IM Certificates: AI Trainer Standards for Visual Media

S44S administers the IM2 certificate for AI trainers working with AI-generated images and other still visuals, aligned with the EU AI Act's AI literacy requirements, and offers IM3 training internally for partner companies.

IM1, IM2, and IM3 are tiered AI trainer certificates focused on media, with IM2 being the certificate S44S administers for AI-generated visual content. IM1 is a basic-level acknowledgment that general AI literacy certificates can typically satisfy. IM2 is a more rigorous, visual-AI-focused standard administered directly by S44S, aligned with the EU AI Act's AI literacy requirements. IM3 is the most advanced tier, offered by S44S exclusively for internal training within partner companies.

The three tiers: IM1, IM2, IM3

Not every IM tier works the same way, or carries the same weight.

IM1

Basic acknowledgment

The entry-level tier. IM1 is a basic acknowledgment of AI literacy, without media-specific requirements. General AI certificates, such as those from Google or other established providers, typically satisfy this level. It does not need to come from S44S.

IM2

Visual AI, administered by S44S

The certificate S44S administers directly. IM2 focuses specifically on visual AI: AI-generated images and other still, non-moving visuals. It is a meaningfully more rigorous standard, aligned with the EU AI Act's AI literacy requirements.

IM3

Internal, advanced

The most advanced tier. IM3 is not offered publicly. S44S provides IM3 training and certification exclusively for companies partnered with S44S, to train internal staff and set an internal quality benchmark.

What an IM2 certificate proves

Earning an IM2 certificate demonstrates a high level of knowledge of AI-generated images and other non-moving AI visuals.

It shows the ability to reliably distinguish AI-generated visual content from authentic, non-generated content, and to pinpoint where AI images typically diverge from reality.

Together, that knowledge qualifies someone to refine and improve AI image models: in practice, to work as an AI trainer for still visual media.

How the IM2 process works

Take the assessment

The IM2 assessment is taken through S44S.

Manual review

Every completed assessment is manually reviewed by an S44S assessor before a result is issued.

Digital certificate

Once you pass, a digital IM2 certificate is issued.

Physical certificate, EU only

If you are based in the EU, a physical certificate is also sent by post. Outside the EU, the digital certificate is the only version issued.

IM certificates: common questions

What is the difference between IM1, IM2, and IM3?

IM1 is a basic acknowledgment level that general AI certificates typically satisfy. IM2 is a more rigorous, visual-AI-focused standard administered by S44S. IM3 is the most advanced tier, and is only available internally through S44S's partner companies.

Is the IM2 certificate officially issued or recognized by the EU government?

No. IM2 is a standard administered by S44S and aligned with the EU AI Act's AI literacy requirements (Article 4). It is not a government-issued credential. Under the AI Act, conformity assessment applies to AI systems, not to individuals, so there is no government body that certifies people directly.

Do I need to get my IM1 certificate through S44S?

No. IM1 is a basic-level certificate, and general AI literacy certificates from established providers typically satisfy this tier without needing to come from S44S specifically.

How do I get an IM3 certificate?

IM3 is only available internally, through companies partnered with S44S. It is not offered as a public certification. Get in touch if your company is interested in IM3 training for internal AI trainers.

What happens after I pass the IM2 assessment?

A digital certificate is issued once you pass. If you are based in the EU, a physical certificate is also sent by post. Outside the EU, you receive the digital certificate only.

Take the IM2 assessment, or ask about IM3

Whether you are an individual looking to take the IM2 assessment, or a company interested in IM3 training for your internal AI trainers, reach out and S44S will walk you through the process.

Get in touch →

Page last reviewed: September 2026.

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