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ISACA launched AAISM in August 2025. CompTIA shipped SecAI+ in February 2026. GIAC opened GASAE in April, then GAIPS in July. In 18 months, four major certification bodies each placed their bet on AI security. Per Practical DevSecOps market analysis, the share of cybersecurity job postings requiring AI skills doubled from 14.2% to 28.5% between October 2025 and March 2026. Demand is real — but which cert actually teaches you something?
This post uses the OWASP LLM Top 10 v2.0 as the measuring stick, then takes apart each certification's exam domains, format, and real-world reviews to help you pick.
The benchmark: OWASP LLM Top 10 v2.0 (2025)
Before comparing, align on the yardstick. The OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications 2025 is the most widely adopted LLM security risk framework:
| # | Risk | One-liner |
|---|---|---|
| LLM01 | Prompt Injection | Crafted inputs override system instructions — #1 for two editions running |
| LLM02 | Sensitive Information Disclosure | Model leaks PII, trade secrets, or API keys from training data |
| LLM03 | Supply Chain | Hidden risks from third-party models, datasets, and plugins |
| LLM04 | Data and Model Poisoning | Training data, fine-tuning, or RAG corpus gets contaminated |
| LLM05 | Improper Output Handling | Feeding model output directly to DBs/APIs/browsers without validation |
| LLM06 | Excessive Agency | Agents with more permissions than necessary — the top concern for AI Agent platform builders |
| LLM07 | System Prompt Leakage | Attackers trick the model into revealing its system prompt |
| LLM08 | Vector and Embedding Weaknesses | Vulnerabilities in RAG pipelines and vector databases |
| LLM09 | Misinformation | Model produces convincing but false content |
| LLM10 | Unbounded Consumption | Uncapped token usage causing cost explosions or DoS |
Also note that the OWASP Top 10 for Agentic Applications (2026) is a separate framework targeting systems with memory, tools, and multi-step autonomy — complementary to the LLM Top 10.
CompTIA SecAI+
Positioning
CompTIA's first AI-security-only certification, launched February 17, 2026. Part of their "Expansion Series" — designed to stack on top of Security+, CySA+, or PenTest+, not replace them.
Exam format
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Exam code | CY0-001 |
| Questions / time | Up to 60 (multiple-choice + PBQs) / 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 600/900 |
| Cost | $359 (exam voucher only; study materials sold separately) |
| Validity | 3 years, CEU renewal |
| Recommended experience | 3–4 years IT + 2 years cybersecurity |
Sources: ACI Learning SecAI+ Guide, Udemy Blog SecAI+ Guide
Four exam domains
| Domain | Weight | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic AI Concepts | 17% | ML, NLP, deep learning, AI-driven threats (polymorphic malware, etc.) |
| Securing AI Systems | 40% | Protecting models, data pipelines, deployment environments (on-prem/cloud/hybrid) |
| AI-Assisted Security | 24% | Using AI to speed threat detection, automate alert triage, improve incident response |
| AI Governance, Risk & Compliance | 19% | GDPR, NIST AI RMF, global regulatory frameworks |
The 40% weight on "Securing AI Systems" is a good sign — it's not all theory. But a 60-minute, 60-question format limits depth. PBQs reach "configure a security control" level, not "attack and defend a real pipeline."
OWASP coverage
Concept-level coverage of Prompt Injection, Data Poisoning, Supply Chain, and Improper Output Handling. Excessive Agency and Vector & Embedding Weaknesses are shallow — the exam asks "what is this risk," not "how do you implement defenses in a RAG pipeline."
Best for
Someone with Security+ or equivalent who wants to quickly add "AI security" to their resume on a budget ($359 voucher + $30–$100 materials). CompTIA's brand recognition with HR departments is a real advantage.
Practical DevSecOps CAISP
Positioning
A hands-on AI security certification from Practical DevSecOps, available since late 2024. Not a multiple-choice exam — you get 6 hours to hack and fix an LLM pipeline, then 24 hours to write the report.
Exam format
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | $999–$1,099 all-in (course videos, PDF, 60-day lab, 24/7 Mattermost support, 1 exam attempt) |
| Exam format | 6h practical (5 challenges, 100 points, 80 to pass) + 24h report |
| Validity | Lifetime |
| Prerequisites | None |
Pricing structure matters: SecAI+'s $359 buys only the exam voucher — materials and training are extra. CAISP's $999–$1,099 includes everything. Per Practical DevSecOps' comparison, SecAI+ with an Infosec Institute boot camp totals over $2,500.
Course content and labs
From four independent exam-taker reviews:
- tunelko.com (9/10): "Labs are where CAISP genuinely shines. Models, NVIDIA drivers, CUDA all working out of the box. Zero environment-debugging time." Also noted occasional drift back into traditional SAST/DAST territory — skippable for experienced DevSecOps practitioners.
