AI certifications provide you with the expertise you need to work in the field of artificial intelligence while demonstrating to potential employers or customers that you possess a baseline level of knowledge and experience in AI development. Most certification curricula focus on the programming and math behind the fundamental topics within AI, with a heavy emphasis on machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and their practical applications. Here are our top picks for the best AI certifications for career growth in 2024:
The table below provides an overview of the top AI certifications for 2024, including who they’re best suited for, the institution or provider behind them, and the program duration and cost.
| Certificate | Level | Who It’s for | Provider | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Entry-level | Beginners who want to learn basic AI concepts | Coursera | Eight hours | $49 per month |
| AI for Everyone | Entry-level |
Non-technical professionals AI engineers who want to learn the business aspect of AI |
Coursera | Six hours | $49 per month |
| Introduction to Generative AI | Entry-level | Anyone who wants to learn about generative AI | Coursera | One hour | $49 per month |
| Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | Advanced |
Data analysts Managers who want to use AI and ML Professionals with at least three years of experience |
MIT Professional Education | 16 days of qualifying courses | $2,500 to $4,700 per course |
| CertNexus Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner | Advanced | Data scientists who want to enter the field of AI | Coursera | Two months at 10 hours a week | $49 per month |
| Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist | Advanced | Senior AI professionals and business leaders | USAII | Four to 25 weeks with eight to 10 hours of learning per week | $894 |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AiE) Certification | Advanced | Professionals with a degree or relevant experience in a computer-related field | ARTiBA | One hour and 30 minutes | $550 |
| Generative AI for Software Developers Specialization | Specialty | Software developers who want to use generative AI | Coursera | One month at 10 hours a week | $49 per month |
| Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence | Specialty | Aspiring AI engineers and developers | edX | Five months at seven to 22 hours a week | $518 |
The dynamic field of AI offers a wide range of opportunities for jobseekers, and the right certifications can help you kickstart your career. While advanced certifications demonstrate expertise, entry-level AI certifications offer a valuable starting point for beginners by equipping them with fundamental knowledge and skills about AI and its applications across industries. The best entry-level certificates on this list are from Coursera, which offers over 50 options for AI professionals.
Best for Understanding Basic Concepts of AI
IBM’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) covers the basics of AI and its applications, including machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. At the end of the four-module course, beginners will understand basic AI concepts as well as various issues and ethical concerns surrounding the field. They will also learn from experts and demonstrate the application of the basic AI concepts with a mini-project at the end of the course. This course doesn’t require any programming or computer science background, making it an ideal starting point to learn the fundamentals of AI.
Visit IBM Course at CourseraThere are no technical background requirements for this course, but since it’s a part of multiple programs, learners will be asked to select a specific program.
Best for Learning Real-Life Applications of AI
DeepLearning.AI’s AI for Everyone is designed for people who want to learn AI, especially non-technical professionals who’d like to know more about the field. In this course, you’ll become familiar with AI terminologies, learn what AI realistically can and cannot do, and learn how to identify opportunities to use AI to solve problems in your own organization. You will also gain insights into how to build machine learning and data science projects and what it’s like to work with a team to create an AI strategy in your company.
Visit DeepLearning.AI Course at Coursera
Best for Beginners Who Want to Learn Generative AI
Google Cloud’s Introduction to Generative AI is a short course on the branch of AI focused on creating new data. You can finish the course in an hour or at your own pace. At the end, you will be able to define generative AI, describe generative AI model types, and explain how generative AI works and its various applications. At the end of this course, you will be required to pass one assessment test before to gain a shareable certificate.
Visit Google Cloud Course at CourseraNo prior experience in generative AI is required, but learners should note that this course is part of the Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path Specialization.
An advanced AI certification allows experts looking to grow their careers to demonstrate in-depth knowledge, skills, and techniques in the field. Earning these certifications shows employers your dedication to professional development, demonstrates that your knowledge is up-to-date, and suggests that you have the ability to solve complex AI-related problems, helping you stand out in a competitive AI job market.
The best advanced certificates in this list are offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Coursera, the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII), and the Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA).
Best for In-Depth Understanding of AI and ML
MIT Professional Education offers a certificate program in AI and ML designed for professionals with at least three years of experience in a technical field. This program covers core concepts and advanced topics in AI and ML, such as linear regression, neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing. You’ll earn a professional certificate after successfully completing 16 or more days of qualifying short program courses in the Professional Education track, which includes core courses and electives. After completion, you’re also eligible to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Visit Professional Certificate Program at MITSee the full list of the Professional Certificate Program’s courses and costs.
Best for CAIP Certification Exam Preparation
CertNexus, through Coursera, offers vendor-independent courses to prepare for certification exams. Data science practitioners who want to enter the field of AI can leverage this program to prepare for the industry-recognized Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner™ (CAIP) exam. This five-course series certificate is designed for intermediate levels of understanding in AI, covering topics on business applications, AI workflow, ML/DL algorithms, and more.
