CompTIA Survey: Worker AI Skills Lag Behind Corporate Adoption

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being widely used by professionals, yet a majority do not feel highly familiar with the technology, according to new research from CompTIA. The "AI Skills Tracker" survey of over 1,000 business and technology leaders found that while 80% of professionals use AI tools multiple times per month, only 29% report a high level of familiarity with AI technologies. More than half of respondents indicated that business-related activities account for 20% or less of their overall AI use.

The research highlights a substantial disconnect between the pace of AI adoption in businesses and the readiness of the workforce. The findings indicate that most workers are acquiring AI knowledge independently rather than through employer-sponsored training. Over six in ten rely on general social tools, which lack formal structures for skill documentation or validation.

"Organizations looking for greater business value from their AI investments will need to prioritize workforce skills development alongside technology deployment," said Seth Robinson, vice president of research at CompTIA. "Workforce readiness will be the critical success factor as organizations move beyond experimentation to broader implementation."

CompTIA's study also points to a growing divide between employees who actively develop their career capabilities and those taking a more casual approach. Among respondents actively building job skills, 47% report a high level of AI familiarity, compared to 29% overall. Robinson noted that individuals who proactively build AI skills report greater familiarity, confidence, and positive workplace outcomes, underscoring the importance of structured learning and hands-on experience.