Certification Pathway

Demonstrated, not completed.

Every AfriversalAI certificate is earned through a real performance task — assessed by a trained human against a published rubric. Four certification layers. One consistent standard: proof of judgment, not attendance.

The Four Layers

A certification pathway that grows with your career

All learners begin at Layer 1. Each subsequent layer builds on the credential before it, going deeper into your sector, your governance role, or your leadership responsibilities.

1
Layer 1 · Core Certification · All Sectors
AI Judgment Competency Certificate™
7 Weeks · Available Now See how it works ↓
Awarded on passing the Layer 1 capstone: a 600–900 word written evaluation of a real AI system from your own workplace, assessed by a human assessor against the published rubric. Required before any Layer 2, 3 or 4 program.
2
Layer 2 · Sector Specialization · 5 Tracks
Certified AI Practitioner™ — by Sector
4 Weeks · Pilot Q4 2026 Explore →
Corporate · Government · Finance · Healthcare · Education. Each 4-week intensive goes deeper into sector-specific AI tools, applicable SA legislation, regulatory bodies, and real sector cases. Assessed by a sector expert. Requires Layer 1 certificate.
3
Layer 3 · Professional Cohorts · 3 Tracks
AI Policy, Governance & Regulation Certificate™
4 Weeks · Enrolling 2027 Explore →
AI Policy Analysis · AI Governance & Oversight · AI Regulation & Compliance. For professionals who write policy, design governance structures, or work in regulatory roles. Small cohort format, peer-learning intensive. Capstone: a policy brief, governance framework, or compliance audit submitted for expert assessment.
4
Layer 4 · Executive Programs · 2 Tracks
AI Leadership & Board Governance Certificate™
Cohort-Based · Launch Q1 2027 Explore →
AI Leadership Program (CEOs, CIOs, COOs) · AI Board Governance Program (NEDs, trustees, chairs). Max 15 learners per cohort. Capstone: a strategic AI readiness plan or board-level AI governance policy, peer-reviewed and expert-assessed. Prerequisite: Layer 1 certificate or demonstrated equivalent.
What They Look Like

Four certificates. One standard.

Each layer earns a distinct certificate naming the exact program, the assessor, and the assessment type. The design is consistent — the credential earned is not.

All four AfriversalAI certificates — Levels 1 through 4

Certificates are issued digitally with a verifiable certificate ID. Physical copies available on request.

What Makes It Different

Most AI certificates say “completed.”
These say “demonstrated.”

Typical AI training certificate
  • Awarded for watching videos or completing modules
  • Verified by multiple-choice quiz or progress tracking
  • Does not test whether the learner can actually evaluate AI output
  • Certificate says “completed X-hour AI course”
  • Employer cannot verify what the learner can do
AfriversalAI certification
  • Awarded for passing a real-world performance assessment
  • Verified by a trained human assessor against a published rubric
  • Requires the learner to evaluate a real AI system from their own job
  • Certificate says “demonstrated AI judgment competency”
  • Employer can see exactly what the assessment required
Layer 1 Assessment

What you actually have to do

The capstone brief is issued after Module 5. You submit after completing Module 6. One revision opportunity if you fall short of standard on any criterion. All other layers follow the same principle — a real deliverable assessed by a human expert.

The Layer 1 Capstone Brief

Identify one AI system or AI-generated output that you encountered in your professional context during this course. Produce a written evaluation of 600–900 words that:

  1. Describes what the AI system does and how it is being used in your context
  2. Identifies at least two specific ways the system could produce biased, incorrect, or unaccountable outputs — with reasoning
  3. Applies the Funda Five to assess whether the output should be acted on
  4. States clearly what you would do — use it, modify how you use it, flag a concern, or recommend against it — and explains why
  5. Identifies who in your organisation is accountable if the AI produces a harmful outcome

Assessment Rubric

Learners must meet or exceed standard on at least 4 of 5 criteria. Each criterion is assessed by a trained human assessor — not automated scoring.

Criterion Below Standard Meets Standard Exceeds Standard
Describes AI accurately Vague or incorrect description of what the system does Clear, jargon-free description of the system’s function Shows understanding of how the system learns and fails, beyond surface description
Identifies failure modes Generic (“AI can be biased”) without specifics Two specific mechanisms explained with reasoning Mechanisms tied to SA context and documented evidence
Applies Funda Five Does not apply the course framework Applies all five steps with reasoning Extends the framework to context-specific considerations not covered in course
Makes a judgment No clear position taken Clear judgment with stated reasoning Judgment addresses competing considerations and remains defensible
Accountability “The company is responsible” (generic) Named accountability chain with specific role Identifies gaps in accountability and suggests what should be in place

Assessment disputes

If you believe your assessment was not evaluated correctly against the published rubric, you may request a reassessment review within 14 days of receiving your result. Email ask@afriversal.ai with your original submission, the criterion or criteria you are disputing, and a brief explanation of your reasoning. All dispute requests are reviewed by a second assessor who was not involved in the original assessment. You will receive a written response within 10 business days.

For L&D Buyers

QCTO accreditation in progress.

AfriversalAI is pursuing QCTO accreditation for the Layer 1 Core Certification, with MICT SETA as Development Quality Partner. Once accredited, employers can recover 40–60% of training costs through the Skills Development Levy discretionary grant system — making AfriversalAI the most price-competitive assessed AI literacy program in South Africa.

QCTO accreditation status: application in preparation — SDL rebate eligibility is pending accreditation approval. Registered organisations will be notified as soon as accreditation is confirmed. Layers 2–4 accreditation applications will follow Layer 1 approval.

Register your organisation’s interest View full curriculum