From 'Using' Generative AI to 'Managing' Operations: Certification Exam Begins for 'AI Operations Specialist'

The IT Certified Engineer Association (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Director: Nobuyuki Ieyoshi; hereinafter referred to as 'the Association'), which operates IT technical certification systems and promotes knowledge dissemination, has established a new certification, 'AI Operations Specialist,' to train and certify individuals who can safely and effectively utilize generative AI in back-office operations. The certification exam will commence on July 9, 2026 (Thu). The 'AI Operations Specialist' certification recognizes individuals who can not only use generative AI tools but also integrate them into business processes by understanding their workflow and manage and improve their operation. The system is designed to emphasize practical skills rather than rote knowledge, and it certifies AI personnel who are immediately effective in the field through a two-stage process requiring completion of a training course and passing the exam.

[Background]

While the adoption of generative AI in companies is rapidly expanding, challenges such as 'not knowing what to use it for,' 'unclear implementation effects,' and 'anxiety about risk management' remain at the operational level. Many companies, in particular, feel a 'lack of literacy and skills,' leading to cases where sufficient results are not achieved even after implementation. The Association has been working to acquire and develop IT skills that are useful in practice, such as PC and smartphone maintenance and cloud migration. By acquiring practical AI utilization skills, not just simple knowledge, it becomes possible to directly apply AI to the tasks of non-engineer roles such as general affairs, accounting, sales, planning, and management departments, leading to improved efficiency and business outcomes.

Features of the AI Operations Specialist Certification

The AI Operations Specialist aims to train and certify 'individuals who connect to results, not just those who know AI,' and is designed to function as a clear and achievable reskilling goal for non-engineer roles. It clearly targets a different audience than certifications for engineers or management, and its characteristic is to certify the abilities necessary for 'practitioners who operate AI in the field.' The goal is to produce individuals who can utilize AI in practical work, not just those who can write basic prompts.

This is a certification that emphasizes the practical skills required for field staff to integrate AI into their own work processes and be responsible for its operation and improvement.

Domain

Content

Technical Domain

Learn basic AI knowledge, the mechanisms of generative AI, and the characteristics of various AI tools.

Practical Domain

Learn practical application methods directly linked to work, such as prompt utilization, text creation, summarization, minute taking, and document creation.

Business Management

Learn concepts for organizational utilization, such as business automation, AI implementation approaches, and streamlining business processes.

Risk Management

Learn knowledge necessary for safe AI utilization, including copyright, information leakage countermeasures, and information ethics.

Schedule

• Training Course Application Start: April 27, 2026 (Applications now open)

• Certification Exam Application Start: July 6, 2026 (Mon)

• Exam Dates and Format: July 9, 2026 (Thu), CBT format

Training Course Application: https://aiseeconnect.co.jp/lp/aiwp-training-program/

Association Overview

Director: Nobuyuki Ieyoshi

Established: January 8, 2002, Certified by the Cabinet Office

Location: 6F, Roppongi D Square, 2-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

Business Activities: Implementation and certification of PC Maintenance Engineer, Smartphone Maintenance Engineer, DX Maintenance Engineer qualifications, and Virtualization Fundamentals certification exams; provision of training courses for PC and smartphone maintenance and repair, and internal DX promotion; publication of newsletters and other materials.

IT Certified Engineer Association HP: https://www.it-seibishi.or.jp/

AI Operations Specialist Certification: https://www.it-seibishi.or.jp/ai-specialist/