AI literacy and certification in education.
Generative AI has entered Dutch education faster than any previous digital tool. CBS reported that in 2024 approximately 34% of adults with a higher education qualification used generative AI; among those under 25 with such a qualification this rose to 61%. The question is no longer whether but how to ensure those who work with AI are properly certified.
What is at play
What is at play in education.
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam developed Erudite, a secure generative AI environment. SURF and Npuls are working on the EduGenAI platform and published a DPIA on Microsoft 365 Copilot with remaining privacy risks. NOLAI (Nationaal Onderwijslab AI, Radboud Universiteit, €80 million via the Nationaal Groeifonds) is the first publicly funded living lab for primary and secondary education. In primary education thousands of schools use the adaptive learning platform Snappet.
Why AI literacy matters especially here
High-risk in Annex III and a ban on emotion recognition.
In Annex III, point 3, the AI Act classifies four educational applications as high-risk: AI for admission, for evaluating learning outcomes, for determining an appropriate educational level, and for detecting prohibited behaviour during tests (online proctoring). Emotion recognition with pupils is prohibited under Article 5. In addition, the GDPR (with special protection for children under 16), OCW sector legislation and the Normenkader IBP apply. Kennisnet notes that AI detection of AI-generated content does not work reliably and advocates a redesign of assessment.
The four SAIG levels for education
Four levels, one scheme.
For educational support staff and teachers who occasionally come into contact with AI.
For primary and secondary school teachers who use generative AI in day-to-day teaching practice.
For MBO/HBO/WO lecturers, examination officers, educational designers and researchers who use AI in assessment, evaluation or research.
For school leaders, board members, CvB members, ICT coordinators, policy officers and DPOs with responsibility for AI policy and high-risk applications.
Which level fits which role?
Role and recommended level.
| Role | AI contact | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching assistant, caretaker, ICT helpdesk | incidental | Awareness Badge |
| Primary school teacher, secondary school teacher | daily AI in lesson preparation | Basis |
| MBO/HBO/WO lecturer, teacher educator | AI in assessment and evaluation | Practitioner |
| Researcher, PhD candidate, postdoc | AI in research process | Practitioner |
| Examination secretary, assessment specialist, study adviser | assessment integrity, advising | Practitioner |
| School leader, CvB, ICT coordinator, DPO | governance and high-risk AI | Advanced |
For organisations and for professionals
One standard, two tracks.
For educational boards, SAIG offers a uniform framework to organise demonstrable AI literacy across primary, secondary, MBO and higher education, and to equip policy-responsible staff with the competence required for Annex III applications. For individual teachers and researchers, a SAIG certificate is independent, portable evidence that distinguishes "completed a training" from "tested competence".
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about AI in education.
Is SAIG mandatory for teachers?
No. Article 4 requires an adequate level of AI literacy; certification is one way to make that demonstrable.
Which level suits an examination secretary?
Practitioner, because AI in assessment quickly touches high-risk categories from Annex III.
May a school use AI to detect fraud?
Online proctoring and fraud detection during tests fall under Annex III high-risk; from 2 August 2026 additional requirements apply for risk management, transparency and human oversight.
Is emotion recognition permitted?
No, not with pupils. Under Article 5 of the AI Act this is prohibited in an educational context.
How does SAIG relate to Kennisnet, SURF and Npuls?
Those provide guidance and platforms; SAIG establishes the standard and certifies individuals. They are complementary roles.
How long is the certificate valid?
Basis, Practitioner and Advanced 24 months; Awareness Badge 12 to 24 months.
Next step
Schedule an orientation call.
We will discuss what Article 4 means specifically for your organisation in education and which SAIG route fits your roles and risk profile.
Sources: CBS press release (August 2024); Universiteit Utrecht survey generative AI; Kennisnet guidance assessment and generative AI; SURF DPIA EduGenAI 2024; AP investigation pupil tracking systems; EUR-Lex Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.