You can now get OpenAI-certified to compete in the job market

In a significant move aimed at enhancing workforce skills, OpenAI has unveiled a new certification program designed to foster AI fluency among workers. Announced on Thursday, this initiative seeks to provide various levels of certification that will prepare individuals for a rapidly evolving job market increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. This program is an extension of the free educational resources available through the OpenAI Academy, which was launched in March to promote AI literacy. OpenAI has set an ambitious goal of certifying 10 million Americans by the year 2030, emphasizing its commitment to equipping the workforce with essential AI skills. In partnership with Walmart, which employs over 2 million people, OpenAI is set to roll out a tailored version of this certification for Walmart's associate-level employees. Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance employee capabilities. The certification program will evolve over time, adapting to the needs of employees as identified through collaboration with local governments and various businesses. A spokesperson for OpenAI indicated that the pilot phase is expected to commence around late 2025 or early 2026. Additionally, OpenAI is planning to launch a job platform that will connect businesses and local governments with candidates possessing AI skills. This platform is anticipated to go live in the latter half of 2026. This initiative comes in response to a growing demand for AI-skilled workers, as highlighted by a Microsoft survey revealing that 71% of business leaders prefer candidates with AI skills, even if they lack extensive experience. OpenAI acknowledged the mixed success of past upskilling programs but is confident that its new approach, informed by previous studies, will better meet the needs of both employees and employers.