Visit CertNexus Course at Coursera
Best for Managing Complex AI Projects
This certification program is designed for experienced working professionals who want to improve business outcomes using AI. Applicants need a college degree and at least four years of work experience or programming to qualify to take the test. The test covers in-depth concepts in AI, ML, DL, NLP, computer vision, generative adversarial networks, reinforcement learning, and more. It also focuses on the core machine learning and deep learning techniques required to lead AI projects, making it ideal for senior professionals.
You pay an all-inclusive fee and access all of study books and e-learning materials in addition to the exam and the certificate.
Visit Certified AI Scientist Course at USAIIThere are three eligibility paths to join for an AI professional aspiring to become a Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist:
Best for Demonstrating AI Engineering Expertise
The AIE certification by the Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA) is a program designed for professionals with experience in computer science and related fields who want to demonstrate their AI engineering skills. The exam certifies that you can handle popular AI and ML technologies, understand advanced AI modeling concepts, prepare organizational data, and explain how AI and machine learning applications can solve business challenges.
The exam fee covers the exam, certificate, and course study materials. To qualify to take the test, you need a college degree and work experience. The test covers ML, DL, DLP, regression, and types of AI learning: unsupervised, reinforced, and supervised.
Visit Certified AI Engineer Certification at ARTiBAThere are three tracks for AiE certification applicants:
Specialty certificates focus on specific and in-demand areas within the dynamic field of AI, including NLP, machine learning engineering, computer vision, generative AI, and more. Professionals who obtain specialty certifications validate their mastery of industry-specific domains and their specialized knowledge and skills. The best specialty certifications on our list are offered by Coursera and edX, which are accessible learning platforms.
Best for Software Developers Building Generative AI Skills
This specialization course is designed to help software professionals understand and build applications with generative AI technologies. It covers topics on prompt engineering for text and code, real-world applications of generative AI, responsible AI principles, and more. This three-course series is best for software developers who want to delve into practical generative AI techniques and apply them directly to software development tasks.
Visit IBM Course at CourseraThere is no experience necessary, but some software engineering knowledge will be helpful.
Best for Designing Intelligent Systems
This professional certificate offered by Harvard University delves into the foundations of computer science and programming specifically designed for the field of AI. It combines CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science course and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python. You can access lessons on algorithms, data structures, and intelligent system designs and gain exposure through hands-on projects. Professionals who want to learn more about designing intelligent systems will find this course helpful in establishing computational principles, the ability to design efficient algorithms, and familiarity with architectural considerations needed to build intelligent systems.
Visit Harvard University Course at edXThere are no strict requirements, but basic mathematical knowledge would be helpful.
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly expanding field, and there are several career opportunities for professionals to explore.
These professionals are critical members of the data science team and are responsible for designing, building, and deploying machine learning models. They turn complex data into actionable insights and solutions essential to maintaining and improving AI systems.
Data scientists are specialists who collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets. They use various AI techniques to identify patterns, build models, and generate data-driven decisions for companies and organizations.
An AI researcher is a professional who designs and tests hypotheses in various AI domains, pushing the boundaries of the field. They are often found in academic or research labs, developing new algorithms, architectures, and theories to further develop and advance AI.
NLP engineers work with human language data and teach computers to understand speech patterns and generate text and speech. They are responsible for building and maintaining NLP systems used in extracting meaning from human language, determining sentiments, and more.
An AI product manager leads teams in managing the development and launch of AI-powered products. They usually work with technical and business teams, helping them to efficiently collaborate.
An AI certification validates your knowledge and skills in the field, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. Certifications also offer opportunities for career advancement, as many employers value AI certifications, allowing you to have better job offers, promotions, and salary boosts. Additionally, AI certifications ensure that you are updated with the current AI trends and technologies, enabling you to stay relevant in an ever-changing field.
Organizations that certify in artificial intelligence fall into four main categories: vendors, technology associations, universities, and education platforms. Each backs the credibility of their credentials in different ways and certifies different aspects of AI knowledge.
Before deciding to take an AI certification, you should solidify your foundations by exploring online resources and practicing exams. You can also join online communities to connect with other AI learners and get insights, tips, and advice.
To be successful in studying AI, you need fundamental knowledge in:
Finding the right AI certification is essential to mapping your career path as an AI professional. It’s important to evaluate your career goals, resources, and commitment before deciding on which certifications to take. Consider certifications aligned with your desired specialization and ensure that you have the foundational knowledge required before committing to a program. You should also look into the overall cost and time involved in completing the program, especially if you have other academic and professional responsibilities. Use our list to narrow down your options and assess which ones better suit your career aspirations and the job path you’d like to pursue.
Are you curious which top AI companies are leading the way in developing innovative AI applications? Read our list of the 100 top AI companies to see which businesses and organizations are currently trendsetting in the field.
Datamation is the leading industry resource for B2B data professionals and technology buyers. Datamation's focus is on providing insight into the latest trends and innovation in AI, data security, big data, and more, along with in-depth product recommendations and comparisons. More than 1.7M users gain insight and guidance from Datamation every year.
Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on Datamation and our other data and technology-focused platforms.
Advertise with Us
Property of TechnologyAdvice.
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this
site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives
compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products
appear on this site including, for example, the order in which
they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies
or all types of products available in the marketplace.
