb 2026. |
| Security manager with CISM or CISSP | AAISM | CISSP is the prerequisite, not a product we sell. |
| AWS cloud AI literacy | AWS AI Practitioner | Catalog. Practice later. |
| ISO 42001 path | ISO 42001 | Catalog. Practice later. |
Dated sittings
AIGP: $649 / $799. 100 questions, 85 scored. Pass 300. BoK v2.1 from 2 Feb 2026. Cost, scoring, BoK v2.1.
SecAI+: max 60 questions, 60 minutes, passing score 600. Domains 17% / 40% / 24% / 19%. No invented voucher. 80 MCQs, not a PBQ lab. SecAI+ CY0-001 domains.
AAISM requires CISM or CISSP. ISACA fee as of 28 Aug 2026: $459 member / $599 non-member plus $50 application. We do not sell CISSP.
Primer today
AIGP and SecAI+ are live. 10 free each. $199 both for 12 months. AAISM, AWS, ISO, and offensive-AI come later. No Security+ or CISSP hubs.
FAQ
- Which AI certification is best?
- Best means role fit, not a trophy. There is no ranked #1.
- AIGP or SecAI+?
- Privacy and policy is AIGP. Hands-on AI security is SecAI+. Full compare: AIGP vs SecAI+ vs AAISM.
- Do you sell Security+ or CISSP?
- No. We do not sell Security+ or CISSP. CISSP appears only as ISACA’s AAISM prerequisite.