New Skillsoft data shows the workforce is moving past checkbox training — prioritizing verified AI credentials that demonstrate readiness and confidence.

Skillsoft (NYSE:SKIL), a leading AI‑native skills management platform, today released new data showing that learners are increasingly focused on demonstrating AI proficiency as organizations work to translate their AI investments into productivity gains and business results.

Over the past year, Skillsoft saw strong growth across AI learning and skills validation experiences on its platform. AI-related Skill Benchmark completions, which assess learners' ability to apply knowledge and give organizations visibility into workforce readiness, increased 994% year over year. This growth was accompanied by a 261% increase in AI content completions, a 222% rise in AI learning journeys, and a 241% increase in AI achievement badges issued.

These trends indicate that both organizations and employees are seeking more opportunities to both build AI skills and validate their ability to apply those skills effectively on the job. As this shift toward measurable, practice-based learning accelerates, organizations gain clearer visibility into workforce capability and greater confidence in how those skills are applied in practice.

"As organizations accelerate AI adoption, determining which skills humans should develop versus those handled by AI has become paramount," said Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer and Principal Analyst at Brandon Hall Group. "Organizations also need clearer ways to identify talent who can apply AI in real business scenarios. That makes alignment across learning, assessment, and skills data essential to talent readiness and execution."

Organizations are moving from experimenting with AI to relying on it for day-to-day execution. The question is no longer whether employees are learning AI skills, but whether those skills can be trusted and applied consistently to drive real outcomes. Skills validation, demonstrating and verifying proficiency through practical application, is becoming a critical component of workforce readiness. Organizations that can identify real capability and apply it with consistency are better positioned to drive results at scale.

"As AI becomes part of how work gets done, the cost of low-quality output and misapplied tools is becoming more visible," said Bernard Barbour, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Skillsoft. "Validation is the bridge between learning and application. By combining AI-powered learning with skill verification in one platform, employees gain confidence and organizations gain the visibility required to turn potential into measurable business performance."

Learn more about the Skillsoft Percipio Platform at skillsoft.com.

User adoption data is sourced from Skillsoft Percipio in aggregate, representing user activity from December 2024 to December 2025. Metrics are based on internal platform activity and are not intended to represent third-party certifications.

About Skillsoft

Skillsoft (NYSE:SKIL) is a global leader in skills management for the human + AI era. The AI-native Skillsoft platform gives a clear view of workforce capability, closes critical skill gaps, and proves the impact of skills on business outcomes. With Skillsoft, organizations can build AI-ready teams, lower the cost and time of workforce development, and reduce execution risk as work continues to change. Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Skillsoft to power workforce readiness. Learn more at skillsoft.com

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward‑Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward‑looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10‑K and subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward‑looking statements, except as required by law.

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AI Skills Validation Surges 994% as Employees Seek to Prove Proficiency