Level	Focus	Characteristic capabilities	Typical indicators
Foundation (L1)	Essential competencies and basic understanding	Basic understanding of AI concepts and tools Fundamental verification and evaluation skills Essential practical applications within professional context Core ethical awareness and compliance	Follows established procedures. Identifies basic issues. Uses AI tools for straightforward tasks with guidance.
Intermediate (L2)	Enhanced capabilities and systematic approaches	Advanced understanding and integration of tools Systematic evaluation methodologies Complex implementation strategies Developed ethical frameworks and compliance systems	Designs processes and procedures. Evaluates systematically. Combines tools for complex tasks. Guides peers.
Advanced (L3)	Leadership and innovation capabilities	Strategic implementation of AI systems Framework development for evaluation and assessment Innovation leadership within the professional domain Ethical guidance and policy development	Creates frameworks and standards. Leads organizational initiatives. Develops novel approaches. Mentors others.

Level transitions are meant to be qualitative shifts in what a person does, not the same activity done more intensively. Each sub-competency has its own descriptors at each level, shown on the component pages.

A person's profile across the sixteen sub-competencies is more informative than a single score. Uneven profiles are expected and show where development is needed.