What is the ISACA AAISM Exam?

The Microsoft ISACA AAISM (Accredited AI Security Manager) is a specialized certification exam developed through a collaboration between Microsoft and ISACA. This exam validates a professional’s ability to manage, secure, and govern artificial intelligence (AI) systems within enterprise environments. It focuses on the intersection of AI adoption, cybersecurity, governance, and compliance, ensuring that certified individuals can mitigate risks, implement best practices, and align AI systems with business and regulatory requirements.

Who should take the ISACA AAISM Exam?

The Microsoft ISACA AAISM (Accredited AI Security Manager) certification is ideal for mid to senior-level professionals working at the intersection of AI, security, and governance. Typical candidates include:

• AI Security Managers – Professionals responsible for ensuring safe deployment and monitoring of AI-driven systems.
• Cybersecurity Architects – Experts designing secure AI-enabled solutions within enterprise networks.
• Governance & Risk Managers – Individuals overseeing AI compliance, ethics, and regulatory alignment.
• Cloud & AI Project Leaders – Managers supervising AI implementations in cloud and hybrid environments.
• IT Security Consultants – Advisors supporting clients in adopting secure AI strategies.

Experience Level for ISACA AAISM?

Particularly suited for those who already hold certifications in cloud, AI, or cybersecurity.

Designed for professionals with 3–5 years of experience in AI, security, or governance roles.

Prerequisites and recommendations

Official Prerequisites:

• None strictly required.

Practical Recommendations:

• Familiarity with enterprise cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience: 3+ years in IT security, AI/ML projects, or risk governance.

Prior Certifications (recommended):

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• ISACA CRISC (Risk and Information Systems Control)
• CompTIA Security+ (for foundational security knowledge)

Skills Needed:

• Understanding of AI/ML models and data pipelines.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (GDPR, AI Act, NIST AI RMF).

Exam objectives and domains of ISACA AAISM

The exam measures knowledge across five domains:

• AI Security Fundamentals
• Risk Management and Governance
• Secure AI Development and Deployment
• Compliance and Ethical AI
• AI Security Operations and Incident Response

Objective details by domain

Domain 1: AI Security Fundamentals

• Understand AI system architecture and attack surfaces.
• Explain adversarial machine learning risks.
• Identify vulnerabilities in data pipelines and model training.
• Apply security principles to AI system design.

Domain 2: Risk Management and Governance

• Apply risk assessment methodologies for AI projects.
• Align AI use with enterprise governance frameworks.
• Map AI risks to compliance requirements.
• Document AI security policies and procedures.

Domain 3: Secure AI Development and Deployment

• Implement secure coding practices in AI/ML development.
• Ensure data privacy during AI training and testing.
• Deploy AI solutions in secure cloud/hybrid environments.
• Integrate monitoring tools to detect AI model drift.

Domain 4: Compliance and Ethical AI

• Apply global AI compliance regulations (GDPR, AI Act, HIPAA, etc.).
• Enforce fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI.
• Monitor bias and discrimination in AI models.
• Ensure proper auditing and explainability of AI outcomes.

Domain 5: AI Security Operations and Incident Response

• Develop recovery and remediation plans for compromised AI models.
• Monitor AI-driven systems for anomalous activity.
• Detect adversarial attacks and poisoning attempts.
• Respond to and contain AI-related incidents.

What changed in this version of ISACA AAISM

Compared to earlier ISACA and Microsoft security-related certifications:

• Weight shifts: Increased emphasis on governance and compliance due to evolving regulatory frameworks.
• New topics: AI model governance, adversarial ML, AI ethics, and the EU AI Act.
• Removed topics: General IT operations security (now more AI-focused).

Registration and scheduling

• Register via Microsoft Certification Dashboard or ISACA portal.
• Available in online proctored or test center format.
• Offered year-round with flexible scheduling.

Pricing and vouchers

Base Price: ~$459 (varies by region).

Regional Pricing: Reduced pricing in emerging markets.

Discounts:

• Student pricing (50% off with verification).
• Military and veteran discounts available.

Vouchers: Companies and training providers often distribute vouchers as part of corporate learning programs.

Policies you should know

• ID verification required at test time.
• Rescheduling allowed up to 24 hours before the exam.
• Retake policy: 24 hours wait after first attempt, 14 days after subsequent attempts.
• Exam may be revoked if cheating or proxy testing is detected.

Scoring and results

• Scale: 200–800 points.
• Passing Score: 600.
• Partial Credit: Yes, for multiple-response questions.
• Result Delivery: Immediate pass/fail notification.
• Score Report: Detailed breakdown by domain, emailed within 24–48 hours.

Exam day and test experience for ISACA AAISM

Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based, drag-and-drop.

Duration: 150 minutes.

Delivery Options:

• On-site: Pearson VUE centers with strict ID checks.
• Online Proctored: Webcam monitoring, room scan required.

Allowed Items: Government-issued ID only.

Breaks: Unscheduled breaks permitted but clock continues.

Interface Tips: Flag questions for review; time bar visible.

Time Management: Spend ~2 minutes per question, leaving 10–15 minutes for review.

Study plan and resources

For Beginners (10–12 weeks):

• Weeks 1–2: Learn AI fundamentals, ML basics, and security foundations.
• Weeks 3–5: Study AI security threats, adversarial ML, and governance.
• Weeks 6–8: Dive into compliance, regulations, and ethical AI.
• Weeks 9–10: Take practice exams and review weak areas.
• Weeks 11–12: Mock tests under timed conditions.

For Experienced Professionals (6–8 weeks):

• Weeks 1–2: Focus on AI-specific risks and governance updates.
• Weeks 3–4: Study compliance and ethical AI frameworks.
• Weeks 5–6: Take practice exams and review.
• Optional Weeks 7–8: Revise and solidify weak areas.

Recommended Resources:

• Online AI security courses.
• ISACA’s AI Risk and Governance Frameworks.
• Microsoft Learn modules on AI and Security.
• Practice tests and dumps from trusted sources.

Certification validity and renewal for ISACA AAISM

Validity: 3 years.

Renewal:

Complete advanced ISACA or Microsoft training programs.

Earn Continuing Education (CE) credits (20–30 per year).

Retake the exam.

Career outcomes

Job Titles: AI Security Manager, Cybersecurity Architect, Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, AI Governance Lead.

Usage at Work: Ensuring secure, ethical, and compliant AI adoption.

Related or next-step certifications

Related:

• Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
• ISACA CRISC / CISM

Next Step:

• Cloud Security certifications (CCSP, Azure Security Engineer)
• Certified AI Security Specialist (future ISACA roadmap)

Get authentic PDF exam questions for ISACA AAISM from Cert Empire.

How this exam compares to similar certifications

Compared to Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect: AAISM is more focused on AI-specific risks, while the architect exam is broader across cloud and enterprise security.

Compared to ISACA CRISC: CRISC focuses on IT risk in general; AAISM narrows down to AI governance and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How hard is the AAISM exam?

It is considered a moderately difficult exam. Professionals with prior security or AI knowledge usually find it manageable with structured preparation.

Is work experience required?

Not officially, but candidates with at least 3 years in AI, IT security, or governance perform significantly better.

How long should I study?

Beginners should dedicate 10–12 weeks, while experienced candidates may need only 6–8 weeks of focused preparation.

Can I take the exam online?

Yes. The exam is available via online proctoring or at authorized test centers worldwide.

Does passing this exam guarantee a job?

No certification guarantees a job, but AAISM significantly boosts credibility and is highly valued in roles involving AI security and compliance.