Certification Module GEO & AI Search

Lesson 1: Foundations of AI Search and GEO

The learner understands how AI answer engines work and why generative engine optimisation now sits alongside classic search.

ID
SS-CE-001
Confidence
Emerging · 55
Evidence
Emerging
Updated
2026-07-08

Overview

The learner understands how AI answer engines work and why generative engine optimisation now sits alongside classic search.

Foundation level

Learning objectives

  • Explain how retrieval-augmented AI answers are assembled and where a brand can appear
  • Distinguish generative engine optimisation from traditional search engine optimisation
  • Map the modern discovery journey across search, chat and AI overviews

Lesson outline

  • How large language models retrieve, ground and cite sources
  • The AI answer surface: overviews, assistants and citation panels
  • Where classic ranking signals still matter within AI answers
  • The commercial stakes of being recommended versus omitted
  • How SearchScore frames visibility across both worlds

Recommended next steps

    Apply the method AI Visibility Framework Framework See the wider capability AI Visibility Optimisation Capability