Empowering billions through role-based AI certifications: Inside AI Certs’ mission

In a world where thousands of new AI tools appear every day, learners are often left overwhelmed and without direction. AI CERTs, led by Chintan Dave, India Head, AI CERTs, is carving a niche with structured, role-based certifications in AI and blockchain. Rather than focusing on fragmented, tool-specific training, the organisation offers frameworks that align AI learning to professional roles, from HR managers and lawyers to educators and engineers.

In this conversation with Dataquest, Dave explains how AI CERTs is empowering learners across the globe, aligning with India’s skilling initiatives, and preparing professionals for the coming era of agentic AI.

Building a Framework for Roles, Not Just Tools

Dave emphasises that AI CERTs is unlike traditional learning platforms that deliver generic courses.

“We are not only providing training, but also the framework that helps any particular role align entirely with how they can benefit from AI,” he says.

The company offers not just certifications but an entire ecosystem, courseware, proprietary assessment tools such as Proctoring 365, and blockchain-based certification issuance. With more than 55 global partners already onboard, Dave likens his role to a Co-CEO, ensuring execution across sales, marketing, platform, and product teams.

A Strategy to Empower Billions

The vision is ambitious: empowering billions of learners through accessible, affordable certifications.

“We started with industries and are now expanding to roles as well. That is our strategy,” Dave explains.

Affordability is a cornerstone. In India, a price-sensitive market, AI CERTs reduces upfront costs by up to 60% and provides scholarships for learners. Government tie-ups are also helping reduce financial barriers, making training accessible to students and professionals alike.

The company partners with universities, training providers, and governments, ensuring certifications reach Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. Initiatives such as the AI for All campaign are extending AI literacy beyond metros, empowering teachers and students with programs like AI plus Educator.

Vendor-Neutral and Complementary

One of AI CERTs’ competitive advantages lies in its vendor-neutral approach. While many certifications are tied to platforms like Microsoft or AWS, AI CERTs teaches frameworks.

“Whether someone is learning AI plus Prompt Engineer, our structure makes the tool an enabler, not a distraction,” Dave says.

Rather than competing with platform-specific certifications, AI CERTs complements them, ensuring learners are not confined to silos.

Skilling India, One Million Certifications by 2026

India is central to AI CERTs’ expansion. With over 300 employees in cities like Noida, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, the company is already collaborating with state governments in Gujarat, Haryana, and Telangana.

“In India, we plan to certify one million people by 2026,” Dave says.

The goal is not just about numbers, but empowerment: certifications that combine structured learning, proctored examinations, and locally relevant curricula.

Staying Current in a Fast-Moving AI World

Technology evolves quickly, but AI CERTs has built quarterly content updates into its model. “We avoid the outdated model where certifications are updated every 2–3 years,” Dave explains.

Learners gain access to updated content libraries for a year, along with gamified apps that keep engagement high. Over 200,000 learners already use AI CERTs’ app daily.

Preparing for the Next Wave: Agentic AI

Dave believes the future lies in Agentic AI, where individuals work alongside their own AI agents. 

“In the next two years, Agentic AI will become part of daily life. My advice to learners is to focus on Agentic AI and AGI. These are the most critical areas for the future,” he says.

Through tools like RagBot, learners can already create their own AI-powered interview preparation agents, gaining hands-on experience with the technologies shaping tomorrow.

A Responsible, Inclusive Approach

Ethics is a recurring theme in AI CERTs’ vision. From certifications in AI law and AI ethics to collaborations with universities via the AI CERTs Academic Partner Network, the company is committed to ensuring learners are not just technically skilled but also ethically aware.

 “We focus not just on empowerment but also on ethical responsibility,” Dave stresses.