UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Certificate Description

CITL’s Generative AI Fluency Certificate is a practical, skills-based program that helps learners develop the foundational knowledge needed to use generative AI responsibly and effectively in academic, creative, and workplace settings. Designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind, the certificate can be completed entirely online through asynchronous modules or personalized through a combination of online learning, CITL workshops, and approved AI-related campus or online electives.

To earn the certificate, participants complete six approved learning experiences and maintain a learning journal throughout the program. At least four of the six experiences must come from CITL offerings. Up to two experiences may be fulfilled through approved AI-related campus events, online workshops, or other relevant electives.

In total, the certificate requires approximately 15–20 hours of structured engagement through guided learning, hands-on exploration, and reflective practice. The program emphasizes the effective and responsible use of campus-supported generative AI tools.

No application or requirements needed to start. Self-enroll in any of the modules below to begin exploring generative AI.

AI Fluency Modules

Each of the modules below includes hands-on activities and exercises designed to help you get the most out of our campus supported generative AI tools. You will also be introduced to additional multimodal tools such as Notion, HeyGen, Firefly, and ElevenLabs. No paid subscriptions are required, though some optional activities may invite participants to create free accounts for additional practice.

A badge is awarded for each module when the short quiz is completed with a score of at least 80 percent.

Generative AI Literacy
Safe and Effective AI Practices

Enroll in this Module

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Understanding Generative AI
Learn How Large Language Models Work

Enroll in this Module

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Using Generative AI as a Collaborator
Explore effective prompt patterns and techniques

Enroll in this Module

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Designing AI Interactions for Consistency
Learn strategies to produce more reliable results

Available June 1st

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Engaging with Multimodal AI
Create Images, Audio, Video and More

Available June 1st

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The Cognitive Impacts of Generative AI
Understand How AI Impacts Learning

Available June 8th

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Using Generative AI to Enhance Learning
Explore Targeted Strategies that Work

Available June 8th

Using and Creating Custom Agents
Learn to Create Your Own Chatbot

Available June 8th

Partner Events & Other Electives

In addition to these modules, participants may apply up to two AI-related events, workshops, or training sessions that align with their professional goals or specialized interests. This flexibility allows you to customize the certificate by drawing from a variety of options offered both on-campus and online.

Campus events:

Online options:

Certificate Requirement and Completion

To earn the CITL Generative AI Fluency Certificate, participants must complete the following requirements:

Complete six approved learning experiences. At least four of the six experiences must come from CITL offerings, such as asynchronous modules or CITL-facilitated workshops. Up to two experiences may be fulfilled through AI-related campus events, online workshops, or other relevant electives.

For asynchronous CITL modules, participants must complete all required activities and pass the module quiz with a score of at least 80 percent.

Maintain a learning journal throughout the program. The journal should document each learning experience completed and include evidence of AI-related work, key takeaways, artifacts or shared chat links when appropriate, and reflections on how each experience contributed to the participant’s understanding of generative AI.

Submit the completed learning journal for review after all six learning experiences have been completed. Certificates are awarded after all requirements have been met and the journal has been reviewed. Participants will be notified if any requirements are missing.