- LinkedIn Mel Drews (SANS instructor, 22 years experience): "SANS is the gold standard. If you're looking for something that will get you a long way down a path for about 1/8 the cost, check out Practical DevSecOps." Spent 59 days in labs + 1 week organizing notes.
- Medium Divith Shetty: "If you're already experienced in advanced offensive LLM security, you may find the material a bit basic. For beginners and early-career professionals, it's a good starting point."
- LinkedIn Richie Prieto (AI security consultant): "OWASP LLM Top 10 coverage is solid, but I found gaps in Agentic AI and newer protocols like MCP or A2A. At nearly $1,100, it's already starting to show its age in 2026."
Consensus: Lab quality is top-tier (10/10), depth is intro-to-intermediate, may be shallow for senior red teamers, but a great fit for DevSecOps/AppSec/developers entering AI security.
OWASP coverage
The curriculum explicitly references OWASP LLM Top 10. Prompt Injection has step-by-step attack/defense labs, Data Poisoning uses TextAttack, RAG pipeline security gets dedicated labs, and Supply Chain has practical exercises. Most complete coverage of the four certs.
Best for
People who want to actually do the work — not just know what prompt injection is, but break an LLM in a lab and fix it. Budget around $1,000 is acceptable, and you don't mind lower brand recognition than CompTIA/SANS.
GIAC GAIPS
Positioning
SANS/GIAC's defensive AI security certification, open for general purchase from July 28, 2026. Mapped to SANS SEC545 "GenAI and LLM Application Security" (5-day course). Per CertCrush analysis, GIAC plans to deliver four AI security certifications by end of 2026 (GAIPS defensive, GASAE automation, GOAA offensive, fourth TBA).
Exam format
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | ~$999 exam only / ~$9,000 with SEC545 course |
| Exam format | CyberLive (hands-on in real VM environments with real tools, not pure multiple-choice) |
| Validity | 4 years (36 CPE + ~$479 renewal fee) |
| Prerequisites | None required; AppSec/Cloud/MLOps experience recommended |
Sources: GIAC official, CertMap GAIPS
Exam domains
Per CertCrush and CertMap, GAIPS covers eight domains: AI application architecture, infrastructure and deployment security, MLOps pipelines, RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), agentic systems, model integrity, data protection, and AI governance.
The key differentiator: GAIPS explicitly covers agentic systems security — a domain none of the other three certifications pull out separately. For AI Agent platform builders, that's a direct hit.
OWASP coverage
Highly aligned. Prompt Injection, Supply Chain, Data Poisoning, Excessive Agency (via the agentic systems domain), and Vector & Embedding Weaknesses (via the RAG domain) are all covered. CyberLive format means verification happens in real environments, not by memorizing definitions.
Best for
Those with budget (company-funded ideally) who want the SANS/GIAC gold standard and need to show "top-tier certification" to clients or in interviews. The standalone $999 exam is comparable to CAISP, but without the 60-day lab preparation — you're on your own for study materials.
ISACA AAISM
Positioning
ISACA's AI security management certification, launched August 2025. Note the word "management" — this is not a hands-on defense cert. It's for building governance frameworks, setting policy, and assessing risk.
Hard prerequisite
You must hold an active CISM or CISSP to sit the exam. This is not an entry-level certification — it builds on a senior manager's foundation.
Exam format
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | $459 (ISACA member) / $599 (non-member), plus $50 application fee |
| Exam format | 90 scenario-based multiple-choice questions / 150 minutes |
| Passing score | 450/800 |
| Validity | 3 years (20 CPE/year) |
Sources: CertCrush AAISM, ISACA Chicago Chapter course
Three exam domains
| Domain | Weight | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| AI Governance and Program Management | 31% | AI policy, stakeholder communication, data governance, incident response |
| AI Risk Management | 31% | AI-specific threat assessment, vulnerability management, supply chain risk |
| AI Technologies and Controls | 38% | AI architecture, security controls, adversarial testing, production monitoring |
Per aaismexam.com analysis, Domain 3 carries the highest weight (~34 of 90 questions) and is where candidates with pure governance backgrounds are most likely to struggle — you need to genuinely understand how AI systems are built and where they break.
OWASP coverage
Concept-level. Supply Chain and Excessive Agency get governance-framework coverage ("you should enforce least privilege"), but you won't learn how to implement that in code. Prompt Injection and Data Poisoning stay at the "know this risk exists" level.
Best for
Existing CISM/CISSP holders whose scope is expanding from traditional security management into AI governance — CISOs and security directors who need to explain "our AI security program" to the board. If you're a developer, this isn't for you.
