Have You Tried These Free AI Certification Courses?

A recent survey of 30,000 workers underscores this need for upskilling. Over half expressed a desire for more AI certification training from their employers. This growing desire for AI expertise is not just a personal ambition; it represents a significant opportunity for career advancement in a labour market that increasingly values these skills. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best AI courses available today, designed to help you stay ahead in your career and make a meaningful impact on your organisation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer eager to enter the field, an AI course can help you achieve your goals. 

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate 

IBM’s AI Engineering course is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills to pursue a career in artificial intelligence. The intermediate-level course offered on Coursera includes video lectures and readings featuring a comprehensive curriculum that covers the following: 

• Core AI Concepts: Deep learning, neural networks, and machine learning algorithms like classification, regression, and clustering. 

• Practical Skills: Hands-on experience with AI tools such as PyTorch and TensorFlow to build deep learning models. 

The two-month course requires a commitment of about 10 hours per week and is available at no cost. However, it must be finished within 7 days, and participants will not receive a completion certificate. To obtain the certificate, students must pay the course’s associated fee. 

AI For Everyone by DeepLearning.AI 

Offered by DeepLearning.AI, AI for Everyone is an entry-level course designed for non-technical individuals who want to grasp the business side of artificial intelligence. You don’t need any prior technical knowledge to join this course, so it’s accessible to a wide audience. The course thoroughly introduces key AI concepts, terminology, and applications, aiming to empower non-technical professionals with the skills needed to navigate the AI landscape effectively. 

While anyone can enrol, the course targets business professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of AI and its potential impact on their organisations. This includes executives looking to identify AI projects that can deliver a strong return on investment. Engineers may also find value in the course as it covers the business aspects of AI. Available on Coursera, this free course takes just four weeks to complete, with a total commitment of six hours. 

Digital Partner’s The Fundamentals of ChatGPT 

Digital Partner’s training course, “The Fundamentals of ChatGPT,” is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take a free, accredited course on the basics of Generative AI. This course enables learners to leverage the transformative power of ChatGPT. Additionally, it outlines OpenAI’s role in advancing AI technology globally. It provides a step-by-step explanation of how ChatGPT functions while also addressing some of the main limitations of chatbots. 

The course explores case studies showcasing how developers leverage ChatGPT for writing, math, coding, and more. Additionally, it compares the free and paid versions of ChatGPT to make an informed choice. Upon completing the 1.5-3-hour course and a brief assessment, you’ll earn a valuable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited certificate. 

Google AI for Everyone 

Google’s AI for Everyone is a beginner-friendly course designed to demystify AI and its real-world applications. True to its name, this free course is designed for individuals of all backgrounds and requires no previous experience in computer science, mathematics, or AI. Participants do not need any programming skills or prior knowledge to enrol. 

Throughout the course, participants will also start to grasp concepts related to neural networks and different types of machine learning, such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Additionally, they will see how AI is programmed and used in real-world scenarios.  

Available on the online education platform edX, this self-paced course is designed to be completed in about four weeks, assuming a commitment of two to three hours per week. It is taught by Laurence Moroney, who heads AI Advocacy at Google and is part of the Google Research into Machine Intelligence (RMI) team. 

CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python 

Harvard University’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python is a comprehensive, self-paced course that spans seven weeks. It offers an engaging introduction to the core concepts and algorithms of modern AI. Designed for individuals who have completed Harvard’s CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course or have some prior programming experience, this intermediate-level course uses Python as its primary language. 

Available on edX, the course combines both theoretical and practical elements of AI, featuring hands-on projects that enhance the learning experience. Participants will explore fundamental AI concepts such as search algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks. When you enrol in this course, you have two options: 

• Verified Certificate: Receive official recognition for your achievements and enhance your learning experience with unlimited access to all course materials for US$299. 

• Audit the Course: You can explore the course content at your own pace, completely free of charge, and without any financial obligation. 

Students must commit 10-30 hours each week to complete the course, balancing lectures with project work. The course is taught by David J. Malan, a distinguished computer scientist and professor at Harvard, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. 

Distilled 

These are some of the top free AI certifications available today to help you advance your career in this rapidly evolving field. The market is brimming with options, so it’s essential to identify your preferences and the specific areas of AI you wish to upskill in. As competition intensifies, having the right certifications can set you apart from other candidates and enhance your employability. 

Remember, the AI job market is highly competitive. These certifications can be valuable, but they’re just the beginning. Continuous learning and practical experience are key to staying ahead. So, choose the certifications that align with your aspirations and dive deep into AI.