Seoul — The South Korean government is moving to introduce a state-administered Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification exam, aiming to establish a reliable benchmark for AI competency amid an overwhelming flood of private sector credentials. The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) is preparing the "AI Qualification and Certification System Operation Plan" as a key initiative for the second half of 2026.

The primary goal is to minimize confusion for students and employees seeking career advancement or new employment and to actively promote the use of AI in the private sector. The government seeks to enhance the public nature and utility of AI qualifications by creating a standardized test.

Addressing the Proliferation of Private Certificates 

The need for a public certification is underscored by the current state of the private AI qualification market. According to the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, there are over 550 AI-related private certifications registered in the country. This number has exploded from just 10 in 2019, seeing its first annual increase of over 100 in 2022 following the release of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The first half of this year alone saw over 100 new registrations.

Despite this proliferation, most private qualifications are largely nominal. As of last year, only one exam attracted over 10,000 annual test-takers, and only two others drew more than 1,000. Under current regulations, the government is restricted from directly intervening to consolidate or eliminate these numerous private certifications, as they only need to meet minimal criteria for registration. This has led to concerns that many credentials hold little value in the job market, serving as mere "window dressing" on resumes, despite growing public anxiety about keeping pace with AI trends.

Benchmarking the TOPCIT Model 

MSIT plans to model the new AI certification after the highly-regarded TOPCIT (Test Of Practical Competency in IT), a public-led software (SW) competency assessment. TOPCIT, overseen by the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), is a system designed to evaluate the practical, real-world skills demanded by the SW industry from students and professionals.

The government intends to create an "AI TOPCIT" to assess and officially recognize the AI capabilities of both technical specialists and general office workers. Officials note that a public-led, nationally recognized certification could significantly raise public interest in AI and offer substantial support to corporate hiring processes.

Historically, public computer literacy exams, such as those for word processors and computer utilization skills, played a crucial role in expanding computer adoption and active use in South Korea. The government hopes the new AI certification will similarly drive the expansion of AI literacy and service usage across the nation.

MSIT is approaching the launch cautiously, acknowledging that the initial rollout of a comprehensive system like TOPCIT encountered challenges and required time to stabilize. Officials indicate that public consultation and careful planning are underway to manage potential side effects and debates that may arise during the initial phase of the new AI certification system.