Head-to-head comparison
| SecAI+ | CAISP | GAIPS | AAISM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $359 (voucher only) | $999–$1,099 (all-in) | ~$999 exam / ~$9K with course | $459–$599 |
| Exam format | 60 questions / 60 min | 6h hands-on + 24h report | CyberLive hands-on | 90 questions / 150 min |
| Hands-on depth | PBQs (limited) | Highest (real labs) | High (VM environment) | None (multiple-choice) |
| Brand recognition | CompTIA (strong with HR) | Practical DevSecOps (niche) | SANS/GIAC (industry gold) | ISACA (strong in governance) |
| Prerequisites | 2 years cybersec recommended | None | None (AppSec experience recommended) | Requires CISM or CISSP |
| Validity | 3 years | Lifetime | 4 years | 3 years |
| Agentic systems | Concept-level | Partial | Explicitly covered | Concept-level |
| OWASP coverage | Concept + PBQ | Most complete (lab-level) | High (CyberLive-level) | Concept-level |
OWASP LLM Top 10 item-by-item coverage
| OWASP risk | SecAI+ | CAISP | GAIPS | AAISM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLM01 Prompt Injection | Concept + PBQ | Deep lab | CyberLive | Concept |
| LLM02 Sensitive Info Disclosure | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Concept |
| LLM03 Supply Chain | ✅ | Hands-on | Hands-on | ✅ Governance |
| LLM04 Data & Model Poisoning | ✅ Concept | TextAttack lab | ✅ | Concept |
| LLM05 Improper Output Handling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| LLM06 Excessive Agency | Concept | ✅ | ✅ Agentic | ✅ Governance |
| LLM07 System Prompt Leakage | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | — |
| LLM08 Vector & Embedding | Partial | RAG lab | RAG lab | — |
| LLM09 Misinformation | Concept | Partial | Partial | Concept |
| LLM10 Unbounded Consumption | Partial | Partial | Partial | — |
Buying guide
By budget
| Budget | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| < $400 | SecAI+ | $359 voucher, CompTIA brand recognition |
| ~$1,000 | CAISP | All-inclusive with labs, strongest hands-on |
| Company-funded | GAIPS (with SEC545) | SANS gold standard + CyberLive |
| Already hold CISSP/CISM | Add AAISM | AI security governance specialization |
By experience
| Your background | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Developer, new to AI security | CAISP or SecAI+ | CAISP labs teach you to do; SecAI+ is faster to pass |
| Experienced DevSecOps / AppSec | CAISP | Extends into AI, lab format matches your workflow |
| Security manager / CISO | AAISM | You need governance frameworks, not code |
| AI Agent platform builder | GAIPS or CAISP | GAIPS explicitly covers agentic systems; CAISP's RAG labs are directly relevant |
By goal
| You want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Fast resume boost | SecAI+ (60-minute exam, $359) |
| Actual defensive skills | CAISP (6h practical, lab memory) |
| Top-tier brand credential | GAIPS (SANS/GIAC) |
| AI governance framework | AAISM (ISACA) |
Still on the watchlist
- EC-Council COASP (Certified Offensive AI Security Professional): EC-Council's AI security certification, offense-oriented. Uuu (恆逸) in Taiwan offers classroom training — one of the only in-person AI security cert courses available in Taiwan.
- ISC2 CCAI: In pilot (2025 Q4), pricing and exam format TBA. ISC2 brand plus security engineering focus has potential, but as of September 2026 you still can't register.
- OffSec OSAI (AI Red Teamer): Coming soon. OffSec's offensive-first style could become a direct competitor to CAISP on the attack side.
- GIAC GASAE: Available since April 2026, focused on red/blue/purple team AI automation — complementary to GAIPS.
The bottom line
The AI security certification market is extremely young — 18 months ago, none of these existed. Per StationX analysis, "by 2027, the landscape will look different again." The strategy right now isn't finding the "forever-right answer" — it's finding the tool that builds your capability today.
If you can only pick one: for AI Agent platform developers, CAISP's lab training is the most directly useful for your daily work. But remember — a certification proves you studied, not that you can apply it. Real security capability comes from practicing on real systems.
References
- CompTIA SecAI+ Certification (CY0-001)
- ACI Learning — SecAI+ Complete Guide
- Udemy Blog — SecAI+ Certification Guide
- CIAT — Security+ vs SecAI+
- Practical DevSecOps — CAISP
- Practical DevSecOps — CAISP vs SecAI+
- Practical DevSecOps — CAISP vs AAISM
- tunelko.com — CAISP Review (9/10)
- LinkedIn Richie Prieto — CAISP Review
- Medium Divith Shetty — CAISP Review
- LinkedIn Mel Drews — CAISP Review
- GIAC GAIPS Official
- CertCrush — GAIPS Explained
- CertMap — GAIPS
- ISACA AAISM Certification
- CertCrush — AAISM Explained
- aaismexam.com — AAISM Exam Format
- OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications 2025
- Practical DevSecOps — AI Security Certification Market Analysis
- StationX — Best AI Security Certifications 2026
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