ISC2 Building AI Strategy Certificate: Everything You Need to Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping cybersecurity. Attack surfaces are evolving, threat actors are becoming smarter, and the traditional defenses no longer cut it. That’s where ISC2’s new “Building AI Strategy Certificate” comes in.
Launched on July 31, 2025, this certificate isn’t just about theory or buzzwords — it’s about helping security professionals strategically adopt AI in ethical, secure, and responsible ways.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what this new credential offers, who it’s for, and why it might be a smart move for your career.
What Is the Building AI Strategy Certificate?
The ISC2 Building AI Strategy Certificate is a self-paced, on-demand training program designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to:
Understand AI’s impact on cybersecurity
Build secure AI strategies aligned with global standards
Bridge the growing AI knowledge gap in the security workforce
Promote ethical, secure, and effective AI adoption within their organization
It includes six courses, totaling 16 hours of content — no prior AI expertise required, just a foundational understanding of security principles.
Who Should Consider This Certificate?
This certificate is ideal for:
Cybersecurity professionals (entry-level to leadership)
Risk management and compliance specialists
IT professionals deploying AI-powered tools
Governance, privacy, or audit personnel in tech-forward companies
Whether you’re building your career or already leading teams, if AI is part of your future, this certificate is worth your attention.
Program Overview at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Launch Date | July 31, 2025 |
Delivery Format | 100% online, on-demand |
Total Time Commitment | ~16 hours |
Number of Courses | Six |
Course Assessments | Required for each course |
Certificate Validity | No expiration; tied to course completion |
CPE Credits | 16 total; some courses offer 3 CPEs individually |
Deadline Per Course | Must complete each course within 60 days of purchase |
The Six Core Courses: What You'll Learn
Here’s a breakdown of each course and why it matters:
1. Foundations of AI
Covers: AI definitions, key concepts, and cybersecurity applications
Why it matters: Establishes a base for AI-related security knowledge
2. AI for Cybersecurity: Friend or Foe?
Covers: Dual nature of AI in enhancing vs. undermining security
Why it matters: Helps you anticipate both the promise and risks of AI
3. AI Security: Managing Overconfidence
Covers: Human oversight in AI-driven decisions
Why it matters: Encourages a balanced “AI + human” approach to security
4. Planning Secure-by-Design AI
Covers: Integrating cybersecurity into AI development lifecycles
Why it matters: Promotes proactive, not reactive, security practices
5. Aligning with Global AI Regulations
Covers: AI governance standards and compliance frameworks
Why it matters: Keeps your organization ahead of emerging regulations
6. The Evolving Cybersecurity Workforce
Covers: How AI is reshaping job roles and leadership in cybersecurity
Why it matters: Prepares you for future workforce changes and leadership roles
Learning Experience and Assessments
You’ll get:
Flexible Learning: Complete lessons at your own pace
Multimedia Content: Video, text, and case-based scenarios
Hands-on Activities: Real-world application through case studies
Assessment Per Course: Pass all six to earn the certificate
Digital Validation: You’ll receive a digital certificate for each course
📌 Tip: Don’t wait too long! Each course must be completed within 60 days of purchase.
Costs, Discounts, and Financial Aid
💵 Cost Structure
Courses are sold individually (prices vary)
The certifciate is listed at $640 as of now. Check here for latest price
🏷️ Member Discounts
ISC2 members get 20% off course prices
💡 Bonus: Workshop Option
ISC2 offers a two-day “Securing AI: Cybersecurity Strategy Workshop” (sold separately)
This workshop is 100% hands-on, designed to complement the strategy certificate
🎓 Scholarships & Funding
ISC2 Center for Cyber Safety and Education offers:
Securing AI Workshop Scholarships
Pathway to Certification Scholarships (may include exam vouchers, AMF, and materials)
Employer Sponsorship: Ask your HR or manager — many employers fund certifications, especially in high-demand fields like AI security
Benefits: What’s In It for You?
Benefit | Why It Matters |
---|---|
16 CPE Credits | Satisfies ISC2 CPE requirements |
Credly Badge | Showcase your skills on LinkedIn and resumes |
Career Differentiator | Stand out with niche AI security expertise |
Strategic Knowledge | Lead AI implementations, not just follow them |
Real-World Application | Learn to integrate AI into existing security ops |
Strong Earning Potential | ISC2 certifications often lead to higher salaries |
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Before you enroll, here are a few caveats:
Strategic, not technical: This certificate is focused on planning and policy, not coding or data science.
Short runtime: At ~16 hours, it’s comprehensive but not deeply technical.
Still new: Launched recently, so community feedback is still growing.
Real-World Impact
After completing the program, you’ll be equipped to:
✅ Analyze AI threats and attack surfaces
✅ Design an AI security roadmap
✅ Integrate AI with risk management frameworks
✅ Use AI as a business enabler
✅ Stay compliant with AI regulations
✅ Lead teams through the AI transformation in security
FAQs and Misconceptions
Myth | Truth |
---|---|
“I need to be an AI expert to enroll” | Nope — just basic familiarity with cybersecurity terms |
“All ISC2 training is officially endorsed” | Only select training partners are |
“This is a coding course” | No — it's a strategic, policy-level program |
Final Thoughts: Is This Certificate for You?
If you're a cybersecurity professional ready to future-proof your career, this certificate is absolutely worth exploring. It positions you as a forward-thinking leader in a space that’s rapidly evolving — and desperately in need of strategic minds.
Whether you want to guide your organization’s secure AI adoption or just stay competitive in the job market, ISC2’s Building AI Strategy Certificate could be your next smart move.
Master AI and Cybersecurity—Even Before the Practice Tests Drop!
While FlashGenius doesn't yet offer a dedicated practice test for the ISC2 Building AI Strategy Certificate, we do offer comprehensive resources for many related security and AI certifications—like CISSP, CCSP, AWS AI Practitioner, and NVIDIA AI credentials.
And here's the best part: We're working on it.
Check our full library of security and AI certification prep content—and be the first to know when our Building AI Strategy practice materials go live. You’ll also gain instant access to quizzes, mock exams, and AI-powered coaching for other in-demand credentials.