OpenAI rolls out first certification courses for AI skills

OpenAI has introduced its first official certification courses to help people build practical skills in using artificial intelligence and prove those skills to employers. The company is starting with two main learning paths aimed at workers and educators, each designed to turn everyday use of AI tools into recognized, job-ready ability.

The first path focuses on job skills. Through OpenAI Academy, learners can sign up for an AI foundations-style course that teaches them how to use OpenAI tools such as ChatGPT to handle real workplace tasks. Participants practice writing effective prompts, reviewing AI outputs, and applying AI to projects across different roles and industries. When they finish, they earn an official certificate from OpenAI that they can share with employers as proof of their AI competence. These programs are being piloted with large organizations and public-sector partners so that the training stays closely tied to real-world needs.

The second path is built for teachers. OpenAI has created a teacher-focused course that supports K–12 educators who want to use AI in the classroom and in their daily school work. This track is available through OpenAI Academy and also on Coursera as “ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers.” It introduces how ChatGPT works, shows teachers how to adapt the tool for lesson planning, grading support, and communication, and emphasizes safe and responsible use of AI with students.

Together, these new courses mark a step toward more formal AI education and credentials. By combining hands-on practice inside ChatGPT with recognized certificates, OpenAI aims to help workers, students, and teachers gain confidence with AI and present clear evidence of their skills as demand for AI literacy grows across the job market.