Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, Answered Straight.

Every answer below comes from AICA's published facts: the curriculum standard, the credential terms, and the verification engine. Grouped for candidates, employers, and training partners.

For Candidates

Earning Your Credential.

How do I get AICA certified?

You choose one of six credentials, prepare with an Authorized Training Partner or by self-study, then sit a proctored examination. The certification decision is made independently by the AICA Certification and Standards Authority, separate from training delivery.

Which AICA certifications can I earn?

AICA offers six credentials across two tracks. The Foundation track holds the Certified AI Practitioner (CAIP). The Professional track holds the Certified AI Governance Professional (CAIGP) and the Certified Agentic AI Professional (CAAP). The Executive track holds the Certified Chief AI Officer (CCAIO), the Certified Chief AI Governance Officer (CCAIGO), and the Certified Chief Agentic AI Officer (CCAAO).

How long is an AICA credential valid?

Every AICA credential is valid for three years from the date of award. You renew it through Continuing Professional Development hours logged with AICA.

How many CPD hours does renewal require?

Renewal is through Continuing Professional Development logged with AICA over each three-year cycle. The Foundation credential requires 20 CPD hours, Professional credentials require 45 CPD hours, and Executive credentials require 60 CPD hours per cycle.

What happens if I do not pass the exam?

You may reattempt the examination after a 14 day waiting period, up to a maximum of three attempts in any 12 months.

Can I appeal a certification decision?

Yes. Certification decisions may be appealed to the AICA Certification and Standards Authority, the same independent body that makes the certification decision.

Are AICA exams proctored?

Yes. Every AICA examination is proctored, online or center-based, delivered through Authorized Training Partners.

Do I need a technical background to get certified?

It depends on the credential. The Foundation credential, the Certified AI Practitioner, requires no prior technical background. Professional and Executive credentials assume relevant experience in their field.

How much does AICA certification cost?

AICA publishes a single certification fee for each credential. The Certified AI Practitioner, the Foundation credential, is USD 1,600. The five Professional and Executive credentials, the CAIGP, CAAP, CCAIO, CCAIGO and CCAAO, are USD 2,400 each. The fee covers candidate assessment, credential issuance, registry entry and your digital badge. Training is delivered by Authorized Training Partners and priced separately by them. Retake and renewal fees are not yet published.

For Employers

Trusting the Credential.

How do I verify an AICA credential?

Every AICA credential carries a unique identifier recorded in the AICA registry. Enter the ID on the verification page and AICA recomputes the Ed25519 signature on the record and checks its validity and revocation status.

What does verification confirm?

Verification confirms that a credential was issued by AICA, is within its validity period, and has not been revoked. It does not confirm any other claim a holder may make.

Can an AI agent or system verify a credential automatically?

Yes. AICA credentials are issued as Open Badges 3.0 and W3C Verifiable Credentials, and can be verified programmatically through the AICA registry API and MCP endpoint.

Can we certify a whole team or workforce?

Yes. Organizations can certify teams against the same published standard used for individual candidates. Contact us and we will route your workforce inquiry to the right desk.

Are AICA credentials externally accredited?

AICA credentials are certified against the AICA Curriculum Standard v1.0, which AICA publishes and reviews annually. AICA does not claim external accreditation, and any recognition beyond AICA is stated only where it is real.

For Training Partners

Delivering the Standard.

What is an Authorized Training Partner?

An Authorized Training Partner is an organization approved to deliver preparation to the AICA competency framework. Training delivery sits with the partner, while assessment and the certification decision remain with AICA.

How do we become an Authorized Training Partner?

Applications are reviewed by the AICA partnerships office. See the Partners page for the requirements and process, or contact us and we will route your application inquiry.

Who sets the exam and makes the certification decision?

AICA owns the standard and the examination. The AICA Certification and Standards Authority makes the certification decision independently, separate from training delivery.

Ready to Get Certified?

Choose a credential, see its published exam spec, and start your inquiry.

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