Why This Fundamentals Course Exists
prEN 18286 is the first harmonised European standard that gives providers of high-risk AI systems presumption of conformity with the mandatory Quality Management System (QMS) requirements of Article 17 of the EU AI Act.
Many professionals feel overwhelmed by the full standard and the regulatory language. This 2-day Fundamentals Course is designed as the perfect starting point - a clear, accessible introduction that demystifies prEN 18286 without requiring any prior QMS or AI regulation experience.
You will leave with a solid understanding of what the standard requires, why it matters, and the first practical steps to begin building compliance.
What You Will Learn in One Day
- The purpose and scope of prEN 18286 and its direct link to Article 17 of the EU AI Act
- High-level overview of all 10 main clauses - what each requires and why it exists
- Key AI-specific concepts: product-centric QMS, lifecycle approach, proportionality for SMEs, continuous learning models
- How prEN 18286 compares to familiar standards (ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 42001)
- Simple gap analysis exercise and starter templates to begin your QMS journey
By the end of the day you will be able to
- Confidently explain prEN 18286 to your team or leadership
- Identify the first 3-5 actions your organisation should take
- Decide which follow-on course (Overview, QuickStart, or Implementation) is right for you
1-Day Fundamentals Agenda
Full Day
From Zero to Confident Understanding
- 09:00 - Welcome + EU AI Act context - Why Article 17 and prEN 18286 matter in 2026
- 10:15 - High-level structure of prEN 18286 - Clauses 4-10 explained simply and visually
- 13:00 - AI-specific requirements: product-centric QMS, lifecycle thinking, model drift, proportionality
- 14:30 - Comparison with ISO 9001 / ISO/IEC 42001 + live gap analysis exercise
- 15:45 - Starter templates, first steps, Q&A and 'What's next?' roadmap
9:00am - 4:30pm GMT+1 - Includes lunch break and downloadable starter pack
Who Should Attend
Perfect for complete beginners or anyone who wants a clear, non-technical foundation before diving deeper.
- AI Engineers & Developers
- Risk & Compliance Teams
- Data Protection Officers
- Business Leaders & SMEs
No prerequisites - ideal first step in the AI Assurance Institute QMS series
Key Benefits & Unique Value
- True Fundamentals - Clear explanations, no jargon, perfect for first-timers
- Starter Pack Included - High-level templates + gap analysis worksheet
- Series Roadmap - Know exactly which course to take next
