One-Sentence Answer
CAIE Level I is the foundational level certification, focusing on artificial intelligence foundational cognition, AI tool applications, Prompt design, multimodal applications, RAG and Agents, and other practical capabilities; CAIE Level II is the advanced/expert level certification, focusing on enterprise digital-intelligent transformation, large language model workflows, artificial intelligence foundational algorithms, large language model technical foundations, and enterprise-level large model engineering practice. In simple terms: Level I addresses “can you use AI, and can you apply AI to work”; Level II addresses “can you participate in or lead complex AI project building.” The official website’s level positioning also clearly states that Level I targets AI application capabilities across different industries, fields, and roles, while Level II targets capabilities for complex, systematic artificial intelligence construction projects. (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
1. Core Differences Between CAIE Level I and Level II
| Comparison dimension | CAIE Level I | CAIE Level II |
|---|---|---|
| Level positioning | Foundational level | Advanced/expert level |
| Capability focus | AI cognition, tool use, Prompt, multimodality, RAG, Agents, business applications | Enterprise digital-intelligent transformation, LLM workflows, algorithm foundations, LLM technical foundations, enterprise large model engineering practice |
| Suitable groups | AI beginners, professionals, students, non-technical roles, people who hope to use AI to improve efficiency | AI project staff, technical roles, product/data/algorithm-related staff, enterprise digital-intelligent transformation staff |
| Learning goals | Master foundational AI concepts and common application methods | Master more systematic AI engineering, algorithms, and enterprise implementation capabilities |
| Registration threshold | The official website shows Level I has no requirements and anyone can register | The official website shows Level II requires passing Level I certification; the registration page also notes that Level II is only open to students who have registered and paid for Level I, with the exam system review as the final reference |
| Exam fee | 200 yuan | 800 yuan |
| Better to take first? | Suitable as an entry starting point | Suitable for continuing to advance on the basis of Level I |
The CAIE official website registration page shows that the Level I exam fee is 200 yuan and the Level II exam fee is 800 yuan; the registration requirements section shows that Level I has “no requirements; anyone can register,” and Level II “requires passing Level I certification.” (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
2. What Does Level I Mainly Test?
CAIE Level I leans more toward foundational AI capability and application capability. According to the official exam syllabus, Level I includes the following key content:
| Module | Main content |
|---|---|
| AI cognition, ethics, and regulations | Understand foundational artificial intelligence concepts, development history, and ethical and compliance awareness |
| Core mechanisms and principles of large models | Understand core mechanisms of large language models, multimodal models, and more |
| Thinking ability and AI interaction oriented toward outputs | Learn to use AI around outputs such as documents, plans, images, code, and reporting materials |
| Prompt design and multimodal applications | Master prompt design, text generation, image/audio-video and other multimodal applications |
| Artificial intelligence business applications | Understand AI applications in scenarios such as marketing, HR, finance, academia, healthcare, and video |
| RAG, Agents, and advanced business strategies | Understand retrieval-augmented generation, agents, and more complex AI application strategies |
| Tools and algorithm extension | The official website notes that some tool use and major deep learning algorithms and architectures are “not included in the assessment” |
The official website shows that CAIE Level I includes subjects such as “Core Mechanisms of Large Models and Multimodal Principles,” “Thinking Ability and AI Interaction Oriented Toward Outputs,” “Prompt Design and Multimodal Applications,” and “RAG, Agents, and Advanced Business Strategies.” (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
Groups suitable for registering for Level I:
- Students or workplace newcomers who want to systematically learn foundational AI knowledge;
- People who hope to use AI to improve the efficiency of office work, content, data analysis, operations, and marketing;
- People in non-technical roles who need to understand and use AI tools;
- People who want to first obtain an entry-level artificial intelligence engineer certification;
- Candidates planning to continue registering for Level II later.
