#Japan #Tokyo #Workforce Skills #AI Certification #NTT DOCOMO

NTT Docomo Solutions Introduces AI Skill Certification Program

NTT Docomo Solutions, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is set to launch a pioneering AI skill certification program called the 'AI Practical Level Assessment' starting March 1, 2026. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of AI talent while providing a transparent evaluation of employees' expertise in AI applications.

The certification program emerges in a rapidly evolving landscape where AI technology increasingly defines corporate competitiveness. By involving all employees in the assessment process, NTT Docomo Solutions seeks to establish a culture where leveraging AI tools in everyday tasks becomes the norm.

Objectives of the AI Certification

The primary aim of the AI Practical Level Assessment is to categorize and recognize the AI practical capabilities of staff across four distinct levels. These levels include:

• - BlackBelt: AI implementation consultants who can lead transformations
• - GreenBelt: Business improvement leaders and AI engineers who implement AI solutions
• - YellowBelt: Employees who autonomously utilize AI with a foundational understanding
• - WhiteBelt: Individuals who possess basic AI knowledge and comprehend its application requirements

Through rigorous training and practical project experience, employees will be able to gain certifications reflecting their competency in AI application within their roles. The company aims to certify 400 employees at the GreenBelt level and above by the close of the fiscal year 2027, reinforcing its commitment to developing a skilled workforce.

Implementation Strategy

Recognizing the growing need for specialized talent, NTT Docomo Solutions established an AI Promotion Room in July 2025. This internal initiative focuses on streamlining organizational operations with AI and enhancing development processes. By September 2025, all employees had incorporated Microsoft 365 Copilot into their daily practices—a critical step in achieving greater productivity and creativity across the board.

The strategy emphasizes the integration of AI into various business processes, allowing staff to consistently boost productivity. NTT Docomo Solutions has set ambitious targets, aiming for an average productivity improvement of ten hours per employee per month by 2027.

Assessment and Growth Approach

The AI Practical Level Assessment prioritizes tangible results driven by effective AI utilization in daily tasks. Assessment will utilize AI agents to facilitate rapid evaluations within approximately two weeks. Successful candidates at the BlackBelt and GreenBelt levels will receive certificates and badges as recognition of their expertise.

Path to Development for Each Level

• - WhiteBelt: Focus on basic AI knowledge and instilling behaviors conducive to AI use.
• - YellowBelt: Assign roles emphasizing practical AI application with support for qualifying examinations and mastering AI tool usage.
• - GreenBelt: Foster skills necessary for implementing AI models and optimizing environments to produce measurable results through practical experiences.
• - BlackBelt: Lead the charge in AI-driven business transformation, with assessments evaluating successful implementation and the sharing of innovative strategies among peers.

Through this new certification system, NTT Docomo Solutions aims to advance the skill sets of its employees while promoting an outcome-based evaluation rather than solely focusing on the means of acquiring skills. This transition from generative AI to agent-driven AI will further entrench effective AI utilization as a core aspect of business operations. By enhancing competitive capabilities in the AI and digital sectors, the company strives to deliver significant value to its clients while contributing positively to the broader business landscape.

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