Training, exams and certification
Training, exams and certification
One hour, multiple choice, no prerequisites, two domains: the principles of an AI management system and the requirements of ISO/IEC 42001. It is the way in, not a step you have to take before the Lead exams.
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The PECB ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation exam checks that you understand what an AI management system (AIMS) is and what ISO/IEC 42001 requires of an organization that provides, develops or uses AI.
| Format | Multiple choice |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Domains | 2 — principles and concepts of an AIMS; the AIMS and the requirements of ISO/IEC 42001 |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Typical course | Two days, 14 CPD credits |
| Title awarded | PECB Certificate Holder in ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation — no experience requirement |
| Delivery | Online in the PECB Exams app with a remote invigilator, or on paper at a PECB partner’s site |
| Retakes | One free retake within 12 months for candidates trained by a PECB partner (included in our Exam Bundle) |
| Validity | Three years |
The first domain covers the ideas: what artificial intelligence is for the purposes of the standard, what an AI management system is, and how ISO/IEC 42001 fits with the other management system standards through the shared harmonized structure.
The second covers the requirements themselves: context and scope, leadership and the AI policy, AI risk assessment and treatment, the AI system impact assessment, the Statement of Applicability, and the controls of Annex A.
Foundation is not a prerequisite for Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor. It is the right exam if you need to understand the standard to work with it — in a project team, in compliance, in procurement — without leading an implementation or an audit.
If you will build the management system, look at Lead Implementer; if you will audit it, at Lead Auditor.
Passing gives the title of Certificate Holder. Unlike the Lead exams, there are no experience tiers to climb: no years of practice or project hours are asked for.
Learn the vocabulary first. AI terms come from ISO/IEC 22989; management system terms are shared with the other ISO standards.
Know what each clause asks for. Foundation questions test recognition: which clause, which document, which role.
Do not over-invest in Annex A details. At this level the point is what the controls are for, not how to implement each one.
One hour.
No. There are no prerequisites and no experience requirement.
No. Each Lead exam can be taken directly.
Two domains: the principles and concepts of an AI management system, and the AIMS with the requirements of ISO/IEC 42001.
Sources. Every figure on this page comes from PECB’s published candidate handbooks, brochures and certification pages, checked in October 2026.
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