Technical Understanding is one of the five components of AI literacy in the ALiF Standard. Every conforming implementation addresses all five, with emphasis that varies by professional role.
Key elements
- AI principles and concepts
- Tool operations and applications
- Integration methods
- Limitations and constraints
Example competencies
- Explains AI concepts in context-appropriate terms
- Identifies suitable AI tools for specific tasks
- Integrates AI tools into professional workflows
- Recognizes and articulates limitations of AI systems
How it relates to the other components
Technical Understanding (TEC) and Critical Evaluation (EVA) as reciprocal. Understanding how AI tools work (TEC) informs the ability to evaluate their outputs (EVA), and the process of evaluating outputs deepens understanding of how tools function. These components develop most effectively when paired rather than sequenced.
Sub-competencies (3)
TEC.1 Conceptual Awareness
The ability to understand and explain what AI systems are, how they function at a conceptual level, and where their capabilities and limitations lie. This sub-competency encompasses knowledge of different AI types and their applications, familiarity with core terminology, and the capacity to recognize which AI tools are appropriate for which tasks. It does not require understanding the mathematical or engineering foundations of AI systems.
| Foundation (L1) | Intermediate (L2) | Advanced (L3) |
|---|---|---|
| Explains basic AI principles in simple terms. Identifies common AI tools and their general uses. Recognizes key limitations of AI systems. | Compares AI tools systematically against specific requirements. Selects appropriate tools for defined tasks based on capability analysis. Evaluates strengths and weaknesses for given contexts. | Develops decision frameworks for AI tool selection across complex scenarios. Anticipates how emerging AI capabilities map to unmet professional needs. Mentors others in technology evaluation methodology. |
TEC.2 Tool Proficiency
The ability to use AI tools effectively to accomplish professional tasks. This sub-competency encompasses crafting effective prompts and inputs, navigating the features and settings of AI platforms, adapting outputs to meet specific needs, and troubleshooting common issues. It is assessed through demonstrated interaction with AI systems, not theoretical knowledge about them.
| Foundation (L1) | Intermediate (L2) | Advanced (L3) |
|---|---|---|
| Writes basic prompts that produce relevant outputs. Completes standard AI-assisted tasks. Uses core features of AI tools. Identifies common errors in AI interactions. | Creates effective, structured prompts with consistent results. Combines multiple AI tools for complex tasks. Customizes tool settings to match specific needs. Develops reusable prompt templates. | Creates and validates systematic prompt methodologies. Develops integrated multi-tool workflows for organizational use. Designs training materials that enable others’ proficiency. Evaluates new tools against established effectiveness criteria. |
TEC.3 Process Knowledge
The ability to integrate AI tools into professional workflows and document that integration systematically. This sub-competency encompasses designing AI-enhanced processes, following established protocols for AI use, maintaining records of AI-assisted work, and understanding best practices for human-AI collaboration. It bridges individual tool use (TEC.2) and organizational implementation (PRA.1).
| Foundation (L1) | Intermediate (L2) | Advanced (L3) |
|---|---|---|
| Documents AI use in professional work. Follows established procedures for AI integration. Implements basic AI-enhanced workflows. Maintains records of AI-assisted activities. | Designs efficient AI-enhanced workflows for specific contexts. Adapts AI processes across different task types. Creates integration protocols. Measures and documents efficiency improvements. | Develops replicable AI-enhanced methodologies that others adopt. Creates frameworks for AI-human collaboration that balance automation with professional judgment. Leads process improvement initiatives across teams or departments. |
Definitions and level descriptors are quoted from ALiF Standard v1.0r1. The level descriptors are informative; role-specific descriptors are in the Competency Framework.