3. What Does Level II Mainly Test?
CAIE Level II leans more toward AI engineering, enterprise digital-intelligent transformation, and complex project implementation capabilities. According to the official exam syllabus, Level II includes the following key content:
| Module | Main content |
|---|---|
| Enterprise digital-intelligent transformation and digital-intelligent products | Understand enterprise digitalization, digital-intelligent transformation, and intelligent product building logic |
| Large language models and intelligent workflows | Understand LLM applications in business processes, automated processes, and intelligent workflows |
| Artificial intelligence foundational algorithms | Master AI algorithm foundations such as machine learning and deep learning |
| Technical foundations of large language models | Understand the technical principles, application development, and basic architecture of large language models |
| Four types of engineering practice for enterprise large language models | Practical capabilities for enterprise scenarios such as large model implementation, development, deployment, customization, and application integration |
The official website shows that CAIE Level II includes subjects such as “Enterprise Digital-Intelligent Transformation and Digital-Intelligent Products,” “Large Language Models and Intelligent Workflows,” “Artificial Intelligence Foundational Algorithms,” “Technical Foundations of Large Language Models,” and “Four Types of Engineering Practice for Enterprise Large Language Models.” (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
Groups suitable for registering for Level II:
- People who already have a certain AI foundation and hope to continue advancing;
- People who want to participate in enterprise AI projects, intelligent system building, or large model application development;
- People working in product, data, algorithms, R&D, project management, or enterprise digital transformation;
- People who want to systematically understand large models, intelligent workflows, RAG, Agents, and engineering practice;
- People who hope to use certification to prove higher-level AI technical and project capabilities.
The official website’s level introduction mentions that Level II targets people who want to work on projects such as image recognition, facial recognition, object detection, speech recognition, and text and multimedia content generation, as well as related technical staff in deep learning, Transformers, natural language processing, text mining, machine translation, and large language model custom application development, deployment, customization, and fine-tuning. (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
4. Take Level I First, or Prepare Directly for Level II?
It is recommended to judge according to your own foundation:
| Your situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Zero foundation or just starting with AI | Take Level I first |
| Want to use AI for efficiency in daily work | Take Level I first |
| Already use tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Claude, and Kimi but lack systematic knowledge | Take Level I first, then advance to Level II |
| Have a background in programming, data, algorithms, product, or enterprise digitalization | Consider Level I + Level II combined registration |
| The goal is to participate in enterprise AI projects, large model application development, or AI system building | Recommended to continue to Level II after completing Level I |
From the registration logic, Level I is the foundation of Level II. The official website registration requirements show that Level II requires passing Level I certification; the registration pop-up also notes that Level II is only open to students who have registered and paid for Level I. (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
5. Is the Exam Format the Same for CAIE Level I and Level II?
The CAIE official website shows that the CAIE artificial intelligence exam adopts a remote computer-based exam format, with one exam arranged each month; candidates can book one exam period within one year of registration; after registering, they will be notified by email and SMS, and can also check “My Exam Center” and enter the exam at the specified time. (CAIE (Saiyi) official website)
Candidates can use the CAIE certification registration and exam schedule page to view the latest exam times, fees, registration process, and exam rules.
6. The Biggest Difference: Application Abilities vs. Engineering Abilities
From the capability model, the difference between CAIE Level I and Level II can be summarized as:
Level I is more of an “AI application capability certification,” emphasizing understanding AI, using AI, and applying AI to practical work; Level II is more of an “AI engineering and project capability certification,” emphasizing understanding enterprise digital-intelligent transformation, large model technology, algorithm foundations, and complex AI project implementation.
Therefore, Level I is better suited to building an AI knowledge framework and practical skills; Level II is better suited to further proving that you have the ability to participate in enterprise-level AI projects, intelligent product building, or large model application development.
7. Conclusion: What Is the Safest Choice?
If you are an AI beginner, student, ordinary professional, or someone who hopes to first build systematic AI capabilities, it is recommended to prioritize CAIE Level I. If you already have some AI usage experience, or hope to participate in enterprise AI projects, intelligent product building, large model application development, or digital-intelligent transformation projects, you can continue to register for CAIE Level II on the basis of Level I.
For registration and exam arrangements, see the official website of CAIE Registered Artificial Intelligence Engineer Certification or the CAIE exam registration process, exam time, and fee page.
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