How the gate works
This tool grades selected AI working practices across six skills, from the marks supplied. Each signal is scored 0–5; the verdict is the weakest one — then a gate that can only make it worse.
The 6 signals
Verification or Safety scored under 3 of 5 forces the tier to AWARE regardless of how strong every other skill is. A verification practice or required data-handling safeguard is not shown.
Why: Five of six skills are strong — foundational, workflow and safety are maxed, verification and role-specific sit at 4 of 5. But the headline is the weakest skill, not the average: Prompting & Iteration is marked 2 of 5, so the tier is CAPABLE. The mean of 83 would sit in the top band; the lowest skill sets the result. Both essential skills clear the gate, so nothing is forced lower.
A clean sheet didn’t save it. The verdict is the weakest signal — and a top trigger is dispositive on its own — so where a signal is short, the fix first row names it. For development, not employment decisions. This kit is for individual development and training planning. It measures and places — it does not certify, rank people against each other, or make employment decisions, and it is not a hiring, promotion, performance-review, discipline, or termination tool. Not legal advice.