Texas Opens AI Training Program Certification Process to Vendors

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) is now accepting applications from vendors seeking certification for artificial intelligence training programs required under a new state law.

The certification program follows DIR’s earlier release of formal standards outlining the requirements that training programs must meet. Under House Bill 3512, state and local government employees who use a computer for at least 25 percent of their job duties, along with certain elected and appointed officials, must complete a certified AI training program beginning in fiscal year 2026.

To meet this mandate, DIR will certify at least five training programs that align with newly defined standards. Certification is open to third-party vendors and to public agencies developing in-house courses. Certified programs will be valid through Aug. 31, and only approved programs may be used to fulfill the annual training requirement.

The standards, developed by DIR in consultation with the Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board, require training programs to address seven core areas. These include responsible AI use, risk mitigation, accessibility and scenarios relevant to public-sector operations. Programs must also feature pre- and post-training assessments, rely on instructors with subject matter expertise and keep course content updated. Certification applies to the training program itself rather than to the provider or instructors.

The AI training initiative is modeled after Texas’ existing cybersecurity awareness training requirement and is intended to strengthen risk management practices across government. DIR has also encouraged alignment with federal guidance such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework.

DIR plans to release additional instructions for submitting certification applications by the end of January. The agency will maintain a public list of approved programs on its Statewide AI Awareness Training webpage and will update the list as new programs are certified.

This effort is part of DIR’s broader role in AI governance. In 2025, the agency proposed a statewide AI Code of Ethics and was directed by Senate Bill 1964 to establish guidelines for responsible AI use. These priorities are also reflected in the 2026–2030 State Strategic Plan, which calls for increased AI literacy, workforce upskilling and modernized digital services. Related DIR initiatives, including the Texas Innovation and Education Center and the statewide AI User Group, are positioned to support these goals through training and collaboration.