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Learning framework · C1 to C5

An AI competency framework: five levels in each stage.

From Aware (C1) to Architect (C5). Each level is earned only with evidence from real work.

Updated

Stage × level

Pick a stage. See what each level means in it.

A person holds a level in each stage, not one level overall.

Agentic · The value frontier

ADLC · 10 phases · G1–G6 · Agentic Studio

  1. C1AwareExplains agents, the autonomy dial and “no owner, no agent”Scenario quiz, taken without AI
  2. C2PractitionerDelegates bounded tasks to an agent; reads its traceWorking with AI Agents
  3. C3BuilderShips one agent release through the ADLC with evals and a kill switchAgentic AI Engineer
  4. C4LeaderSets autonomy levels and runs the Agent Accountability RegisterExpansion and accountability records for a live system
  5. C5ArchitectDesigns how agent telemetry seeds the next stageA Handoff Map; teaching a cohort

  1. C1

    Aware

    Explains the stage and why it matters

    Evidence: Scenario quiz, taken without AI

  2. C2

    Practitioner

    Uses AI well, checks every output

    Evidence: A logged use case, plus the same task done without AI

  3. C3

    Builder

    Ships one real turn through the life cycle

    Evidence: Gate records and an oral defence

  4. C4

    Leader

    Runs a portfolio and its governance

    Evidence: Expansion and accountability records for a live system

  5. C5

    Architect

    Designs the system every stage stands on

    Evidence: A Handoff Map; teaching a cohort

From The Foundation Studio Playbook, Chapter 45. The framework is proposed and not yet externally validated. It is based on, not aligned to, UNESCO and SFIA.

Quick answers

The levels, answered.

What are the five AI Flywheel levels?

C1 Aware, C2 Practitioner, C3 Builder, C4 Leader and C5 Architect. Each is defined by the evidence it takes, from a scenario quiz taken without AI at C1 to a Handoff Map and teaching a cohort at C5, and each is held separately in every stage.

How are levels different from courses?

A course is how you learn; a level is what you can prove. Several programmes can lead to the same level, and a level is only awarded on an artefact from real work plus one check taken without AI, never on hours attended.

Next

An AI implementation toolkit: 28 tools, in order of use.

Every template, checklist and diagnostic from The AI Flywheel, grouped from orient to start.

Toolkit →Take the Flywheel Check