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Learning Architecture Framework

AI Proficiency
Architecture

A modular learning system for AI certification by role. Foundations that transfer across tools. Assessment ready for the enterprise. Scalable by design.

TIER 1
Foundations
F1 Mental Models F2 Context Windows F3 Capabilities F4 Security F5 Ethics
TIER 2
Core Skills
S1 Prompt Fundamentals S2 Advanced Patterns S3 Evaluation S4 Use Cases S5 Workflow
TIER 3
Application Domains
A1 Writing A2 Research A3 Data A4 Code A5 Admin A6 Customer A7 Creative A8 Meetings A9 L&D A10 Docs
TIER 4
Advanced
L1 Prompt Libraries L2 Tool Evaluation L3 Leading Adoption L4 Training Others L5 Custom Solutions
TIER 5
Technical Depth
T1 API Fundamentals T2 RAG Concepts T3 Fine Tuning T4 AI Security
TIER 6
Assessment
Knowledge Verification Skill Demonstration Portfolio Application
29
Modular Components
6
Progressive Tiers
10+
Builds by Role
3
Depth Levels

Design Philosophy

Most AI training fails because it treats "AI literacy" as a single skill. This architecture treats it as a system of interconnected competencies that scale with role requirements.

Why Current AI Training Fails

  • Content tied to specific tools becomes obsolete in months
  • One course can't serve engineers and admins equally
  • "Completed" doesn't mean "competent"
  • No connection between training and job performance
  • Generic content that doesn't address real workflows

This Architecture Solves For

  • Foundations that transfer across any platform or tool
  • Modular design: assemble builds specific to each role
  • Skill demonstrations prove actual capability
  • Every module ties to measurable job outcomes
  • Depth levels scale from awareness to mastery

Core Design Principles

Principle Why It Matters How It Manifests
Platform Agnostic Interfaces change quarterly; mental models don't Teach how LLMs work, not where to click
Andragogy First Adults learn through relevance and application Every concept tied to immediate job tasks
Transfer Oriented Training doesn't equal performance without design Assessments mirror real work, not trivia
Modular Scalability One course can't serve all roles equally Role builds assembled from shared modules

Depth Levels

Each module can be delivered at three depth levels, allowing precise calibration to role requirements.

Awareness
Know it exists, grasp basic concept. For adjacent roles or foundational understanding.
Working
Apply consistently in daily work. Primary competency level for most users.
Mastery
Optimize, troubleshoot, teach others. For power users, trainers, champions.

Module Catalog

Tier 1: Foundations
5 modules · Core conceptual understanding
F1
Mental Models of AI
Accurately describe how LLMs function and predict behavior patterns without technical jargon.
F2
Context Windows
Understand how context shapes every AI interaction; strategically manage information within it.
F3
Capabilities & Limitations
Accurately identify what AI can/cannot do, avoiding underuse and misplaced trust.
F4
Security, Privacy & Policy
Understand data exposure risks; apply organizational AI policies appropriately.
F5
Ethics & Bias Awareness
Recognize how bias manifests in AI outputs; apply ethical judgment to AI assisted work.
Tier 2: Core Skills
5 modules · Practical application layer
S1
Prompt Engineering Fundamentals
Construct clear, effective prompts that consistently produce useful outputs.
S2
Advanced Prompt Patterns
Apply sophisticated prompting techniques: reasoning chains, examples, structured outputs.
S3
Output Evaluation & Verification
Systematically assess AI outputs and verify accuracy before use.
S4
Use Case Identification
Systematically identify high value AI applications in own work context.
S5
Workflow Integration
Embed AI into existing work processes without disruption; identify optimal insertion points.
Tier 3: Application Domains
10 modules · Selected per role
A1
Writing & Communication
Draft, edit, improve written content while maintaining voice
A2
Research & Synthesis
Accelerate research, synthesize information, generate insights
A3
Data Interaction
Explore and analyze data without technical expertise
A4
Code & Technical
Write, debug, explain, and improve code effectively
A5
Administrative Tasks
Volume admin work: email, scheduling, docs
A6
Customer Communication
Support customer interactions with quality and brand consistency
A7
Creative & Ideation
AI as creative collaborator: brainstorm, expand, refine
A8
Meeting Support
Before and after meeting efficiency: prep, notes, action items
A9
L&D Applications
Accelerate learning, support development of others
A10
Process Documentation
Capture, organize, make accessible org knowledge
Tier 4: Advanced & Leadership
5 modules · Power users, managers, champions
L1
Prompt Libraries & Templates
Create reusable prompt assets that scale team effectiveness
L2
Evaluating AI Tools
Assess tools for org fit without being swayed by hype
L3
Leading AI Adoption
Drive team adoption while managing resistance and risk
L4
Training Others on AI
Effectively teach AI skills; enable peers and reports
L5
Custom AI Solutions
Understand custom GPTs and agents; participate in AI solution development
Tier 5: Technical Depth
4 modules · Technical roles requiring deeper understanding
T1
API Fundamentals
Integrate AI capabilities into applications via APIs
T2
RAG Concepts
Retrieval augmented generation; participate in RAG design
T3
Fine Tuning Concepts
When/how model customization adds value beyond prompting
T4
AI Security
Identify and mitigate AI specific security risks

