--- title: "PwC US Launches Certification Program for Employees to Develop Critical Thinking Skills" url: https://newscentral.site/pwc-us-launches-certification-program-for-employees-to-develop/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Business" published: 2026-11-09T13:10:19.000Z updated: 2026-11-09T13:34:52.139Z id: 71b0de5c-252c-4627-9def-8678b359898c source: "Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/pwc-planning-critical-thinking-certification-as-ai-changes-work-2026-11" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pwc-us-launches-certification-program-for-employees-to-develop/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # PwC US Launches Certification Program for Employees to Develop Critical Thinking Skills The program aims to equip over 85,000 employees in PwC's US and Mexico offices with essential skills as artificial intelligence takes over routine tasks. PwC US is launching a certification program for its employees to develop critical thinking and judgment skills as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly takes over routine tasks. The program will be open to over 85,000 workers in PwC's US and Mexico offices, including those in Acceleration Centers that support client work and business operations. According to Yolanda Seals-Coffield, chief people and inclusion officer at PwC US, the initiative is designed to equip employees with essential skills for their roles. The certification program is set to begin in December, as part of a broader effort by the company to adapt its workforce to the changing landscape brought about by AI. This technology has already started to automate tasks such as research, writing, and analysis that were previously carried out manually. As AI assumes these foundational responsibilities, employees may no longer have opportunities to develop their critical thinking and judgment skills through repetitive tasks. PwC has identified a set of essential human skills that will become increasingly valuable as AI assumes more responsibilities in the workplace. These skills include empathy and adaptability, among others, which are seen as key differentiators for employees. The company's certification program focuses on critical thinking and judgment, two skills that PwC considers crucial for success in an AI-driven work environment. In this context, critical thinking encompasses a range of abilities, including evaluating information, establishing context, challenging assumptions, refining analysis, and communicating recommendations. To help employees develop these essential skills, the company is working with professors and veteran staff to create classes that will enable participants to sharpen their thinking abilities. The program aims to identify each individual's natural strengths and areas where they may need additional focus. The certification process involves an initial assessment to determine a person's thinking style and how it influences their judgment. This evaluation considers whether the individual is inclined to question assumptions, reflect on information, or adopt a more practical approach. The personalized AI coach will play a crucial role in helping employees apply their critical thinking skills learned through simulations to their daily tasks. This might involve practicing difficult conversations or preparing for client meetings by uploading proposals and having the coach review them. The coach can also help identify which team member is best suited for each task, ensuring that workloads are distributed effectively. The program's curriculum will be tailored to employees' seniority levels, with content customized to meet their specific needs. This approach reflects PwC's focus on equipping staff with the skills necessary for a rapidly changing job market, where AI is increasingly prevalent. Critical thinking and judgment are seen as complementary to other key areas of instruction, including responsible use of AI and professional skepticism. Development leaders will evaluate employees' proficiency in applying critical thinking skills through their performance reviews, which will take place throughout the certification process. The program's rollout is planned in stages, allowing staff ample time to absorb and apply the lessons learned before being assessed on their progress. This gradual approach aims to ensure that employees have sufficient opportunities to develop their skills. The goal of the certification program is for participants to complete it by June 2027, with the idea being to equip them with repeatable skills rather than simply preparing them for a traditional pass/fail exam. By doing so, PwC hopes to create an environment where staff can be assessed and evaluated based on their demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking in real-world scenarios. The certification program is part of PwC's broader efforts to adapt its hiring practices in response to changing industry demands. The company has shifted its focus towards recruiting engineers and technologists across all its businesses, rather than just its traditional advisory sector. This shift is reflected in the types of roles available within the firm, with engineers now working not only in the advisory business but also in tax and assurance divisions. PwC continues to actively recruit on college campuses and make offers to a significant proportion of its summer interns, suggesting that the company remains committed to attracting top talent. The certification program aims to ensure that employees possess both AI-driven skills and human proficiencies throughout their careers. By continually assessing staff against these dual criteria, PwC seeks to create a robust and adaptable workforce capable of navigating an increasingly complex professional landscape. --- Source: [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/pwc-planning-critical-thinking-certification-as-ai-changes-work-2026-11) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pwc-us-launches-certification-program-for-employees-to-develop/