Independent comparison
Explore official national standards relevant to AI use, automation, data, technical delivery and organisational adoption. These pages explain the route; they do not represent a provider programme or provider ranking.
When a standard appears relevant, look underneath the title at how a provider teaches it: curriculum depth, live work, technology and licence access, feedback, mentoring, manager support and how recently the material has been updated.
CORE AI
AI is explicit and central to the occupation described by the standard.
STRONGLY AI-RELEVANT
The occupation can build substantial AI-enabling capability, although AI is not its only purpose.
AI-ADJACENT
The standard can support AI adoption in the right role, but its occupational scope is broader than AI.
Use one filter or combine several to narrow the standards.
13 programmes
Ordered by AI relevance, capability and level
ST1512 · Version 2.1
Identifies, designs and delivers practical improvements to business workflows using AI, automation and digital tools.
Example roles
AI integration officer · Digital automation specialist · Process automation analyst · Digital productivity consultant
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST1398 · Version 1.0
Designs, builds, deploys and validates machine-learning and artificial-intelligence solutions using data from multiple sources.
Example roles
Machine learning engineer · ML operations engineer · AI engineer
An updated version of this standard is scheduled to take effect on 11 December 2026.
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0763 · Version 1.0
Uses advanced computational methods and complex data to discover AI solutions that improve and automate business processes.
Example roles
Artificial intelligence specialist · AI engineer · Machine learning specialist · AI strategy manager
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0795 · Version 1.1
Sources, formats, cleans and presents structured and unstructured data securely so that it can support analysis and business outcomes.
Example roles
Data technician · Data support analyst · Junior data analyst · Junior information analyst
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0118 · Version 1.1
Collects, cleans, models and interprets data to answer questions, improve decisions and support organisational performance.
Example roles
Data analyst · Departmental data analyst · Marketing data analyst · Junior analyst
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST1386 · Version 1.0
Builds systems and pipelines that collect, manage and convert data into usable information for analysts, data scientists and ML engineers.
Example roles
Data engineer
An updated version of this standard is scheduled to take effect on 18 December 2026.
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0585 · Version 1.1
Applies statistics, software engineering, machine learning and AI techniques to complex data and organisational problems.
Example roles
Data scientist · Informatics specialist · Data engineer
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0119 · Version 1.2
Develops degree-level digital and technology professionals through one of several options, including computing data analysis and software engineering.
Example roles
Software engineer · IT consultant · Business analyst · Computing data analyst
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0482 · Version 1.0
Develops specialists who investigate, identify and implement strategic digital and technology solutions through a chosen technical specialism.
Example roles
Data analytics specialist · IT strategy specialist · Digital futures manager · Enterprise systems architecture specialist
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0120 · Version 1.1
Helps organisations and users make effective use of digital office technologies, productivity software and digital communications.
Example roles
Digital coach · Digital transformation associate · Digital applications specialist · Digital support professional
An updated version of this standard is scheduled to take effect on 29 October 2026.
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0117 · Version 1.2
Investigates business situations, processes and stakeholder needs to define digital and business-change solutions.
Example roles
Business analyst · Business systems analyst · Business process analyst · Requirements analyst
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0825 · Version 1.1
Builds and operates automated software-delivery and infrastructure practices; relevant to AI where the job includes ML or AI platforms.
Example roles
DevOps engineer · DevOps practitioner · Platform engineer
An updated version of this standard is scheduled to take effect on 18 December 2026.
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeST0116 · Version 1.2
Builds and tests software from defined requirements; relevant to AI when the workplace role includes AI-enabled applications or automation.
Example roles
Software developer · Application developer · Mobile application developer · Web developer
Verified 23 September 2026
View programmeUnsure which occupational route fits?
Read how to choose the right routeIndustry intelligence
GOV.UK Science and Technology · Updated 28 Sept 2026
FE Week · 24 Sept 2026
IBM Newsroom · 1 Oct 2026
A clearer next step
See an indicative organisational snapshot, or speak to a human adviser about the workforce capability beneath it.
