EU AI Act AI literacy: a practical guide for SMEs
For most SMEs, meeting Article 4 means three things: knowing which AI systems staff use, taking proportionate measures so those people understand the tools and their risks, and being able to show what you did.
Step 1: map your AI use
Include chat assistants, AI features inside office and CRM software, image generators and anything contractors use on your behalf.
Step 2: choose proportionate measures
Article 4 asks you to take into account people’s knowledge, experience, the context of use and the people affected. For everyday office use, a short training plus clear rules is usually proportionate. The amended text states that no specific individual level of AI literacy must be guaranteed.
Step 3: document
There is no official form. A simple training record — who, when, which course and version — together with your internal AI rules is a sensible basis.
Support for SMEs
Since July 2026, Article 4 also requires the Commission and Member States to support providers and deployers, in particular SMEs, and the Commission must publish practical examples of how to comply.
AI literacy training for your team
Train your employees in 20 minutes. From €2.99 per employee. No subscription. Certificate + training record.