Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025

This bill expands the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) role to include developing and maintaining workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies, requires NIST to create an artificial intelligence workforce framework, and mandates periodic reviews and updates to the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. It defines key terms like 'competencies,' 'workforce categories,' and 'workforce framework,' and outlines processes for consultation, reporting, and resource development.

Sec. 2, Workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies: This section amends the NIST Act to add definitions for 'competencies' (knowledge and skills), 'workforce categories' (high-level task groupings), and 'workforce framework' (a common taxonomy for a domain). It expands NIST's functions to develop and maintain workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies and STEM fields, requiring updates at least every three years. Frameworks must include professional skills, support work roles (e.g., administration, ethics, IT), career pathway information, and credentialing details. NIST must consult with various stakeholders, produce multilingual resources, and report to Congress on update plans.

Sec. 2(c), NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity update: Within 180 days of enactment, NIST must report to Congress on the process for reviewing and updating the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, summarizing proposed changes, consultation methods, and timelines. Every three years for nine years, NIST must report on the framework's practical applications, employer and training provider adoption, effectiveness for nontraditional backgrounds, and actions to increase use. NIST must also disseminate cybersecurity career resources for all age groups.

Sec. 2(d), Additional workforce frameworks: Within 180 days, NIST must assess the need for additional workforce frameworks for critical technologies like quantum information science. NIST must develop and publish a workforce framework for each needed area, and specifically must publish an AI workforce framework within 540 days. Each framework must include support work roles, professional skills, and information for nontraditional backgrounds. NIST must update these frameworks every three years and report to Congress.