LinkedIn is moving away from degree-driven hiring by rolling out a new system that lets professionals showcase verified, real-world AI skills directly on their profiles.
LinkedIn launches AI skills verification
On Wednesday, the professional networking platform announced that it is partnering with several AI-focused companies to introduce skill verification based on actual tool usage rather than tests or formal credentials, reported Fortune.
LinkedIn said the initiative reflects a broader shift in hiring priorities, as employers increasingly focus on demonstrated ability instead of academic background.
"Employers are no longer simply asking what degree a candidate holds," LinkedIn told Fortune. "They want to know what you can actually do."
AI Tools Validate Real-World Proficiency
The program launches with partners including Descript, Replit, Relay.app and Lovable.
Instead of one-time exams, the companies assess users based on real usage patterns, work outputs and performance within the tools themselves.
Once verified, professionals can choose to display the credential on their LinkedIn profiles.
LinkedIn said the credentials are dynamic and will automatically update as a user's skills improve, offering employers a more accurate and current signal of proficiency.
Additional partners, including GitHub, Zapier and Gamma, are expected to join in the coming months.
AI Reshapes Hiring And Career Paths
Last year, LinkedIn, Indeed and Greenhouse rolled out new AI-powered tools to help job seekers gauge their chances of hearing back from employers, as hiring platforms increasingly sought to reduce application overload and improve job matching.
At the same time, nearly half of hiring managers turned to AI to screen resumes and rank candidates, fueling steady growth in the AI recruitment market through 2030, though experts warned human oversight remained essential.
Companies also began prioritizing AI fluency over traditional credentials.
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) said it valued applicants who used AI to enhance interview projects, highlighting the growing importance of practical AI skills in hiring.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised Gen Z entrepreneurs who skipped college to start businesses, reflecting broader skepticism about the necessity of higher education as employers increasingly focused on adaptability and real-world expertise.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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