GAICC certification is open to any candidate who meets the published eligibility criteria for their chosen certification. There is no discrimination, and reasonable adjustments are available on request.
The training requirement is provider-neutral
GAICC requires a minimum number of structured training contact hours before the examination — but you choose the provider. GAICC does offer its own optional self-paced course; it is one option among three and is never required, never preferred, and never advantaged in the examination. No provider has access to live examination content, and anyone who trained a candidate is excluded from that candidate's certification decision.
Three ways to complete your training
Each certification requires a minimum number of structured training contact hours before the examination. You may meet that requirement by any of these three routes:
Option 1 — GAICC self-paced course
GAICC offers its own optional self-paced course covering the required contact hours for your certification. It is one way to meet the requirement — it is not mandatory, is not required for certification, and confers no advantage in the examination.
- Fully self-paced eLearning on the GAICC learning platform
- Certificate of completion evidencing your contact hours
- Purchased separately from the examination fee
Option 2 — GAICC authorised training partners
Authorised Training Partners deliver the required hours in your region, instructor-led or online. Partners are approved against published criteria and are audited; they have no access to live examination content and no role in certification decisions.
- Instructor-led (in person or live virtual) or partner-delivered eLearning
- Certificate of completion stating provider, programme, hours and date
- Find a partner via the GAICC partner directory
Option 3 — Any equivalent recognised institution
You may complete the required hours through any equivalent recognised institution — a university, professional body, employer training function or independent provider — provided the training addresses the learning outcomes in the Exam Content Outline and you can evidence it.
- Training may be online or in person
- Must be evidenced by a certificate of completion stating the provider, programme title, duration (contact hours) and completion date
- Hours may have been earned at any time in your career, before application
- Applications may be selected for audit to verify training documentation
The standard wording, published in every Exam Content Outline and Candidate Handbook:
"Completion of at least [X] contact hours of structured [subject] training delivered by GAICC-authorised providers or equivalent recognised institutions. Students can also fulfil this requirement by completing GAICC self-paced courses."
Required training hours by certification
| Certification | Training required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation | 16 contact hours | Open entry — no education or experience prerequisite. |
| ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer | 32 contact hours | Holders of ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation are deemed to meet this training requirement. |
| ISO/IEC 42001 Senior Lead Implementer | 40 contact hours | Holders of ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer are deemed to meet this 40-hour training requirement. |
| ISO/IEC 42001 Internal Auditor | 32 contact hours | — |
| ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor | 32 contact hours | — |
| ISO/IEC 42001 Senior Lead Auditor | 40 contact hours | Holders of ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor meet the prerequisite knowledge requirement. |
| ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation | 16 contact hours | Open entry — no education or experience prerequisite. |
| ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer | 32 contact hours | — |
| ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor | 32 contact hours | — |
| Certified Professional in AI Governance (CPAIG) | 28–30 contact hours | Education and experience criteria apply — see the Exam Content Outline. |
| AI Cost & Control Professional (AICCP) | 30 contact hours | Recommended-experience model: experience is strongly recommended at every entry path but never a hard requirement. |
| Certified AI Project Professional (CAIPP) | 32 contact hours | — |
| Certified AI HR Professional (CAIHRP) | 32 contact hours | — |
| Certified AI Law & Compliance Professional (CAILCP) | 24–26 contact hours | Education and experience criteria apply — see the Exam Content Outline. |
Evidence of training
Training may be delivered online or in person and must be evidenced by a certificate of completion stating the provider, programme title, duration (contact hours) and completion date. All hours must be completed before you submit your application, but may have been earned at any point in your career. Applications may be selected for audit to verify training documentation.
Education and experience
Education and experience expectations vary by credential — some are open entry, others expect a qualification plus relevant years. The specific criteria for each certification are published free of charge in its Exam Content Outline and Candidate Handbook on the Certifications page.