Artificial intelligence skills are now essential for many technology sector jobs, but training and certification can be expensive.
Fortunately, major tech companies and popular learning platforms offer free and low-cost AI courses. These programs help professionals acquire in-demand skills at different stages of their careers without spending a lot of money.
Most of these free and affordable AI certifications focus on practical skills, from understanding the basics of AI to applying machine learning concepts, with some including certificates or digital credentials. For tech professionals looking to build AI skills without spending a lot of money, these options provide an accessible starting point.
Here are five free and low-cost AI certification options worth considering.
1. AWS Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Best for Non-Specialists Working with AWS Services
AWS Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is a short, beginner-friendly course designed to introduce AI and machine learning concepts. The program consists of one module and explains how AI, ML, deep learning and generative AI are connected, allowing students to understand basic terms and ideas without the need for a technical background.
The course also introduces several AWS services that leverage AI and ML capabilities, and provides practical context for how these tools are applied across industries. The course lasts approximately one hour and is free, self-paced and flexible, making it an ideal option for professionals who want a quick introduction to AI in an AWS environment.
2. Google Cloud Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Learning Path: The Best for Practical Cloud-Based AI Skills
Machine learning and artificial intelligence from Google Cloud Learning Path is a structured collection of courses designed to help students build practical AI skills using Google Cloud technologies.
The program covers skills for beginners, intermediates, and advanced users, including topics such as generative AI, ML workflows, and model deployment with various tools. This free course is great for tech professionals and developers who want hands-on experience with cloud-based AI systems.
The learning path highlights real-world applications, with courses focused on building, deploying, and managing ML models rather than just theory. The lessons in this learning path are free to access, but those who want an industry-recognized Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification must pass an exam that costs $200.
3. Microsoft’s introduction to AI in Azure: Best to get familiar with Azure AI Studio
Microsoft’s Introduction to AI in Azure learning path provides an introduction to AI concepts and their implementation using Microsoft Azure services.
The self-paced program includes 14 modules and lasts just over 10 hours. It covers topics such as machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing and more. Through this learning path, students will understand how large language models work, how AI agents and generative applications are built, and how Azure AI Foundry supports secure, scalable AI development.
The learning path emphasizes the practical use of Azure tools while reinforcing Microsoft’s responsible AI principles. Students have access to various modules on managing AI solutions, from model training to deploying generative AI applications. The course is aimed at beginners with some familiarity with Azure and the Azure portal, and is relevant to roles such as developers, AI engineers, and solution architects.
4. AI for Everyone: Best for understanding AI concepts
AI for everyoneoffered on Coursera by DeepLearning.AI, is an entry-level course that explains artificial intelligence without requiring any technical skills.
The program focuses on core AI concepts, common terminology and real-world applications, with an emphasis on how AI can be applied in businesses and organizations. Non-technical professionals who want to understand how AI works and technical practitioners who want to expand their knowledge of AI’s capabilities will find this free course valuable.
This Coursera course breaks down complex ideas into a manageable number of structured modules, prioritizing practical understanding over hands-on coding. Rather than teaching how to build AI systems, it explains why organizations use AI and what problems it can realistically solve.
The self-paced course is free to audit or costs $31 for a certificate through Coursera and lasts approximately six hours.
5. IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate: Best for building work-ready AI development skills
IBM’s AI Developer Professional Certificate is a program designed to help students build job-ready skills in AI and generative AI.
The certificate is delivered by the IBM Skills Network Team and is delivered as a series of 10 courses covering fundamental AI concepts, terminology and applications. Students will be introduced to generative AI models and can gain experience building AI-powered apps and chatbots using common programming frameworks and tools.
This program focuses on practical outcomes, including how to use Python and Flask to develop and deploy AI applications on the web. Professionals can follow a flexible, self-paced schedule that they can complete within six months.
Students can subscribe to Coursera for $20 per month to earn a shareable certificate, access practice materials, assignments, discussion forums, and more.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in our sister publication, eWeek.
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