AI Essentials

Overview

Course Units

• Understand generative AI and chatbots:Learn what generative AI is, how large language models power AI assistants, and where these tools fit in your day-to-day work. Recognize their strengths, limitations, and uncertainty.
• Create effective prompts:Develop prompts that clearly communicate purpose, context, personas, and constraints. Write concise, focused prompts that help AI assistants deliver better, more relevant responses.
• Avoid hallucinations and verify outputs:Understand why AI tools sometimes produce inaccurate information and apply simple verification strategies to check and refine responses.
• Work in conversational loops, not one-off transactions:Improve results by treating AI interactions as ongoing conversations. Use prompt chaining and iteration to build on previous responses and maintain continuity.
• Use AI responsibly with sensitive information:Recognize when inputting information into AI tools is risky, including sensitive, personal or proprietary data. Connect your behavior to your organization's AI policies, data privacy, and security expectations.
• Identify practical AI use cases in your role:Spot high-value opportunities to use AI assistants in your daily workflows, streamline routine tasks, overcome "blank page" moments, and support better decision-making.

Course Details

• Duration:Approximately 2–3 hours of focused instructional content.
• Focus areas:Foundational AI concepts, generative AI and chatbots, effective prompting, responsible use of data, and identifying practical AI use cases at work.
• Skill-building resources:Mix of short videos, brief readings, and interactive activities, with a strong emphasis on hands-on AI scenarios.
• Recommended experience:No prior experience is required—this course is designed for beginners who are new to using AI assistants in a professional context.
• CompCert assessment:Prove your competency by passing the AI Essentials Competency Assessment and earn a downloadable CompTIA CompCert (Competency Certificate) to showcase your skills.
• Outcome:Gain practical, confidence-boosting skills to use AI assistants effectively, efficiently, and responsibly so you can work smarter in your daily role.