AI Foundations
Core mechanics, capabilities and limitations.
The assessment · available through Sova
An AI readiness assessment built around what people know.
genAssess Core-6 gives employers a consistent measure of foundational AI knowledge. Sova delivers the same assessment for candidates and employees, so teams can move beyond self-report when planning hiring, learning and AI adoption.
6knowledge areas
48questions in the operational form
15–20minutes to complete
Sovaenterprise delivery
What it is
One common Core-6 assessment
The in-market product is a generic knowledge assessment, delivered on the Sova Assessment platform. It covers how AI works and where it fails, identifying suitable uses, recognising bias and risk, handling data, evaluating outputs and keeping people accountable.
Each competency has eight questions in a branched, multiple-choice format. Sova provides the assessment experience and reporting. Employers can use the resulting knowledge profile as one input into candidate selection or employee development.
What is measured
The six Core-6 competencies
Application & Use Cases
Matching the right tools to worthwhile tasks.
Bias, Ethics & Risk
Recognising bias, impact and compliance hazards.
Data Quality & Governance
Data lineage, quality, privacy and safe handling.
Output Interpretation & Evaluation
Critical review, fact-checking and interpretation.
Human Oversight & Collaboration
Intervention, escalation and accountable collaboration.
Assessment science
What supports the measure?
The development study reported 289 trial completions and examined reliability, alignment with the independent Generative AI Literacy Assessment Test and differential item functioning within the pilot sample. These are useful psychometric checks; the evidence should be read alongside its sample and the planned work on workplace outcomes.
Buyers can examine the validation account before deciding how much weight to place on a result. Sova also explains the assessment format in its webinar.
Scope and limits
What a Core-6 result cannot tell you
Core-6 measures foundational AI knowledge across roles. It is not tailored to a job description and does not include a role-specific practical exercise or a live prompt-writing test. A score does not establish job performance, certify legal compliance or replace human judgement.
When a decision depends on particular work, employers can add their own structured interviews or relevant work samples as separate methods. If the goal is workforce enablement, combine the knowledge baseline with the work people actually do, organisational controls and opportunities to practise. Read the measurement guide.
For a practical follow-up, use the separate A/A/H and PRIME companion worksheet to discuss one task. It is not delivered or scored within Core-6.
Questions buyers ask
Assessment FAQs
Is this an AI literacy assessment?
Yes. Core-6 assesses knowledge across six areas relevant to using AI responsibly. The wider idea of AI readiness also depends on the organisation, role and work environment.
Is there a different test for each role?
No. The same generic Core-6 knowledge assessment is used across roles. Employers interpret the results against their own requirements and may use separate role-relevant methods.
Can we use it in hiring and development?
Yes. Sova describes pre-hire and post-hire uses. In either setting, apply a proportionate decision process and avoid treating one score as the whole answer.
Does it prove Article 4 compliance?
No. The EU AI Act does not prescribe an individual knowledge test. A Core-6 baseline can contribute to a broader, context-sensitive AI literacy programme. Read the Article 4 page.
The in-market assessment
Explore the Core-6 assessment on Sova.
One common AI knowledge assessment for candidates and employees, delivered through Sova.