GAIPTGIAC AI Penetration Tester
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 20 August 2026 · About the editorial team →
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What is GAIPT?
GAIPT is GIAC's certification for penetration testing AI systems themselves: it tests attacks on LLM applications, including direct and indirect prompt injection, RAG exploitation, agentic systems, alignment problems, MCP server attacks, API security, and architectural flaws of AI systems. It closes the gap between GOAA (AI as an offensive tool) and GAIPS (defending GenAI platforms). It is based on the three-day SANS course SEC536 'Adversarial AI - Penetration Testing AI Systems'. Strength: the exam runs entirely in the CyberLive format, performance-based in a real lab environment with real tools instead of multiple choice. Limitation: the certification is in presale and only available bundled with the SANS course until December 15, 2026; question count, duration, passing score, and exam price are not yet published, and market recognition still has to build.
Suitable for
Quick facts
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites listed on the certification page. Until general availability on December 15, 2026, purchase is effectively only possible bundled with the SANS course SEC536 'Adversarial AI - Penetration Testing AI Systems'. Practical penetration testing experience and a basic understanding of LLM architectures are factually necessary for exam success.
Exam format
CyberLive exam (fully performance-based in a real lab environment with real tools, no multiple choice); proctored remotely via ProctorU or onsite via Pearson VUE; 120-day activation window; question count, exam duration, and passing score not yet published during presale; available for general purchase from December 15, 2026, before that only bundled with SANS SEC536.
Renewal & maintenance
GIAC standard (not confirmed cert-specifically on the GAIPT page itself): validity period 4 years. Renewal via 36 CPE credits over the 4-year period plus a one-time renewal fee (around 479 USD), or alternatively retaking the exam. CPE credits from trainings, conferences, or publications are eligible.
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