23 Top AI Certifications to Know – Built In

From online bootcamps to university programs, these top AI certifications can help boost your career.
Demand for professionals with artificial intelligence skills has soared, with a McKinsey survey finding that over 70 percent of companies have adopted AI and a PwC survey confirming that jobs requiring AI specialist skills have grown over three times faster than all other jobs.
To help, many organizations are rolling out AI certification programs, courses and other training opportunities as a way for people to bolster their AI abilities.
 
Up to 75 percent of knowledge workers across the world are already using generative AI tools, according to a Microsoft report. Responses in the same report further reveal that 71 percent of leaders prefer candidates with AI skills over more experienced candidates, and 77 percent would give early-career candidates with AI skills more responsibilities.
As a result, achieving an AI certification not only leads to greater job security for employees but also opens the door to career advancement opportunities. AI expertise provides a major advantage for job candidates as well, serving as a way to stand out from a packed talent pool and accelerate one’s career development.
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Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to upskill, or a novice taking your first steps into the world of AI, these certifications can help increase your credibility in this highly competitive job market.
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An AI certification course or program is only effective if it meets the needs of its participants. When it comes to selecting the right option for you, here are a few factors to consider.  
Define your career goals before looking at courses. For example, are you interested in an AI certification program because you want to learn new skills for your current role, become qualified for a higher-ranking role or make a career change? Answering this question can help you narrow down offerings to the ones most relevant to your career ambitions.
Keep your personal boundaries in mind when exploring AI certifications. Consider variables like your financial limits, availability and learning preferences. Making sure a course aligns with your personal circumstances will ensure you have the best learning experience possible.
Review the curriculum to see if it addresses topics you’re interested in. Does the course content include skills, technologies and techniques relevant to your career goals or industry? Check whether a program supplements lessons with hands-on projects, which can translate into real-world experience that employers are looking for.
Reflect on the benefits of the course and how it helps you get to where you want to go. Does it come with a certification recognized by industry leaders? Does it offer networking opportunities with top companies and professionals? Think beyond the course content and weigh any lasting advantages to decide whether it’s a worthy investment.
The cost of getting AI certified varies widely, since prices differ across formats and institutions. While some programs take months to complete and cost thousands of dollars, others are free, one-off courses on sites like Coursera and Udemy that are sponsored by accredited universities and tech companies.
Once you earn an AI certification, you can use it to pursue a career in the AI industry. An AI certification serves as validation of your knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, and may give you a competitive edge among other candidates in the job market.
Those who earn AI certifications can enjoy lasting benefits throughout their careers, including being high-demand job candidates, receiving more opportunities for career advancement and enjoying as much as a 25-percent wage increase in some industries.
Yes, professionals without computer science experience are able to achieve an AI certification. Many courses and programs don’t require coding abilities and are accessible to professionals with varying technical skills.
A certificate is awarded to a participant who has completed a course or series of courses, usually as part of an academic program. On the other hand, a certification serves as proof that a participant has not only completed a professional training program, but also has the qualifications and knowledge required for a specific role or area of expertise. A professional may also need to complete ongoing training to maintain a certification.
Matthew Urwin contributed reporting to this story.

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