AI Professional Foundations
Structured, applied AI capability for professionals, grounded in the Australian regulatory environment.
Overview
AI Professional Foundations is an intermediate certification for professionals who need structured, applied AI capability: not general awareness. It covers practical AI use, responsible AI, and the Australian regulatory obligations that shape how AI is deployed at work, including the Privacy Act and Australia's AI Ethics Principles. The emphasis is deliberate: how to use current AI tools well, how to recognise where they should not be used, and how to stay within the governance expectations that apply to Australian organisations.
Who it's for
Built for professionals moving past AI awareness
- Managers and business leaders integrating AI into how their teams work
- Project managers and business analysts moving into delivery roles with greater AI involvement
- HR and people leaders progressing beyond foundational AI awareness
- Government professionals applying AI within public sector obligations
This is the right course for you if
New to AI? Begin with AI Core. Leading AI strategy at a senior level? Consider CAIS.
Outcomes
What you'll be able to do
Apply current AI tools to real work tasks, with sound judgement about where they help and where they do not.
Manage the governance and risk considerations that apply when AI touches business decisions and personal data.
Navigate the Australian regulatory obligations relevant to AI, including the Privacy Act and Australia's AI Ethics Principles.
Contribute to responsible, consistent AI use across a team, function, or project.
What's covered
Course content
Nine sections that build from how AI works to applying it responsibly within the Australian regulatory environment.
Introduction to AI
What intelligence and artificial intelligence are, the types and capabilities of AI, and where it is already used across industry.
Understanding Machine Learning
How machines learn, common ML tasks and algorithms, and how models are trained and evaluated.
AI in Business and Industry
Real-world AI across decision-making, automation, personalisation, risk and compliance, and new products and services.
Working With Data
Structured and unstructured data, features and labels, data quality, and ethical, responsible data use.
AI Tools and Platforms
The main categories of AI tools and cloud platforms, choosing the right one, and hands-on practical activities.
Applied Generative AI
How generative AI works, its business applications, working with AI assistants, and practical prompting.
AI Lifecycle
The full AI project lifecycle, from framing the problem and assessing risk through to deployment, monitoring and review.
Safe, Ethical and Responsible AI
Responsible AI foundations, bias and fairness, transparency, AI governance, Australia's AI Ethics Principles and the Voluntary AI Safety Standard.
Final Reflection
Bringing it together around human and AI working in partnership, with structured reflection on applying it in your role.
Aligned to the frameworks that govern AI in Australia. Why Australian matters →
How it works
Assessment and credential
A 60 minute exam with a 60% pass mark, delivered online under browser lockdown with randomised questions. Semi-proctored means automated safeguards during the exam and review by AAAI afterwards, without a live invigilator. Two attempts are included. Full examination policy →
An intermediate-tier credential you can verify and share, recognised across the AAAI pathway.
Community
You are not learning alone
AI Professional Foundations is part of a growing community of Australian professionals building AI capability together. As a course participant, you will have access to the AAAI community: a space to ask questions, share what you are discovering, and connect with peers across different industries and roles. The best insights often come from others applying these ideas in their own professional context. Access your community directly from your student dashboard.
Your AI Learning Tutor
An AI-powered notebook built for this course
As part of this course, you will get access to an AI-powered interactive notebook designed to be your tutor, providing a rich learning experience throughout every section.
- Capture insights from each section
- Save your thoughts and examples
- Interact with structured notes and AI tools
- Revisit key concepts as you prepare for the exam
- Get hands-on experience using a real-world AI tool
The AI Tutor is more than a note-taking tool. It is a working example of applied AI in a professional context: structured, purposeful, and directly relevant to how you will use AI at work.
Enrolment
Investment
Individual enrolment. Completion-based, with the AI Professional Foundations digital badge on successful completion. Enrolling a team of five or more? Organisation enrolment includes consolidated invoicing and progress reporting.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is AI Professional Foundations?
AI Professional Foundations is an intermediate certification from the Australian Academy of Artificial Intelligence for professionals building applied AI capability beyond general awareness. It covers practical AI use, responsible AI, and the Australian regulatory obligations relevant to AI at work, including the Privacy Act and Australia's AI Ethics Principles.
Who is it for?
It is designed for managers, project managers, business analysts, HR and people leaders, and government professionals who need structured, applied AI capability rather than introductory awareness. It suits professionals who already use AI occasionally and want to apply it with judgement and an understanding of Australian governance obligations.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal prerequisites. The certification assumes basic familiarity with AI tools but does not require technical or coding experience. Professionals new to AI may prefer to begin with AI Core before progressing to AI Professional Foundations.
How long does it take to complete?
AI Professional Foundations is delivered online and is self-paced, with most professionals completing it in approximately 25 hours. Timing can be adjusted around work commitments.
How is it different from AI Core?
AI Core is the foundational tier that establishes baseline AI confidence for any professional. AI Professional Foundations is the intermediate tier above it, intended for professionals who want structured, applied capability and a working grasp of AI governance and Australian regulatory obligations.
Questions about how the exam is delivered, browser requirements, re-sits, or results? See the AAAI Examination Policy.
The pathway
Where this sits
AI Core
Foundational AI confidence for any professional. The right starting point if you are new to AI.
View AI Core →AI Professional Foundations
Intermediate, applied capability with Australian governance grounding.
Enrol now →CAIS: Certified AI Strategist
The executive designation for senior leaders who lead AI strategy and governance.
View CAIS →Build applied AI capability that holds up in an Australian workplace.
Practical AI skills, responsible use, and the regulatory grounding that local organisations expect.