For many, the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) has stirred up real concerns about job security. While it’s still a new technology, AI has already reshaped the way many of us live and work, which naturally takes some adjustment.
But AI also presents a massive opportunity. According to a recent report, the global AI market was valued at $136.55 billion in 2022 in the U.S alone. Now is the perfect time to pursue an AI certification and level up your skills.
AI can be integrated into many fields already, from digital marketing to UX design. With the right AI certification, you can build confidence for future job searches—whether you’re a non-technical beginner or already have a computer science background.
In this guide, we’ll outline the top 14 AI certifications for 2024, comparing price, duration, and areas of focus.
The top 14 AI certifications in 2024:
- CareerFoundry
- AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng (Coursera)
- Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning (LinkedIn)
- Introduction to TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning (Coursera)
- Artificial Intelligence A-Z: Learn How to Build an AI (incl. ChatGPT) (Udemy)
- ChatGPT / AI Ethics: Ethical Intelligence in an AI World (Udemy)
- IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Professional Machine Learning Engineer AI Certification (Google Cloud Professional)
- Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (United States Artificial Intelligence Institute)
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AIE) Certification Process (Artificial Intelligence Board of America)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
- Jetson AI Certification (NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute)
- Intel Edge AI Certification
Let’s dive in!
The 14 best AI certifications in 2024
1. CareerFoundry
- Areas of focus: Certifications in UX/UI design, product design, data analytics, digital marketing, product management, and web development, with AI topics tailored to each field
- Duration: 5 to 10 months, flexible
- Pricing: $6,900 to $8,500, depending on the course, although upfront reductions are available.
CareerFoundry offers widely-respected certifications for starting a new career in tech. As of 2024, the curricula now incorporates AI topics specific to each field. You’ll build the core skills of a new profession, while gaining AI skills that set you apart from the crowd.
Curious about what you’ll be learning? Our senior data scientist Tom Gadsby’s shared his predictions for AI trends in 2024.
Our AI approach is to leverage AI critically, ethically, and in a way that is reflective of how real-world tasks are approached in the industry. This approach is great for those who want to gain AI skills that are directly applicable to your field, rather than study broad applications.
We also offer 1:1 mentoring, tutoring, and peer support, as well as interview prep and a money-back job guarantee if you don’t secure a job within six months of graduating. Our courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
Interested? Read success stories from CareerFoundry graduates, or get a taste of one of the programs in our free short courses.
2. AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng (Coursera)
- Area of focus: Broad introduction to AI
- Duration: 7 hours (or 3 weeks at 2 hours a week)
- Pricing: Enroll for free. Certification requires a subscription (from $39/month)
AI for Everyone—available on Coursera and guided by AI pioneer Andrew Ng—is an ideal certification for those without a background in tech who still want to grasp the fundamentals of the topic. Structured into four non-technical modules, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to AI’s impact on business and society, with Andrew Ng simplifying intricate concepts and covering introductory terms and topics, such as neural networks, machine learning, and deep learning.
Ng also explores AI’s capabilities and, to bust a few myths, its limitations. This certification is a solid, practical starting point if you want to demonstrate that you have a broad understanding of AI’s potential applications, as well as an awareness of the ongoing ethical and social dialogues surrounding the tech. While the course doesn’t provide hard technical skills, Andrew Ng’s teaching style guarantees you’ll understand the basics of AI and its real-world implications.
3. Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning (LinkedIn Learning)
- Area of focus: Broad introduction to AI and machine learning
- Duration: 11 hours
- Pricing: $19.99/month (LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial)
If you’re a beginner and Andrew Ng’s course doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, this AI certification from LinkedIn Learning provides a slightly more detailed—albeit still non-technical—introduction to the topic. You’ll build your knowledge of the conceptual foundations of AI across eight handpicked areas, ranging from strong and weak AI and their practical applications, to topics like computer vision and reinforcement learning.
You’ll also establish the mathematical groundwork necessary for understanding machine learning (ML) algorithms at a basic level, before diving into deep learning.
This AI certification focuses on the practical tools that AI engineers use. For example, it covers foundational techniques for text-related tasks using neural networks and TensorFlow (a free, open-source machine learning library), as well as PyTorch, an open-source Python library. This certification won’t provide you with highly-honed technical skills, but you’ll come away with a holistic, practical understanding of AI principles, allowing you to hold your own in a business setting.
4. Introduction to TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning (Coursera)
- Area of focus: Practical AI programming
- Duration: 18 hours
- Pricing: Enroll for free. Certification requires a subscription (from $39/month)
Ready to get a bit more hands-on? TensorFlow is a free, open-source machine learning library. Coursera’s introduction to TensorFlow is a good primer on this powerful machine and deep learning framework.
