For many companies, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has long been part of everyday work. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or specialized AI applications – the possibilities are growing rapidly. At the same time, however, legal requirements are also increasing. With the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) the European Union has created the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence.
Starting August 2, 2026, the enforcement of the AI Act will become significantly more important in practice. For companies, this is a good opportunity to critically review their own implementation of the requirements. This includes, in particular the so-called AI competency requirement under Article 4 of the AI Act – that is, the obligation to empower employees to use AI systems safely and responsibly.
Key Points at a Glance
- Since February 2, 2025, Article 4 of the AI Act has required companies to ensure that their employees have adequate AI competency.
- Starting August 2, 2026, the enforcement of additional provisions of the AI Act by the relevant authorities will become significantly more important across Europe.
- In principle, this affects all companies whose employees use AI systems in their work.
- Recommendation: Systematically identify training needs, provide employees with the necessary qualifications, and document the measures in a transparent manner.
What does the AI competency requirement under Article 4 of the AI Act mean?
The AI Act does not mandate any specific training or certification for companies. However, it requires employees to have adequate AI competency. The specific knowledge required depends, among other things, on the nature of the work, the AI systems used, and the associated risks.
AI competency includes, for example:
- Fundamentals of artificial intelligence use
- Opportunities and limitations of generative AI
- Risks of erroneous or biased results
- Data protection and information security
- Responsible and legally compliant use in everyday work
The goal is clear: Employees should not only be able to operate AI. They should also understand when results need to be critically evaluated and what responsibilities they bear when using AI.
Almost every company is affected
The AI competency requirement is not limited to developers or IT departments. It applies to all organizations whose employees use AI systems in a professional setting.
This applies to nearly every industry today. Whether in human resources, marketing, procurement, customer service, or management – AI applications now support daily workflows everywhere. This makes it all the more important to systematically identify actual training needs and provide appropriate training programs.
Now is the right time to act
The requirement for AI competence has been in effect since February 2025. However, as of August 2, 2026, the implementation of the AI Act will come even more sharply into focus for the relevant authorities. Companies should therefore not wait until evidence is requested to take action. It makes sense to develop a clear and traceable plan early on – from assessing needs to implementing appropriate training measures and documenting them.
The AI Act is one of the world’s strictest regulatory frameworks governing the use of artificial intelligence. Depending on the nature of the violation, fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of global annual revenue may be imposed. While this maximum penalty applies to particularly serious violations of the AI Act, it underscores the high priority the European Union places on the responsible and legally compliant use of AI. Companies should therefore implement all requirements of the AI Act – including AI competence as defined in Article 4 – early on and in a transparent manner.
Build AI Competence in a Targeted Way with wingsacademy
Anyone who wants to efficiently meet the requirements of the AI Act should first identify the actual training needs within their company. That’s exactly why wingsacademy offers a free needs assessment for AI competence. It helps you analyze training needs in a structured way and determine appropriate measures.
Building on this, wingsacademy offers two specially developed online training courses on AI competency. They convey the necessary knowledge in a clear, practical, and flexible way – tailored to different target groups and levels of prior knowledge. Of course, the courses include audit-compliant documentation and a certificate of completion.
Would you like to know how well your company is prepared for the requirements of the AI Act? Then take advantage of the free needs assessment or learn more about our two online training courses directly in the wingsacademy online shop. We’d be happy to help you find the right solution for your company.
Further Information
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act)
- European Commission FAQ on AI Competence under Article 4 of the AI Act
- European Commission AI Office
