AI and Cybersecurity Certification
IACAIP defines the requirements. Learners demonstrate individual competence. Organisations demonstrate governance and control. Assessors evaluate evidence. The Shielded Registry® provides public verification.
IACAIP provides professional certification programmes in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Our certification schemes are developed around defined professional competencies and internationally recognised cybersecurity and AI governance frameworks.
Learning
Individuals develop knowledge and professional capability.
Assessment
Candidates and organisations demonstrate compliance against defined IACAIP requirements.
Certification
IACAIP makes a formal decision and awards the credential or certification.
Verification
The Shielded Registry® provides public confirmation of current status.
Two connected certification ecosystems
Individual credentials and organisational certifications remain separate in data, workflow, permissions and public presentation.
Individual / Learner Certification
From foundational AI understanding to the highest assurance professional designation — nine certification levels plus the Shielded Auditor® and Shielded Professional® credentials.
- Register & build a professional profile
- Apply, complete examinations, case studies, portfolios & interviews
- Receive an IACAIP credential and download your certificate
- Maintain CPD and renew professional registrations
Organisation Assessment & Certification
Assess your organisation against the version-controlled IACAIP Shielded Framework® — from Baseline to formal Shielded Certified® status.
- Create an organisation profile and select an assessment level
- Answer assessment questions and upload evidence
- Undergo assessor review, resolve findings and corrective actions
- Receive a certificate with public verification
Individual certification levels
A structured pathway from foundational understanding to the highest assurance designation.
IACAIP Shielded AI Foundations®
Entry-level certification demonstrating fundamental understanding of artificial intelligence.
IACAIP Shielded AI Practitioner®
Professional application-level certification demonstrating the ability to apply AI concepts appropriately in professional environments.
IACAIP Shielded AI Certified®
Broad professional AI competence — the ability to evaluate AI technologies, applications, risks and governance requirements.
IACAIP Shielded AI Specialist®
Advanced specialist certification with configurable pathways. Holders of SAIC (or equivalent experience) can specialise in one of twelve domain areas.
IACAIP Shielded Certified AI Professional®
Professional credential recognising established AI professionals demonstrating competence, experience, CPD, responsible AI practice and ethical commitment.
IACAIP Shielded Assurance AI Professional®
Highest-level individual designation for professionals demonstrating advanced expertise, substantial experience, leadership and independent professional judgement.
Shielded Framework Professional Credentials
IACAIP Shielded Framework Certification — individual professional credentials for implementing and assessing against the IACAIP Shielded Framework®. Separate from the AI Professional career ladder.
IACAIP Shielded Certification is certification against the IACAIP Shielded Framework. It is not ISO/IEC 27001 or ISO/IEC 42001 certification unless separately accredited and authorised to provide that certification.
IACAIP Shielded Professional®
Recognises practitioners able to implement cybersecurity and AI governance using the IACAIP Shielded Framework®.
IACAIP Shielded Auditor®
Recognises professionals qualified to conduct independent assessments against the IACAIP Shielded Framework®.
Organisational certification levels
IACAIP Shielded Baseline®
The minimum cybersecurity and AI governance capability expected of organisations beginning implementation of the IACAIP Shielded Framework®.
IACAIP Shielded Assurance®
Rigorous, independent, evidence-based assessment of an organisation's cybersecurity and AI governance maturity. Requires demonstrated design and operating effectiveness of controls, supported by sufficient evidence and verified through assessor sampling, challenge, and finding remediation.
IACAIP Shielded Certification®
Formal assessment process determining conformity with the IACAIP Shielded Framework®.
IACAIP Shielded Certified®
The organisational designation awarded after successful certification against the IACAIP Shielded Framework®. Not awarded merely on a numerical score.
IACAIP Shielded Surveillance & Maintenance®
Annual monitoring and maintenance for organisations holding active IACAIP Shielded Certified® status.
9
Individual certification levels
4
Organisational certification levels
10
Framework domains
2
Professional credentials