EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Quick Facts (2026)

Certification Guide · Exam Overview · Quick Facts

EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AI|E) certification guide for exam code 112-59, detailing objectives, domains, format, question count, time limit, passing score, prerequisites, costs, delivery methods, study resources, and career value while covering AI fundamentals, ethics, NLP, LLMs, and prompt engineering to help you prepare with confidence.

EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials (112-59) Practice Exams
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EC-Council Artificial Intelligence EssentialsAI|E certificationEC-Council AI|E exam112-59EC-Council 112-59

EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Quick Facts

The EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification empowers professionals to confidently explore the world of AI with clarity and structure. This overview helps you understand the key areas of focus so you can approach the exam with excitement and purposeful learning.

What defines the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification?

The EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification verifies your understanding of foundational AI concepts, everyday applications, responsible use, and prompt-crafting techniques that drive effective human-AI collaboration. It is ideal for learners, professionals, and innovators seeking to harness AI technologies meaningfully and ethically across industries. Through this certification, you’ll gain awareness of AI fundamentals, practical applications, ethical considerations, and technical awareness that underpin intelligent systems and modern AI tools.

Who Should Pursue the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification?

The EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AI|E) certification is ideal for anyone who wants to build confidence and competency in understanding and using AI responsibly. It’s designed for both technical and non-technical learners who aim to establish a strong foundation in AI literacy. Whether you’re a student, business professional, or educator, this certification gives you the tools to make informed and ethical AI-driven decisions.

The program suits a broad audience, including:

  • Students and Early Learners eager to build a foundational understanding of AI before pursuing advanced topics.
  • Working Professionals across industries like business, marketing, healthcare, and finance who want to integrate AI into their workflows.
  • IT Professionals and Engineers looking to enhance their technical background with AI literacy.
  • Educators and Trainers aiming to include AI fundamentals in their teaching and professional development programs.
  • Managers, Entrepreneurs, and Decision-Makers seeking to use AI responsibly to drive innovation and strategic growth.

No coding experience is required—just an interest in learning how AI is shaping the world around us.

What Jobs Can You Pursue After Earning the AI|E Certification?

While this certification is foundational, it opens doors across multiple industries and functions. It helps professionals demonstrate verified AI understanding and apply it effectively in work and life.

Here are some roles where this certification holds strong value:

  • Project or Operations Manager
  • Business Analyst or Data Analyst
  • HR and Learning & Development Specialist
  • Marketing or Product Manager
  • Educator or Corporate Trainer
  • AI Literacy Consultant or Digital Transformation Advocate

For those pursuing further study, AIE lays the groundwork for more advanced EC-Council certifications like AI Program Manager, Offensive AI Security Professional, or Responsible AI Governance and Ethics.

Is the AI|E Exam Technical?

No. The Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AI|E) exam is non-technical and designed to make AI accessible to all learners. You don’t need programming or data science experience to excel. Instead, the exam focuses on:

  • Understanding how AI systems work and generate outputs
  • Using popular AI tools effectively
  • Applying ethical decision-making and responsible AI practices

This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who uses AI tools in their daily work, regardless of technical expertise.

How Much Does the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Exam Cost?

The AI|E certification exam costs $199 USD. Depending on your country, local taxes and currency conversion rates may apply. This one-time fee covers access to EC-Council’s official exam, which can be taken online through the ECC Exam Portal. Additional study resources and training options are available separately, including instructor-led and on-demand formats.

How Many Questions Are on the AI|E Exam?

The exam includes 75 multiple-choice questions. These questions measure your understanding of core AI concepts, real-world applications, ethical usage, and prompt engineering. Each question is designed to evaluate comprehension and practical judgment rather than memorization.

How Much Time Do You Have to Complete the Exam?

You’ll have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the Artificial Intelligence Essentials exam. This generous time limit allows you to read each question carefully and think through real-world implications before selecting your answer. Most candidates find the pacing comfortable, especially given the straightforward and scenario-based nature of the questions.

What Is the Passing Score for the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Exam?

You need a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam. EC-Council uses a scoring model that rewards overall performance, meaning your collective score determines success rather than individual domain scores. Reaching this threshold confirms that you have the essential understanding and skills to use AI ethically and effectively in professional environments.

What Languages Is the AI|E Exam Offered In?

The AI|E exam is currently offered in English. EC-Council continues to expand language support as global adoption of AI literacy grows, so additional languages may become available through the ECC Exam Portal in the future.

How Long Does the EC-Council AI|E Certification Stay Valid?

The EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials certification is designed to keep your AI literacy current and valuable as technology rapidly evolves. The credential remains valid for three years. To maintain active certification, you can retake the most current version or progress to higher-level credentials within the EC-Council AI certification portfolio.

What Does the EC-Council AI|E Exam Cover?

