Evaluating AI Proficiency in the Workforce Through Cross-Industry Analyses of Credentialing Programs
Session Number
2
Advisor(s)
Alvin Chin, University of Illinois- Chicago
Location
A147
Discipline
Computer Science
Start Date
15-4-2026 11:10 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:55 AM
Abstract
This project examines the alignment between artificial intelligence credentialing programs and the practical application of AI across major industries, including education, healthcare, technology, transportation, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into professional environments, the demand for standardized training and certification has grown significantly. However, a potential gap may exist between the skills these programs advertise and the competencies actually required in the workplace. To investigate this, we reviewed credentialing programs offered by leading institutions and technology companies, such as Johns Hopkins, MIT, Berkeley, DataCamp, Coursera, IBM, and Google Cloud, focusing on the skills they claim to develop, including Machine Learning, Responsible AI, and Natural Language Processing. We will also analyze government and industry reports to assess how AI is currently being deployed across our focus sectors. Additionally, we will conduct a survey of professionals to measure their confidence in using AI tools, determine whether they have completed any credentialing programs, and evaluate how well those programs prepared them for professional application. Human participants will be protected through informed consent and anonymized data collection. The findings will allow us to identify gaps in existing training curricula and offer recommendations for improving AI literacy and workforce readiness.
Evaluating AI Proficiency in the Workforce Through Cross-Industry Analyses of Credentialing Programs
A147
This project examines the alignment between artificial intelligence credentialing programs and the practical application of AI across major industries, including education, healthcare, technology, transportation, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into professional environments, the demand for standardized training and certification has grown significantly. However, a potential gap may exist between the skills these programs advertise and the competencies actually required in the workplace. To investigate this, we reviewed credentialing programs offered by leading institutions and technology companies, such as Johns Hopkins, MIT, Berkeley, DataCamp, Coursera, IBM, and Google Cloud, focusing on the skills they claim to develop, including Machine Learning, Responsible AI, and Natural Language Processing. We will also analyze government and industry reports to assess how AI is currently being deployed across our focus sectors. Additionally, we will conduct a survey of professionals to measure their confidence in using AI tools, determine whether they have completed any credentialing programs, and evaluate how well those programs prepared them for professional application. Human participants will be protected through informed consent and anonymized data collection. The findings will allow us to identify gaps in existing training curricula and offer recommendations for improving AI literacy and workforce readiness.