EC-Council, a leader in cybersecurity education, has unveiled its latest initiative to bolster the AI workforce in the United States amidst significant global risk exposure. With projections indicating a $5.5 trillion risk due to unmanaged AI and 700,000 American workers in need of reskilling, the organization has introduced four new AI certifications. These are part of the Enterprise AI Credential Suite, alongside an updated Certified CISO v4 program, aimed at enhancing cyber leadership in AI contexts.
The Urgency of AI Workforce Development
This significant expansion in EC-Council’s portfolio is a response to a pressing gap between AI’s rapid adoption and the readiness of the workforce to manage it effectively. The initiative aligns with various U.S. strategic priorities, including Executive Order 14179 and the July 2025 AI Action Plan, which emphasize workforce development in AI and cybersecurity.
As organizations increasingly integrate AI into daily operations, the need for skilled professionals becomes evident. According to IDC and Bain & Company, the economic risks and reskilling gaps highlight the necessity for educational pathways to equip professionals with necessary AI-related competencies.
Addressing Security and Skill Gaps
With 87% of organizations experiencing AI-driven cyber threats and an 890% surge in generative AI traffic, the security landscape is evolving rapidly. The concentration of AI talent in a few U.S. cities and the underrepresentation of women in the field underscore ongoing challenges in access and participation.
EC-Council’s new certifications aim to bridge these gaps by offering role-specific training. The Enterprise AI Credential Suite includes Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE), Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM), Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP), and Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics (CRAGE), each targeting distinct aspects of AI deployment, security, and governance.
Preparing Leaders for AI-Driven Environments
The Certified CISO v4 program is designed to strengthen executive leadership’s ability to navigate AI-related risks. As intelligent systems become integral to business operations, security leaders are tasked with managing adaptable systems that influence decisions rapidly.
Jay Bavisi, Group President of EC-Council, emphasizes the importance of these programs in enabling professionals to secure and govern AI technologies effectively. The certifications are structured to develop practical skills in AI adoption, security, and oversight, ensuring organizations can scale their AI capabilities responsibly.
The expanded educational offerings build on EC-Council’s established collaborations with government and defense sectors. With its longstanding commitment to cybersecurity training, the organization aims to address national security priorities and workforce readiness in the AI domain.
For more details on EC-Council’s AI courses and certifications, interested parties are encouraged to visit the EC-Council AI Courses library.
About EC-Council: Founded in 2001, EC-Council is renowned for its Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program. As an ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, it has certified over 350,000 professionals globally, working with diverse clients including government agencies and major corporations.
