Texas Formalizes Certification Standards for AI Training Programs

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has published new certification standards for artificial intelligence training programs, establishing detailed requirements that programs must meet to be eligible for use by state and local government employees.

The certification process stems from House Bill 3512, which requires government employees to complete an annual, certified AI awareness training program beginning in fiscal year 2026. To support that mandate, DIR will certify at least five training programs that meet the newly defined standards.

The standards, released for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, are designed to ensure that AI training promotes ethical, responsible and effective use of the technology in government. According to DIR, the criteria are intended to equip employees with foundational knowledge while reinforcing data privacy, public trust and risk awareness.

To be certified, training programs must meet seven required standards. These include coverage of responsible use, accessibility, risk mitigation and public-sector scenarios. Programs must also include pre- and post-training assessments, use instructors with subject matter expertise and regularly update course content.

Certification applies to training programs, not individuals, and must be renewed annually. DIR has stated that only certified programs may be used to fulfill the annual AI training requirement beginning in FY 2026.

DIR expects to publish additional instructions for submitting training programs for certification by the end of January. Until then, agencies and providers can review the criteria now posted on the agency’s website.

The certification standards are part of DIR’s expanding role in statewide AI governance. In 2025, the agency proposed a statewide AI Code of Ethics and was directed under Senate Bill 1964 to establish guidelines for responsible AI use. DIR has also encouraged agencies to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework and other federal models.

These efforts are reinforced in the 2026–2030 State Strategic Plan, which calls for increased AI literacy, workforce upskilling and modernized digital services. DIR initiatives such as the Texas Innovation and Education Center and the statewide AI User Group are positioned to support those goals through training, collaboration and ongoing engagement.