60% of AI certification demand comes from mid-career professionals: Report

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, Indian companies are increasingly investing in upskilling existing employees rather than hiring new talent to meet evolving technology demands, according to insights released by edForce.The learning and workforce development platform said certification-led training has become a core part of enterprise talent strategies during FY2025-26, with organisations seeking to equip employees with practical AI and digital skills as business requirements change.The strongest demand has been recorded for certifications in Agentic AI, Generative AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, reflecting the growing need for job-ready capabilities in AI-driven workplaces.According to the report, around 65-70% of enterprise learning engagements now include a certification component, up from approximately 45-50% a year ago. Companies are increasingly using certifications to validate employee skills, support career progression and improve workforce readiness.The data also points to a clear shift towards internal talent development. Nearly 60% of certification demand comes from professionals with three to ten years of experience, indicating that organisations are prioritising the reskilling of mid-career employees as AI transforms job roles.The trend extends beyond technology teams. Product managers, project managers, business analysts, operations leaders and consulting professionals are also participating in certification programmes as AI adoption expands across business functions.Technology and IT services account for the largest share of certification demand at around 42%, followed by banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, and retail. The findings suggest that AI-led workforce transformation is becoming an enterprise-wide priority rather than being limited to the technology sector.Commenting on the trend, Ravi Kaklasaria, Co-Founder and CEO of edForce, said, "The biggest workforce shift we're seeing today is that organisations are moving from hiring for skills to building skills internally. Certifications have become an important mechanism for validating capability, supporting career growth, and preparing employees for new responsibilities. As AI adoption accelerates, employers are increasingly looking for professionals who can demonstrate practical, job-ready capabilities rather than relying solely on traditional qualifications. Continuous learning is becoming a core component of workforce strategy rather than a standalone L&D initiative."Looking ahead, edForce expects demand to remain strong for certifications in Agentic AI, Generative AI, AI infrastructure, AI security, cloud architecture, cloud security, MLOps, data engineering and AI-focused leadership programmes.Also read: South India’s tech hubs drive online schooling growth, accounting for 69% of metro enrolments