TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As the AI revolution accelerates, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has set a goal to train 200,000 AI professionals and will launch a national AI application planner certification exam this year.
The nation aims to achieve a 50% AI adoption rate in the manufacturing sector by 2028. To support its goal of cultivating 200,000 AI professionals within four years, the nation plans to offer AI training programs, per CNA.
Taiwan’s Industrial Development Administration said that “simply knowing how to use ChatGPT does not make one an AI professional.”
Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) emphasized the importance of aligning industry needs with available resources to drive AI integration across industries.
After consulting with industries to understand workforce needs, the MOEA will introduce the AI Industry Professional Assessment System, iPAS, next year to help businesses find qualified AI professionals.
National AI Certification
The certification program will be divided into two levels:
- Basic-level certification
Basic-level certification targets individuals without a computer science background, such as humanities and business professionals. The exam will focus on AI tool applications, covering fundamental AI concepts, data processing, machine learning, and both discriminative and generative AI.
Candidates will also be tested on workplace AI applications, including report generation and text analysis to improve productivity. Four basic-level certification exams will be held annually, with the first scheduled for March.
- Intermediate-level certification
Intermediate-level certification is designed for Information and communication technology professionals with technical backgrounds. It will require a deeper understanding of algorithms, IoT architecture design, and AI implementation strategies.
Exam topics include big data analytics, deep learning, natural language and audio processing, AI deployment planning, and risk assessment. Two intermediate-level certifications will be held annually, with the first scheduled for May.
This national AI certification stands apart from those offered by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, and Amazon, the IDB emphasized. While those focus on specific software and vendors, Taiwan's program evaluates broader AI application capabilities across industries, making it a complementary rather than competitive credential.
Expanding iPAS
Taiwan's iPAS program covers 20 fields, including cybersecurity, 3D printing, electric vehicles, machine tools, and smart machinery. With an average pass rate of just 30%, the certification is recognized for its high level of distinction.
It has gained strong industry support from leading companies such as Quanta, Foxconn, Qisda, and Pegatron. The program has led many employers to prioritize iPAS-certified professionals for hiring and salary increases.
Last year, the government launched the iPAS “Net-Zero Carbon Planning Manager” certification, which received an overwhelming industry response. The total number of iPAS exam takers surged to 30,000, a 145% year-over-year increase, with 60% of candidates applying for the net-zero certification.
