EC-Council Launches New AI Certifications
The EC-Council has launched four new certifications focused on artificial intelligence to address the rise in AI-driven cyberattacks. The new credentials, which include a Practical AI Pentesting Associate (PAPA) certification, were announced alongside an update to its Certified CISO program. This move aims to equip cybersecurity professionals with skills to defend against the evolving threat landscape.
- The four new role-based certifications are part of a larger "Enterprise AI Credential Suite" and include: Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE), Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM), Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP), and Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics (CRAGE). - The new certifications are structured around EC-Council's "Adopt, Defend, Govern" framework, which is designed to mirror how AI is operationalized in real-world environments, covering everything from deployment to security and oversight. - The Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP) certification is specifically designed for security testers and focuses on testing vulnerabilities in Large Language Models (LLMs), simulating exploits, and securing AI infrastructure. - This initiative is the largest single expansion of EC-Council's portfolio in its 25-year history and is a direct response to a significant workforce readiness gap, with an estimated 700,000 U.S. workers needing reskilling for AI-related roles. - The launch is set against a backdrop of rising AI-powered threats, with 87% of organizations reporting an increase in AI-driven attacks and some research indicating a 1,265% surge in phishing attacks due to generative AI tools. - The update to the Certified CISO (CCISO) program, now v4, is designed to prepare cybersecurity executives to manage AI-driven risks and strengthen governance as intelligent systems become integral to business operations. - While EC-Council has launched the COASP for offensive AI security, another practical, hands-on certification for aspiring AI penetration testers is the Practical AI Pentest Associate (PAPA) from TCM Security, which involves a multi-day, real-world simulated pen-testing exam on an AI application. - The EC-Council's move aligns with U.S. national priorities, including Executive Order 14179 and the 2025 AI Action Plan, which emphasize the need for expanded AI education and job-relevant skills.
