Geprüfter Berufsspezialist für Künstliche Intelligenz und Maschinelles Lernen/Geprüfte Berufsspezialistin für Künstliche Intelligenz und Maschinelles Lernen

Preparatory courses for the examination take place at educational institutions of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and other educational facilities. Learning locations include training rooms for in-person events and home for online learning units.

Occupation type: Advanced training profession: Specialist. Type of advanced training: Advanced training examination according to the regulations of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Participation in preparatory courses is not required. Duration of advanced training: Approx. 11-12 months (part-time). Tasks and activities: Specialists in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning specifically identify which company processes can be carried out more efficiently with the help of AI and ML technologies. They evaluate data as a resource, interpret it, and derive recommendations for action. They contribute to optimizing existing data-based processes and making them future-proof. In addition, they develop and implement new AI strategies and solutions. They coordinate interdisciplinary project teams and actively shape processes of digital transformation. Work areas and locations: Specialists in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are employed in various companies.

Part-time: approx. 11-12 months.

Course fees are incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Further costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training facility, or for external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Preparatory courses for the advanced training examination can be financially supported according to the Advanced Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz). Further information: Aufstiegs-BAföG - Aufstieg mit Förderung. Funding for particularly gifted young professionals: Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung (SBB) - Weiterbildungsstipendium.

Implementation and application possibilities of data-based AI models, basic concepts of AI and Machine Learning, opportunities and challenges of AI, handling of data, data analysis and Machine Learning, programming fundamentals for Machine Learning, co-designing and implementing (change) processes and projects, process management, project management methods, legal foundations, corporate legal forms and contract types, data protection and data security issues, patent and copyright law, types of taxes and calculations, evaluation methods and economic aspects, future competencies, meta-competencies, interactive competencies, agile working.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas are good prerequisites for successfully passing the advanced training examination: Planning/Organization: e.g., to coordinate projects and introduce new procedures. Informatics: e.g., to evaluate AI models, control processes, and develop problem solutions. Business/Law: e.g., to conduct cost-benefit analyses and deal with data protection regulations. German/English: e.g., to prepare project results and correspond with foreign business contacts.

This advanced training consists of theoretical and practical instruction. Depending on the education provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Instruction times are generally part-time, on weekends or in the evenings, alongside professional work. In digital learning forms (e.g., virtual classroom), learning occurs exclusively via electronic learning platforms and systems (predominantly from home in a classroom setting). In combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), there are in-person events in a classroom setting at the educational institution and self-directed learning via electronic learning platforms and systems from home.

Participation in preparatory courses is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Specialist in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: In the field of Artificial Intelligence, the AI Manager shares the commonality of shaping transformation processes with the help of artificial intelligence. In the field of Networking, Data and Information Security, the Certified Professional for Industrial Transformation (commercial-technical) or Specialist - Industry 4.0 shares the commonality of planning, developing, and supervising data management systems and networks. In the field of Hardware and Software Development, the State-Certified Technician (specializing in Informatics with a focus on AI and Robotics) or Bachelor Professional in Technology shares the commonality of developing AI-based systems to solve specific technical problems.

In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended, introducing advanced training qualifications such as 'Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in' (Certified Professional Specialist), 'Bachelor Professional,' and 'Master Professional.' These titles emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. The use of these professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations. In 2022, the IHK Region Stuttgart published special legal provisions for the examination to become a Certified Professional Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, bringing adjustments to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO). These changes include the introduction of a recognition and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on the standard of a recognized training occupation, independent of a formal vocational training qualification.

Exemption from examination parts: Generally, those who have successfully passed another examination before a public or state-recognized educational institution or a state examination board that meets the same requirements can be exempted from individual examination performances.

Qualification Title: Certified Professional Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (IHK)

The Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is a professional advanced training. The examination is regulated by the legal provisions of the respective Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It is not required to attend a course to be admitted to the examination.

After their advanced training, Specialists for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning primarily work in the IT sector. They can also be employed in companies across various economic sectors or in research and development departments. To maintain and expand their expertise, they can pursue adaptive advanced training. The range of topics extends from project management to IT security. To advance their careers, further advanced training can expand and complement their competence profile based on existing qualifications. It is a logical step to take an examination as a Bachelor Professional in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With their advanced training qualification, Specialists in Software Development can also gain access to higher education even without a school-based university entrance qualification.

For the examination, the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) issue examination regulations. An example of a regulation from a Chamber of Industry and Commerce is the 'Special Legal Provisions for the Advanced Training Examination to become a recognized 'Certified Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning'' from 16.11.2022 (IHK Region Stuttgart). For an overview of the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce, please check BERUFENET.

The prerequisite for admission to the advanced training examination is usually: a final or journeyman's examination in a recognized, at least 3-year commercial-technical or commercial Ausbildung (vocational training) OR a qualification in a 2-year recognized commercial-technical or commercial Ausbildung and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience OR at least 60 credit points in a Studium (university degree program) and at least 6 months of professional experience OR at least 3 years of professional experience with significant relevance to commercial-technical or commercial tasks.