Builds by Role

Modules combine into certification tracks tailored to each role. Each build selects relevant modules at appropriate depth levels, with tailored assessments. Organizations can customize builds or create new ones from the module library.

General Workforce
All employees · Baseline AI literacy
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 S1 S3 S4 A1
Assessment: Knowledge verification + 2 prompt challenges
Executive Assistant
EAs supporting leadership · Power user track
F1 to F4 S1 S2 S3 S5 A1* A5* A8 L1
Assessment: 4 challenges + workflow portfolio
People Managers
Anyone managing direct reports
F1 to F5 S1 S3 S4 A1 A8 L3 L4
Assessment: Challenges + team adoption plan
Customer Service
Frontline roles serving customers
F1 F3 F4* F5 S1 S3 A1 A6*
Assessment: Customer scenario challenges
Marketing & Creative
Content creators, marketers, creative roles
F1 to F5 S1 S2 S3 A1* A2 A7* L1
Assessment: Creative brief + campaign artifact
Technical / IT
Engineers, IT, technical roles
F1 to F4* S1* S2* S3 A4 A10 L2 T1 T4
Assessment: Code + security review
* Mastery level. Modules marked with * are delivered at mastery depth. Unmarked modules default to working level. Organizations can adjust depth levels based on specific role requirements.
Additional Builds Available
Software Engineers · L&D Professionals · Finance & Analysts · HR & Talent · Project Managers · Operations
Custom Build Service
Builds tailored to each role can be designed for unique organizational functions. Module selection + depth calibration + custom assessment.

Assessment Framework

Three assessment types ensure certification reflects actual capability, not just completion. Each scales with depth level and integrates with standard LMS platforms.

📋
Knowledge Verification
Confirm conceptual understanding and appropriate judgment in AI contexts.
  • Scenario based judgment questions
  • Misconception identification
  • Policy application scenarios
  • "What would happen if..." predictions
Skill Demonstration
Prove practical capability through actual AI use with defined scenarios.
  • Prompt challenges with rubrics
  • Evaluation graded by LLM
  • Tasks completed in multiple steps
  • Error identification & correction
📁
Portfolio Application
Demonstrate transfer to real work context with actual job artifacts.
  • Work artifact submission
  • Before and after comparison
  • Process documentation
  • Reflection narrative

LMS Implementation Considerations

TRACKING
xAPI over SCORM
Captures granular interaction data, not just completion status
VISIBILITY
Manager dashboards
Competency indicators connect learning to performance conversations
CREDENTIAL
Digital badge + LMS record
Portable recognition with internal visibility
RETENTION
Spaced retrieval prompts
Triggers after completion combat forgetting curve
ACCESS
Modular resource library
Modules accessible as standalone references after certification
MAINTENANCE
Quarterly review cycle
Evergreen foundations + flagged volatile sections

Measurement Framework

LEVEL 1
Reaction
Satisfaction, perceived relevance, NPS
LEVEL 2
Learning
Assessment scores, rubric performance
LEVEL 3
Behavior
Application tracking at 30, 60, 90 days
LEVEL 4
Results
Productivity metrics, time savings
Let's Build

Ready to Architect
Your AI Training?

This architecture is a framework. The real work is adapting it to your organization's roles, culture, and strategic priorities. I design and build these systems.

🏗
Architecture Design
Custom module libraries, role builds, assessment frameworks
🧠
Content Development
Full module builds with learning objectives, activities, assessments
Implementation
LMS integration, pilot programs, measurement systems
Joshua Stringer
L&D Architect · AI Systems Designer
josh.stringer62@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/josh-stringer Gilbert, AZ · Open to Remote