Introduction

Hello everyone! I’m Tunahan Tekeoğlu. In my previous certification reviews, I usually focused on requests from you. But this time, it’s different: I’ve long been deeply involved in the world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning security, and I felt the need for a true challenge. That’s when I set my sights on the Certified AI/ML Pentester (C-AI/MLPen) exam. I decided to share this review while my experience is still fresh. Huge thanks to The SecOps Group for designing this unique exam and supporting me throughout. By the way, stay tuned for a surprise I’ll be sharing soon — follow me on LinkedIn! 🚀

As AI applications continue to grow rapidly, so do the associated security risks. That’s exactly where C-AI/MLPen steps in — a certification that tests your real-world readiness against AI/ML vulnerabilities through practical scenarios. It answers the question: “Can we really hack AI?” — and the answer is a confident yes.

What is Certified AI/ML Pentester (C-AI/MLPen)?

C-AI/MLPen is a practical, CTF-style exam designed to test the security of artificial intelligence systems. The 4-hour exam requires you to attack eight different AI models using various techniques and capture hidden “flags.” Unlike traditional web vulnerabilities, this exam dives deep into attack methods specific to Large Language Models (LLMs).

What to Expect in the Exam

C-AI/MLPen differs from typical pentesting scenarios. Here’s what you might encounter:

• Prompt Injection: Bypassing security filters via direct or indirect prompts.
• LLM Jailbreaking: Disabling safety instructions to force models to leak restricted content.
• RAG Poisoning: Injecting malicious data into external sources to manipulate model output.
• NL2SQL SQL Injection: Triggering malicious SQL queries through natural language prompts.
• External System Interactions: Exploiting vulnerabilities during interactions with databases or APIs.

15 Critical LLM Hacking Techniques to Know Before the Exam

1. Direct Prompt Injection
2. Indirect Prompt Injection
3. Model Jailbreaking
4. System Prompt Leakage
5. RAG Poisoning
6. Model Extraction (Stealing)
7. Token Manipulation
8. Overflow via Long Prompts
9. Output Poisoning
10. Prompt Overflow Attacks
11. Hallucination Exploitation
12. Prompt Sandboxing Bypass
13. System Message Injection
14. Triggering Hidden Prompts
15. Insecure Data Retrieval

Recommended Practice Resources

• Gandalf (Lakera AI): For practicing prompt injection and jailbreaks.
• Immersive Labs: Hands-on simulations focused on AI security.
• Prompt(air)lines: Unique CTF-style LLM hacking scenarios.
• PortSwigger Web Security Academy: Emerging content on AI security labs.
• OpenAI API / HuggingFace: Ideal for testing your own LLM-based apps.

• Exam Name: Certified AI/ML Pentester (C-AI/MLPen)
• Exam Infrastructure: CTF-style platform targeting 8 different AI/LLM-based systems
• Exam Proctoring: AI Proctored

Exam Instructions:

• The exam is fully hands-on and focuses on practical exploitation of AI/ML systems such as LLMs, RAG pipelines, and prompt interfaces.
• No restriction on using personal scripts, browser-based tools, or local testing environments.
• You are allowed to search the internet for documentation and examples during the exam.
• However, you must not ask for help from anyone — any collaboration, use of ChatGPT or similar AI models for solving the actual exam challenges, or accessing shared notes is strictly forbidden.
• The session is monitored by AI-based proctoring, and any suspicious activity (switching tabs, copy-pasting flags, etc.) may result in disqualification without a refund.
• Exam Duration:
• Total Time: 4 Hours
• Report Submission: Not required
• Passing Criteria: Solve at least 5 out of 8 flag-based challenges (≥60%)

My Experience & Thoughts

Given my prior work in AI security, I felt confident going into the exam. I had a small issue with the VPN connection for the first 10–15 minutes, which was a bit stressful, but quickly resolved. Working through eight AI labs, each with its own attack types and difficulty levels, was genuinely exciting.

One key point: Time management is absolutely critical. Since you’re interacting with AI rather than traditional systems, time flows differently. I recommend assigning time blocks per challenge and taking short breaks if you get stuck.

Compared to challenges like Gandalf or Prompt(air)lines, some of the exam tasks were around 30% more difficult, which I actually appreciated. The SecOps Group does not market this as an “expert-level” certification, and I can confirm the difficulty matches their description well.

How to Succeed

• Prepare Well: Study the OWASP LLM Top 10 and practice using the platforms above.
• Manage Time Wisely: Allocate about 30 minutes per challenge.
• Be Creative: Prompt injection and jailbreak techniques require thinking outside the box.
• Move On & Revisit: Skip challenges you’re stuck on and return later if time permits.

Career Value of the Certificate

While C-AI/MLPen isn’t yet an industry-wide standard, AI security is rapidly gaining traction. This means early adopters like you have the advantage. When the rest of the industry catches up, you’ll already be ahead with hands-on credentials.

The SecOps Group has filled an important gap in the market with this exam, inspiring many and paving the way for recognition in hiring processes.

Final Words

C-AI/MLPen offers a rare and valuable challenge in the AI/ML security testing space. The knowledge and skills you gain will go beyond just passing the exam — they’ll help you build deep expertise in securing modern AI applications.

If you’re passionate about AI security and want to push your limits, this certification is for you.

Sharing Is Important

If this article helped you in your certification journey, feel free to tag me or reach out on social media! I’m available on LinkedIn and Twitter.

I BELIEVE IN YOU! 👏

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🎁 Bonus Alert

I’ve got a little surprise coming up after this article!
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