Best training providers for ISO 42001 Lead Implementer courses

AI governance is becoming a hot topic, and as the ISO 42001 standard is becoming recognized as the leading AI governance framework, more and more implementers want to learn about it and get a certificate as recognition of their expertise.

But which ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course provider should you go for? This article will compare the most popular training providers for this AI governance standard.

Criteria for comparison

We used the following criteria for comparing the course providers:

• Price — Obviously, you want the most value for your money.
• Accreditation — This is how the course provider proves that it is recognized.
• Instructor quality — It is important that you can understand the lectures and learn quickly. E.g., are instructors experienced implementers or just trainers; do they have consulting experience?
• Course quality — Is it practical or theoretical? Does it include workshops, case studies, templates, and implementation exercises?
• Learning format — How easily can you attend the course?
• What’s included — Does it include the exam and exam retakes, which materials, and what kind of support?

We didn’t use the following factors for comparison, as the training providers are roughly similar:

• All of the training providers are reputable companies.
• All of the training providers deliver the same credentials after passing the exam (”Certified ISO 42001 Lead Implementer”).
• The course durations are similar: 4 to 5 days.

Main differences

Here’s a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each training provider (listed alphabetically):

Detailed overview of each course provider

Below is a detailed overview of each provider of ISO 42001 Lead Implementer courses.

Advisera

Advisera is an online training provider and a personnel certification body specializing in ISO standards, cybersecurity, AI governance, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from Advisera:

• Price — The course is free of charge; the certification exam is $2000.
• Accreditation — Exemplar Global.
• Instructor quality — Dejan Kosutic, Garry Cornell, and Carlos Cruz — Advisera’s in-house vetted experts with extensive implementation experience.
• Course quality — Video lessons that teach theory; live virtual workshop with case studies and exercises.
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded video lessons + an instructor-led workshop in a virtual classroom (1x per month).
• What’s included — Learning videos, quizzes, course script, suggested materials, interactive quizzes, live virtual workshop, practice exam, exam + 2 exam retakes.

BSI

BSI is the United Kingdom’s national standards body and one of the world’s leading providers of standards development, certification, testing, inspection, and professional training services.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from BSI:

• Price — $3500.
• Accreditation — Even though BSI has many other courses accredited, this one is not.
• Instructor quality — Their names are not published online, but BSI has selected a small group of industry experts and senior auditors to serve as instructors.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, and exercises.
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a virtual classroom (1x per month).
• What’s included — Training materials, instructor-led virtual classroom, exam.

GAICC

GAICC (Global AI Certification Council) is a professional certification organization focused exclusively on AI governance, risk management, ethics, and artificial intelligence competencies for individuals and organizations.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from GAICC:

• Price — Up to $1475, depending on the access period and delivery format.
• Accreditation — CPD accreditation by the CPD Standard Office.
• Instructor quality — Faiz Rasool — GAICC’s in-house vetted expert with extensive implementation experience.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, and exercises.
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded.
• What’s included — Training materials, summary of the standard, templates, practice exam, exam + 1 exam retake.

PECB

PECB is an international certification body that provides professional education, certification, and credentialing services across a wide range of ISO management systems, cybersecurity, privacy, and governance disciplines.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from PECB:

• Price — Up to $2500, but differs according to the local partner that provides the course.
• Accreditation — Even though PECB has many other accredited courses, this one is not.
• Instructor quality — Vetted by PECB; however, each local partner provides their own instructor.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, and exercises.
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a classroom and in a virtual classroom; frequent course dates.
• What’s included — Training materials, quizzes, instructor-led classroom, practice exam, exam + 1 exam retake.

TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD is a global testing, inspection, certification, and technical services organization that helps businesses improve quality, safety, security, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from TÜV SÜD:

• Price — Up to $2350, but it differs according to the region.
• Accreditation — Exemplar Global seems to be available only for courses in certain markets.
• Instructor quality — Their names are not published online, but TÜV SÜD has selected a small group of industry experts and senior auditors to serve as instructors, with assignments made by region.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, and exercises.
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a virtual classroom (1x per month); available in English, but also in Spanish.
• What’s included — Training materials, instructor-led virtual classroom, exam, expert support.

Udemy

Udemy is one of the world’s largest online learning marketplaces, offering thousands of courses created by independent instructors across business, technology, compliance, and many other subject areas.

Here are the details of the ISO 42001 Lead Implementer courses from Udemy:

• Price — Up to $20.
• Accreditation — None.
• Instructor quality — Instructors are not vetted; some instructors do not have enough experience with ISO 42001.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, role plays.
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded.
• What’s included — Learning videos, practice test, assignments, role plays.

Choosing the course provider

Price is certainly an important factor when choosing an ISO 42001 Lead Implementer training provider, but it should not be the only consideration. Other factors, such as brand recognition, accreditation, instructor quality, practical implementation guidance, learning flexibility, and course availability, can be just as important.

Ultimately, the best provider is the one that offers the right combination of the factors that matter most to you.

Click here to sign up for the free ISO 42001 Lead Implementer course from Advisera.