Getting certified doesn't have to be complicated. The AI Aware Certification follows a two-phase path built around how small businesses actually work — fast where it counts, and thorough where it matters.

Phase 1 — Fast-Track Certification

3–5 business days · Earns: Provisional AI Aware Certification

Phase 1 is intentionally fast. It establishes that your leadership is aware of AI in your organization and that you've taken the first step toward responsible use. You don't need everything figured out — you just need to start honestly.

What's required:

• Leadership Commitment Statement — The owner or CEO completes and signs a one-page declaration affirming awareness of AI tool use and commitment to responsible use.
• Basic AI Inventory — Complete an initial inventory identifying the AI tools currently in use across your organization (even informal or personal use counts).
• Advisor Check-In — A brief call or written confirmation with your AWG Advisor to verify completion and submit your Phase 1 materials.

Upon completion: You receive your Provisional AI Aware Certification badge and certificate, valid for 30 days while you complete Phase 2.

Provisional Certification earned. You now have a 30-day window to complete Phase 2 and go Full.

Phase 2 — Full Certification

30-day window after Phase 1 · Earns: Full AI Aware Certification

Phase 2 converts your Provisional Certification into a Full AI Aware Certification — valid for 12 months. It builds on the foundation of Phase 1 by ensuring your team has basic guidance, your data practices are considered, and your organization is on record with AWG as a committed AI Aware partner.

What's required:

• Employee AI Guidance — Share the AWG AI Use Policy (or your own adapted version) with all staff. Deliver the AI Aware Intro Training with your team (30–45 min session).
• Data Protection Basics — Complete a basic data awareness checklist confirming your team understands which types of information should not be entered into AI tools.
• AWG Vendor Commitment — Sign and return the AWG Vendor Commitment, a brief acknowledgment that you'll maintain AI Aware practices and notify AWG of major changes to your AI tool stack.
• Phase 2 Submission — Submit your completion confirmation to your AWG Advisor. This can be a simple email with your training attendance record and signed commitment.

Upon completion: You receive your Full AI Aware Certification — a 12-month certification with a displayable badge, a certificate of achievement, and inclusion in the AWG AI Aware directory.

What if Phase 2 isn't completed in 30 days?

If Phase 2 is not completed within 30 days of earning your Provisional Certification, the provisional status lapses. Your AWG Advisor will send a reminder at day 20 and day 28. If the certification lapses, you can restart the process — Phase 1 remains on record and you'll only need to complete Phase 2 to earn Full Certification. There is no penalty for a lapse — life happens. We're here when you're ready.

Questions about your certification path? Contact your AWG Advisor or visit awg.com/ai-aware

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