Since 2 February 2025, Article 4 of the EU AI Act requires anyone using AI to do their best to make sure their staff have sufficient AI literacy. That includes small businesses using tools like ChatGPT in everyday work. There is no set certificate, but you do need practical measures. Here is what that means.
What Article 4 says
Providers and deployers of AI systems must take measures to ensure, to the best of their ability, a sufficient level of AI literacy. This applies to their staff and to other people who use AI on their behalf, such as freelancers. Technical knowledge, experience, training and the context in which the AI is used all play a part.
Who it affects and what you need
Does it apply to my business?
Most likely, yes. If someone in your office writes quotes with ChatGPT, translates with AI or has documents summarised, your business uses AI. It makes no difference whether you are a tradesperson in Schlanders or a guesthouse in Prad am Stilfserjoch.
Do I need a certificate?
No. The law does not prescribe a certificate or a fixed number of hours. What matters is that training fits the people and the way they use AI. Someone drafting simple texts needs something different from someone handling customer data. A certificate of attendance is still useful, because it helps show that you have taken real steps for your team.
Five practical steps
- List your tools: which AI tools are in use, and who uses them.
- Set clear rules: what may go in and what may not, such as customer data or trade secrets.
- Train your team: in a way that suits each role and task.
- Document the training: who took part, when and on which topics.
- Refresh regularly: the tools change quickly, and so do the skills needed.
For a small business none of this has to become a big project. Often a one page list, a few plainly written rules and a good training session for the whole team are enough.
What might change
Since 2025 there has been discussion at EU level about simplifying the AI Act. We are following it closely. Either way, a trained team remains a good idea: they use AI better, make fewer mistakes and handle data more safely. This guide is not legal advice. If in doubt, ask a professional.
Your next step
In our course EU AI Act and the AI literacy duty (held in German) your team learns the essentials and gets a certificate of attendance for your records. We also run tailored training on site, in the Vinschgau or anywhere in South Tyrol. Training may qualify for provincial funding.
Frequently asked questions
Since when does the duty apply?
Article 4 of the EU AI Act has applied since 2 February 2025.
Is any online course enough?
There is no prescribed format. What matters is that the training fits the people and the way they use AI, and that you document it.
What should I not put into ChatGPT?
As a rule, customers' personal data and trade secrets need great care. Set clear rules for your team and ask an expert if you are unsure.