AI Frontier Institute

Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025

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The Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop, maintain, and publish workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies, including a mandatory framework specifically for artificial intelligence. Section 2 amends the NIST Act (15 U.S.C. 272) to formally define 'competencies,' 'workforce categories,' and 'workforce framework,' and adds a new function (paragraph 14 of Section 2(b)) requiring the NIST Director to create and update these frameworks for use by industry, government, academia, nonprofits, and labor organizations. Frameworks must be reviewed at least every three years, must include professional and employability skills, support and operations work roles (such as law, ethics, privacy, HR, and supply chain security), career pathway information for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds, and credential guidance. NIST must also produce resources in multiple languages. For cybersecurity specifically, Section 2(c) requires the Director to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on the update process for the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST Special Publication 800-181), and to submit follow-up reports every three years for nine years on adoption and effectiveness. Section 2(c)(3) requires NIST to disseminate cybersecurity career resources for all age groups through the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. Section 2(d) requires the Director to assess the need for additional frameworks within 180 days of enactment, and mandates that an AI-specific workforce framework be developed and published no later than 540 days after enactment. Additional frameworks may follow the NICE Playbook for Workforce Frameworks modeled on NIST SP 800-181.

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