CompTIA SecAI+
CompTIA's AI security certification (exam CY0-001, launched February 2026). It builds on Security+ level knowledge and covers AI concepts, securing AI systems, AI-assisted security and AI governance. A later milestone for the AI security path, once fundamentals and hands-on work are in place.
CY0-001 (V1)
CompTIA · Sept 2026
17 February 2026
CompTIA · Sept 2026
Up to 60 questions, 60 minutes
CompTIA · Sept 2026
600 (scale 100 to 900)
CompTIA · Sept 2026
Course
AI & Machine Learning
CompTIA
Weeks of study after Security+ level experience
Intermediate
Paid exam, see official page
What SecAI+ is
SecAI+ is CompTIA's certification for AI security. The first version, exam CY0-001, launched on 17 February 2026. It has up to 60 questions, a mix of multiple choice and performance-based items, in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 600 on a scale from 100 to 900.
The exam objectives are split into four domains:
- Basic AI concepts (17%): machine learning, deep learning, language processing and AI-driven threats.
- Securing AI systems (40%): controls and defences for AI systems against adversarial attacks.
- AI-assisted security (24%): using AI for threat detection and automation.
- AI governance, risk and compliance (19%): regulatory frameworks and ethical standards.
Who is it for?
CompTIA recommends three to four years in IT and at least two years of hands-on cybersecurity, with Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ or equivalent knowledge. So it is not a first certification. For a student or early-career engineer, the realistic order is an entry certification such as Security+, then hands-on work securing your own LLM app, and only then SecAI+ if your target employers ask for it.
Is it worth it?
It depends on your market. In AI security, hiring managers still weigh a solid security foundation and visible project work, such as a hardened LLM app with an eval suite, above any certificate. SecAI+ becomes useful when you already have that evidence and want a recognised credential to get through HR filters, or when an employer or client asks for it. Read ten job listings for the roles you want before deciding.
How to prepare
Start from the official exam objectives on the CompTIA page. Map each objective to something you have actually built or tested: a threat model, guardrails, a red team pass on your own app, a governance note using the NIST AI RMF. Fill the gaps with free material such as the OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications and MITRE ATLAS before paying for any course.
Free or paid?
The exam is paid. Prices vary by country and change over time, so check the official CompTIA page before buying, and buy vouchers only from CompTIA or its authorised partners.
Common questions
Is it a replacement for Security+? No. CompTIA positions it as building on existing security certifications rather than replacing them.
Does it renew? CompTIA certifications generally have renewal requirements; check the official page for this exam's current rules.
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