OpenAI has introduced its first certification pathway, starting with AI Foundations (delivered inside ChatGPT for pilot partners) and ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers (available on Coursera). Learners practice real tasks directly in ChatGPT and earn credentials backed by partners including ETS and Credly by Pearson.

Why this matters in 2026

Enterprises now expect “AI-literate” teams. OpenAI’s model brings the learning environment, practice, and feedback loop into ChatGPT, then issues portable evidence of skills via external credential partners — a faster route from training to verified capability. Early pilots span large employers, universities and US state partners.

What’s new — the programme at a glance

• AI Foundations (in ChatGPT): A hands-on course embedded in ChatGPT where learners complete tasks, receive feedback, and earn a course certificate en route to OpenAI Certification. Pilot partners include Walmart, John Deere, BCG, Accenture, Hearst and public-sector programmes (e.g., Delaware).

• ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers (Coursera): A parallel track tailored to educators, live on Coursera.

• Standards & portability: OpenAI is working with ETS and Credly to ensure psychometric rigour and transferable proof of learning.

• Roadmap: Pilots run through late 2025/early 2026; broader access expands after partner feedback. Academy materials indicate certifications will scale from late-2025 into 2026.

How it works

1. Learn inside ChatGPT: AI Foundations presents scenarios (e.g., drafting workflows, citing sources, using tools). ChatGPT acts as tutor and practice space in one.

2. Get credentialed: Completing AI Foundations yields a certificate; additional coursework plus a hands-on project stacks toward a fuller OpenAI Certification. Credentials are issued via partners for employer-recognised portability.

3. For educators: The Coursera course provides structured modules and classroom-ready tasks; OpenAI and Coursera highlight confidence-building for teachers adopting AI.

4. For students & campuses: OpenAI is piloting with Arizona State University and the California State University system to create entry-to-work pathways.

What you’ll actually learn

• Turn messy notes into action plans and project tasks (ideal with Asana for intake/ownership).

• Produce research with citations and draft decision docs (documented neatly in Notion).

• Create visuals and process maps to explain ideas (Miro).

• Retrieve the right organisational knowledge when paired with enterprise search (Glean). (Pattern recommendation; not part of OpenAI’s courseware itself.)

FAQs

Who is it for?
Beginners and working professionals who need practical, verifiable AI skills; educator-specific content is available on Coursera. OpenAI+1

What do the courses cover?
Core AI skills applied to real tasks — planning, summarising with citations, drafting workflows, and reflective feedback — all inside ChatGPT, plus a teacher-oriented curriculum. OpenAI+1

When can I get certified?
AI Foundations is in pilot now; OpenAI indicates certifications will expand from late-2025 into 2026 after partner feedback and psychometric review. OpenAI Academy+1

Are these recognised by employers?
OpenAI is working with ETS and Credly to ensure rigour and portability; early pilots involve large employers and public-sector partners to align skills with job needs. OpenAI