TensorFlow is typically used with the Python programming language, but you can also use it with C++ and JavaScript. If you’ve taken the AI for Everyone course with Andrew Ng, you’re already underway—you’ll cover similar topics in the first module of this course.
The rest of the curriculum, however, provides you with more hands-on experience implementing machine learning models, specifically for computer vision (using algorithms to identify and understand objects in images and video). This course is most suitable for intermediate learners with some coding expertise and others seeking an understanding of TensorFlow.
5. Artificial Intelligence A-Z: Learn How to Build an AI (incl. ChatGPT) (Udemy)
- Area of focus: Practical tips for developing AI
- Duration: 14 hours
- Pricing: $19.99 to $139.99 (depending on special offers)
For an end-to-end approach to AI development, this Udemy course provides a thorough introduction for beginner and intermediate learners. The course integrates lectures with hands-on exercises, guiding you through the coding intricacies of diverse AI models, including Q-Learning, Deep Q-Learning, Convolutional Q-Learning, A3C, and the refinement of a pre-trained large language model (LLM) for medical chatbots.
You’ll explore diverse applications of these models, from optimizing warehouse logistics to lunar landings, Pac-Man gameplay, and even Kung Fu simulations.
Throughout this AI certification, you’ll also use Google Colab, a software tool that allows anybody to write and execute Python code. This minimizes the mathematical knowledge needed. If you need it, professional data scientists are available to offer support (with responses within 48 hours), something that not all AI certifications can offer.
6. ChatGPT / AI Ethics: Ethical Intelligence in an AI World (Udemy)
- Area of focus: ChatGPT and AI ethics
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Pricing: $59.99
ChatGPT’s arrival opened a Pandora’s box of ethical questions. This online certification from Udemy dives into the ethical considerations tied to AI development, deployment, and usage, especially concerning ChatGPT. Based on the book “Ethical Intelligence: Five Principles for Untangling Your Toughest Problems at Work and Beyond” by Dr. Bruce Weinstein, the course is suitable for a non-technical audience. The curriculum uses lectures, case studies, and interactive activities to cultivate ethical decision-making skills within these leadership groups
Notably, the course explores how AI can perpetuate bias and compromise privacy. While this AI certification doesn’t promise technical expertise upon completion, it grants lifetime access to an informative course that is likely to be updated as ongoing developments in the field evolve.
7. IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Area of focus: Python, machine learning, and computer vision
- Duration: 3 months at 10 hours a week
- Pricing: Enroll for free. AI certification requires a subscription (from $39/month)
By far the most practical and well-recognized AI certification on our list so far is the 7-course IBM Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. Tailored for students, developers, and technology consultants, the program explores all aspects of AI development, covering practical applications of generative AI, chatbot development, and Python for data science.
You’ll become familiar with all the concepts and tools that underpin these applications, including machine learning theory, natural language processing, image classification and processing, OpenCV, APIs, and, of course (the clue’s in the name!) IBM Watson AI—an AI-powered data analytics platform.
You’ll create AI chatbots and deploy computer vision web applications. When you’ve finished, you’ll receive a Coursera Professional Certificate and a digital badge from IBM. This certification stands out for its emphasis on practical skills, making it an ideal choice for those who want to get job-ready.
8. IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Area of focus: AI engineering using Python libraries
- Duration: 2 months at 10 hours a week
- Pricing: Enroll for free. Certification requires a subscription (from $39/month)
If you’ve taken the IBM applied AI certification already, consider IBM’s AI engineering professional certificate. Also available through Coursera, this 6-course Professional Certificate goes in-depth on machine learning concepts, using top Python libraries like SciPy, ScikitLearn, Keras, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. The certification uses real-world AI engineering challenges, such as object recognition, text analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and recommender systems.
The hands-on projects will hone your data science skills, guiding you in scaling ML algorithms on extensive datasets using Apache Spark. You’ll build, train, and deploy different types of deep architectures, from convolutional neural networks to recurrent networks and autoencoders. At the end, you’ll get a Coursera Professional Certificate, and a digital badge from IBM.
9. Professional Machine Learning Engineer AI Certification (Google Cloud Professional)
- Area of focus: Machine learning engineering
- Duration: 2 hours
- Pricing: $200 for the certification exam
This certification allows learners to build their machine learning (ML) engineering skills through Google’s free ML learning path before committing to payment for the Google Cloud Professional Certification exam. The resulting certification is valid for two years upon successful completion, and will attest to your understanding of machine learning concepts and practices.
The examination is rigorous, though, covering key ML engineering topics like architecting low-code solutions, collaborative management of data and models across teams, and scaling prototypes into fully-fledged models. This exam doesn’t cover generative AI, but Google offers a separate learning path for this if you’re interested.
10. Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (United States Artificial Intelligence Institute)
- Area of focus: AI and machine learning models and theory
- Duration: 1 to 8 months, at 8-10 hours per week
- Pricing: $894
This certification is for career enthusiasts with an ambitious goal in mind, as it comes from a highly-respected institution at the cutting edge of AI. You’ll get a solid foundation in key areas, covering modern AI applications, linear models, regression, clustering algorithms, support vector machines, and decision trees.
You’ll also hone your practical skills so that you can analyze and establish foundations for scalable AI projects. As a graduate, you’ll be able to build AI and ML ecosystems tailored to specific organizational needs—something that’s becoming increasingly important as the technology evolves. The certification will enhance your career prospects for strategic roles in AI, and you’ll receive a recognized AI certification tailored for senior professionals (not to mention the obligatory digital badge!).
11. Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AIE) Certification Process (Artificial Intelligence Board of America)
- Area of focus: AI for those with an existing background in computer science
- Duration: Study at your own pace (on the scale of months)
- Pricing: $550 examination fee
If you have a CS background, fast-track AI certifications or beginner courses might not be a good fit. In this case, consider the Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AIE) Certification from the Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA). ARTiBA offers three learning tracks. After registering and paying your fee, you’ll receive all the learning materials necessary to study and take the certification exam for your chosen track.
Each track—associate, bachelor’s, and master’s—offers a slightly different angle, catering to your unique professional journey, but the learning content is essentially the same. Once you’re ready, you can register for the AiE exam and you’ll have 45 days to take it. The exam covers 48 topics across four domains: AI and machine learning essentials, AI & ML programming, natural language processing, and neural networks and deep learning essentials.
12. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
- Area of focus: AI engineering using Azure
- Duration: About 2 months (3 to 4 hours a day)
- Pricing: $165
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate certification is a practical choice for professionals interested in learning how to use AI with Microsoft’s proprietary cloud computing platform, Azure. With a flexible study duration and a reasonable $165 examination fee, it provides accessible learning for those focused on building, managing, and deploying AI.
This AI certification covers all aspects of AI development, including collaborative work to integrate AI capabilities into real-world applications. The exam will assess your skills, from planning to implementing various applications. Be aware that you’ll need proficiency in Python and C# to get started. You can check out the learning path here before you commit. After two years, you can renew your certification for free, something not all providers offer. This certification is an excellent choice if you’re a data scientist who needs to demonstrate your experience using Azure.
13. Jetson AI Certification (NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute)
- Area of focus: AI and robotics using NVIDIA’s Jetson computing system
- Duration: 4 to 8 hours
- Pricing: Free, but you’ll need the right hardware
NVIDIA Jetson is a small but powerful computer designed for teaching and creating smart projects involving artificial intelligence. If you want to demonstrate your skills in this area, you might want to consider the Jetson AI Specialist or Jetson AI Ambassador certifications, both offered by NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute (DLI).
The Jetson AI Specialist Certification caters to learners of all levels, providing hands-on, project-based assessment to prove your proficiency using Jetson. Meanwhile, the Jetson AI Ambassador Certification is designed for educators, emphasizing competence in teaching AI using Jetson. Either way, the structured learning paths boost individual skills and align with NVIDIA’s commitment to education through open-source projects and curriculum offerings. These AI certifications are both free, but you’ll need to be familiar with Linux and Python and to have invested in the appropriate hardware.
14. Intel Edge AI Certification
- Area of focus: AI development using Intel technologies
- Duration: Self-paced with unlimited access
- Pricing: Free
The Intel Edge AI Certification is a self-paced online course for those looking to enhance their skills using Intel developer tools and platforms, including Intel Developer Cloud (to which you’ll get free complimentary access). It uses hands-on projects in areas like safety gear detection and retail loss prevention, taking it beyond theory into highly applicable real-world contexts. You’ll learn skills including TensorFlow, and PyTorch, as well as about the open-source AI ecosystem, the Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX), and other public models.
Intel’s AI certification is most suitable for those with intermediate Python knowledge, and some familiarity with tools including Jupyter Notebook, Linux, and OpenCV. Despite these prerequisites, the certification is free of charge. Annual follow-up is recommended as Intel adds new modules.
Key takeaways
When considering an AI certification, the main thing is to ensure that you choose one that is right for you and, therefore, worth the investment.
- AI certifications range from courses for non-technical beginners to established computer scientists
- The focus of each course can be broad, like topics in AI ethics, or more specific, like mastering a particular cloud computing platform
- Numerous free learning options exist, allowing you to pick up the basics without the financial commitment
- Faced with an enormous shift, we’re presented with two choices: get swallowed by the wave or ride it!
To learn more about a potential shift to a career that involves using AI, check out the following guides:
- What are the different types of AI?
- Is AI taking over jobs?
- AI ethics, explained
- 17 excellent AI projects for beginners
- 7 Great Coding Prompts for ChatGPT: A Beginner’s Guide
And to get a broad overview of the AI landscape in 2024, check out our video with William Hull: