About APAE
Europe's dedicated AI privacy and safety certification for schools and education technology vendors. We ensure that AI systems used in classrooms meet the highest standards for student protection, regulatory compliance, and responsible deployment.
Why Europe Needs a Standardized Education AI Certification
AI is transforming education across Europe, but without consistent standards, schools face significant risks when adopting new technologies.
Fragmented Compliance Landscape
Schools across Europe face inconsistent AI policies and no clear standard for evaluating EdTech vendor compliance with EU regulations.
Special Protection for Minors
The EU AI Act and GDPR impose heightened requirements for AI systems used with children—requirements that generic certifications don't address.
High-Risk Classification
Educational AI is explicitly classified as high-risk under the EU AI Act, requiring rigorous oversight, testing, and documentation.
Procurement Complexity
Ministries and districts need a trusted, standardized way to verify that vendors meet safety and privacy standards before deployment.
Supporting Responsible AI Across All Education Levels
APAE certification addresses the unique needs of different educational contexts, from early childhood through vocational training.
Primary Education
Age-appropriate AI interactions, enhanced parental consent, and strict data minimization for young learners.
Secondary Education
Balanced AI autonomy with safeguards, transparency about AI decision-making, and support for adolescent development.
Vocational Education
Career-relevant AI tools with workplace readiness focus, skill assessment fairness, and industry-aligned standards.
Our certification criteria adapt to the developmental stage of learners, recognizing that a 6-year-old and a 16-year-old have fundamentally different needs for AI interaction, data protection, and consent requirements.
EU AI Act Categories Relevant to Minors
The EU AI Act explicitly classifies educational AI as high-risk. APAE certification verifies compliance with these specific categories.
Biometric Identification
High-RiskSystems that identify or categorize students based on biometric data
Educational Access & Assessment
High-RiskAI determining access to education or evaluating learning outcomes
Adaptive Learning
High-RiskSystems that personalize educational content based on student behavior
Attention & Emotion Detection
High-RiskMonitoring student engagement, attention, or emotional states
Automated Grading
High-RiskAI systems making or influencing assessment decisions
Student Risk Prediction
High-RiskPredicting dropout risk, behavioral issues, or learning difficulties
Why This Matters
Vendors deploying high-risk AI in schools must demonstrate conformity with strict requirements including risk management systems, data governance, transparency, human oversight, and accuracy testing. APAE certification provides the structured assessment framework to verify this compliance.
Governance & Independent Review
Trust in certification requires independence, transparency, and accountability. APAE is built on these principles.
Independent Review Board
Certification decisions are made by an independent board of education technology experts, privacy professionals, and child safety advocates—separate from commercial interests.
Transparent Standards
All certification criteria are publicly documented. Vendors and schools can review exactly what is required at each certification level before beginning the process.
Ongoing Monitoring
Certification is not one-time. APAE conducts periodic reviews and can revoke certification if vendors fall out of compliance or if standards evolve.
Appeals Process
Vendors have the right to appeal certification decisions through a structured process with clear timelines and independent arbitration.
To Schools: We provide clear, actionable guidance for evaluating AI vendors. When you see the APAE certification mark, you can trust that the vendor has undergone rigorous assessment against European standards for AI safety and student privacy.
To Vendors: We offer a fair, transparent path to demonstrate compliance. Certification is challenging but achievable, and it provides meaningful differentiation in the European education market.
To Students & Families: We work to ensure that AI in schools serves learners' interests, protects their data, and supports—rather than undermines—their educational journey and future opportunities.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our certification levels or get in touch to discuss how APAE can support your school or organization.