The AI|E certification covers five clearly defined modules, each weighted evenly at 20% of the total exam score:

  1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – Core principles, evolution, and how AI behaves like (and unlike) human intelligence.
  2. Everyday AI Tools and Use Cases – Common AI technologies used in business, industry, and daily life.
  3. Building Blocks of AI – Exploring data, models, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI (LLMs).
  4. Prompt Crafting for AI-Driven Interactions – How to write effective prompts and work with language models productively.
  5. AI Ethics and Responsible AI – Applying global standards, privacy protection, and ethical AI practices.

Each module provides a well-rounded understanding of how to use AI tools wisely and responsibly.

Are There Any Prerequisites for Taking the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Exam?

There are no formal prerequisites for the Artificial Intelligence Essentials certification. However, an interest in AI applications and everyday technology will greatly enhance your learning experience. The program begins with fundamental concepts and builds step by step to ensure any learner—technical or not—can succeed.

How Is the AI|E Exam Delivered?

You can choose the learning and exam delivery mode that best fits your schedule:

  • Instructor-led Training (ILT) for in-person sessions and peer collaboration
  • iWeek for live, online instructor-led sessions
  • iLearn for asynchronous online learning

The exam itself is delivered online via the ECC Exam Portal, ensuring flexibility and global access.

What Is the Exam Code for the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification?

The exam code is 112-59. This unique identifier helps ensure you register for the correct version of the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials certification exam when scheduling through the ECC Exam Portal or an authorized training partner.

How Can the AI|E Certification Advance My Career?

Earning the AI|E certification demonstrates to employers that you understand not only how AI works, but how to use it responsibly in real-world contexts. It distinguishes you as AI-ready—a professional equipped with sought-after skills in digital literacy, ethical technology use, and modern productivity. This certification can enhance your confidence, streamline your workflows, and signal that you’re prepared for the AI-driven future of work.

How Difficult Is the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials Exam?

The exam is designed to be approachable for all learners. Since it focuses on AI understanding rather than programming or mathematics, most people from business, education, or general professional backgrounds find it accessible. By studying each module and practicing with real-world examples, you can comfortably achieve the passing score.

To get familiar with the test format and question style, consider reviewing these EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials practice exams, which align with the official exam objectives and provide meaningful feedback.

What Are the Key Skills Validated by the AI|E Certification?

Once certified, you’ll have proven your ability to:

  • Understand how AI systems make decisions and generate outcomes
  • Recognize where AI can fail and how to mitigate risks
  • Harness AI productivity tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot effectively
  • Identify biases and apply responsible AI principles
  • Structure prompts to get accurate and ethical outputs
  • Build a foundation for advanced learning in AI or machine learning

These competencies prepare you for ongoing career growth and responsible AI adoption in your organization.

What Training Formats Are Available for the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Program?

EC-Council offers several flexible learning paths for your convenience:

  • Instructor-Led (ILT) – In-person training in a classroom environment for group learners.
  • iLearn – On-demand, self-paced online training you can take anywhere.
  • iWeek – Live online classes with interaction and mentorship from EC-Council instructors.

Each path includes video training, real-world examples, and guided knowledge checks that deepen your AI understanding before taking the exam.

What Makes the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Certification Unique?

Unlike purely technical AI courses, AIE focuses on AI literacy for everyone. It bridges the gap between knowing about AI and using it responsibly. You’ll not only learn what AI can do—but also when and how to apply it safely within ethical and governance frameworks. EC-Council’s global reputation in cybersecurity and ethical standards ensures the AIE credential is respected worldwide.

How Is the Artificial Intelligence Essentials Exam Structured?

The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions within a 3-hour time limit. Questions are scenario-based and comprehension-driven, ensuring you can apply your learning. Topics include AI fundamentals, real-world use cases, ethical considerations, and prompt design. The exam’s accessible design makes it a reliable way to demonstrate your AI readiness without requiring programming experience.

How Can You Prepare for the EC-Council AI|E Exam?

Successful candidates often combine structured learning with hands-on exploration. EC-Council provides resources through iLearn, instructor-led programs, and downloadable brochures. You can also find online study materials, community discussion boards, and real-world AI tools to practice with concepts such as prompting and responsible AI use.

Practical exposure to platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Generative AI applications will reinforce the knowledge tested in the exam.

What Comes After the AI|E Certification?

Once you’ve earned your AI|E credential, you can continue your journey with specialized EC-Council certifications that deepen your expertise, such as:

  • AI Program Manager
  • Offensive AI Security Professional
  • Responsible AI Governance and Ethics

These advanced certifications expand your capabilities from AI understanding to AI leadership.

Where Can You Learn More and Register for the EC-Council AIE Certification?

You can register, explore official program details, and access training information directly from the official EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials certification page. This resource includes links to training delivery options, brochures, and exam registration through the ECC Exam Portal.


Earning the EC-Council Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AI|E) certification is a powerful step toward becoming AI-fluent in your career and daily life. It validates ethical, informed AI use and prepares you to lead confidently in an AI-powered world.

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