A new shift in professional skill validation is taking shape as LinkedIn introduces verified AI skill certificates designed to reflect real, hands-on experience. These new badges move away from traditional exams and instead rely on actual usage data from partner applications to measure and display generative AI skills.
The newly launched certificates update automatically on user profiles as skills improve. Rather than testing theory, the system tracks how people work with real tools in real situations. This approach aims to offer a more accurate picture of what users can actually do with AI.
Users can earn verified badges by working on partner platforms such as Descript for video and podcast editing, Lovable for “vibe coding”, Replit for coding, and Relay.app for building AI agents. These partner apps assess how users interact with their tools, determine skill levels, and then surface the certifications directly on LinkedIn profiles. More platforms, including Gamma, GitHub, and Zapier, are expected to join the program soon.
The move comes at a time when AI skills are becoming critical in hiring decisions. According to an edX report published in August 2025, demand for AI-related skills in job postings doubled over a 12-month period. By the end of 2025, data from Indeed showed that more than 4% of job listings in the US mentioned AI, with strong demand coming from sectors such as technology, banking, and marketing.
LinkedIn says the goal is to help professionals stand out in a fast-changing job market. With over 100 million users already verified on the platform, LinkedIn Vice President Hari Srinivasan said these new badges add “an additional way to prove what you can actually do.” The focus, he explained, is on building trust and helping recruiters identify genuine, practical AI talent.
As hiring continues to shift toward AI-driven roles, these verified skill certificates could play a key role in shaping how professionals showcase their abilities.
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