U.S. Department of Labor AI Literacy Framework: Complete Guide (2026)

The U.S. Department of Labor AI Literacy Framework, officially released February 13, 2026, via Training and Employment Notice (TEN) 07-25, provides a voluntary blueprint for AI education and workforce training. What is the DOL AI Literacy Framework? It’s a comprehensive resource defining AI literacy and offering five foundational content areas plus seven delivery principles to prepare workers, students, educators, and employers for generative AI’s workplace impact.

This guide explores DOL AI education framework key components, benefits for EdTech, implementation steps, and strategic alignment with national priorities like America’s Talent Strategy and Executive Order 14277.​

What Defines AI Literacy in the DOL Framework?

AI literacy DOL definition: The ability to use and evaluate generative AI technologies responsibly in professional contexts, focusing on pattern-based systems without requiring coding expertise.​

Key DOL AI literacy characteristics:

• Understand core mechanics: Training data, probabilistic outputs, hallucinations, human oversight.​
• Apply across roles: From routine tasks to decision support.​
• Scale proficiency: Baseline for all, advanced for specialists.​

 

This definition empowers inclusive AI adoption, making it a cornerstone for workforce upskilling.​

DOL Framework’s Five Foundational Content Areas

The five AI literacy pillars progress from basics to mastery:

These areas ensure practical, role-agnostic proficiency.

 

Content Area	Description	Key Skills	Workplace Examples
Understand AI Principles	Mental models of AI operations ​	Identify patterns, biases, accuracy limits	Verify AI-generated reports
Explore AI Uses	Applications in productivity, creativity	Map to workflows	Automate drafting in admin roles
Direct AI Effectively	Prompting, iteration techniques	Frame context, refine outputs	Generate precise analytics
Evaluate AI Outputs	Assess relevance, logic, risks	Cross-verify, apply judgment	Refine recommendations
Use AI Responsibly	Ethics, data security, accountability	Mitigate risks, follow policies	Secure sensitive data inputs

 

Seven DOL Delivery Principles for Effective Training

How to deliver DOL AI literacy training? Follow these principles:

1. Experiential Learning: Hands-on prompts, feedback loops​
2. Contextual Embedding: Industry-specific examples​
3. Human Skills Complement: Pair with creativity, ethics​
4. Prerequisites Addressed: Digital literacy refreshers​
5. Continued Pathways: Stackable credentials​
6. Enabling Roles: Train trainers, managers​
7. Agility Design: Iterative updates​

DOL AI framework implementation tip: Integrate into WIOA-funded programs for scalable impact.​

Tailored Applications for Key Stakeholders

For Workers and Job Seekers

• Experiment with AI tools daily
• Align skills to job descriptions​

For Employers

• Audit workflows for AI opportunities
• Upskill teams via micro-credentials​

For Educators (K-12, Higher Ed, CTE)

• Embed in curricula with employer partnerships
• Use for EdTech LMS/SIS integration​

For Agencies

• Regionalize content for economic needs​

Alignment with National Strategies

The framework supports:

• President Trump’s AI Action Plan (2025)​
• Department of Education AI guidance​
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding​

DOL AI framework benefits:

• Boosts productivity by 20-40% via AI augmentation​
• Prepares 10M+ workers by 2030​
• Enhances U.S. competitiveness in AI​

EdTech and Digital Strategy Implications

For platforms, the framework guides:

• AI-powered credentialing modules
• K-12/Higher Ed compliance​
• GDPR-aligned responsible AI training​

Competitive edge: Position as DOL framework-certified solutions for global markets (US, UK, India, UAE).​

How to Implement the DOL AI Literacy Framework: Step-by-Step

1. Assess Needs: Baseline literacy diagnostics​
2. Select Content: Prioritize top 3 pillars​
3. Design Delivery: Hands-on cohorts​
4. Measure Outcomes: Proficiency tracking​
5. Iterate: Feedback loops​

Resources: DOL’s TEN 07-25 PDF, Competency Model Clearinghouse.​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): DOL AI Framework

What is the US Department of Labor AI education framework release date?
February 13, 2026.​

Who created the DOL AI literacy framework?
Employment and Training Administration (ETA).​

Is the DOL AI framework mandatory?
Voluntary, but fundable via WIOA.​

What are the five content areas in the DOL AI framework?
Understand principles, explore uses, direct effectively, evaluate outputs, use responsibly.​

How does the DOL AI literacy framework support EdTech?
Provides curriculum blueprints for AI in LMS/ERP.​

DOL AI framework vs. DOE guidance?
DOL focuses on the workforce; DOE emphasizes K-12. Complementary.​

Future-Proofing with DOL’s Framework

As AI evolves, the framework’s agility ensures sustained relevance, inviting promising practices submissions. EdTech leaders can leverage it for product positioning, GTM strategies, and certification programs.​

Official Source: 

DOL TEN 07-25