5 Online AI Certification Programs — Evaluate Your Options Carefully
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an abstract concept of the future. It’s here, revolutionizing industries, and creating unprecedented demand for skills in this field.
IBM predicts that by 2024, the number of jobs for all US data professionals will increase by 364,000 openings to 2,720,000 (source). Consequently, an AI certification program can be a key differentiator in this competitive job market.
These online AI certification programs offer a flexible way to learn, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments.
In this article, we will explore five online AI certification programs that can help you harness the power of AI and put you on the path to a rewarding career in this field.
Understanding the importance of AI certification
AI certification programs are instrumental in equipping professionals with the right skill set to thrive in this AI-driven era.
According to Gartner, AI is predicted to create 2.3 million jobs by 2022 (source). This underpins the relevance of AI certification programs.
These programs help professionals gain a deep understanding of AI, its applications, and its implications. Moreover, they enable you to stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and your proficiency in using AI tools and techniques.
Moreover, AI certification programs are also recognized by employers worldwide, adding substantial value to your professional profile.
Top AI certification programs — A brief overview
Let’s dive into five top-notch online AI certification programs that can help you gain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving field.
- Stanford University — Machine Learning via Coursera: This program, taught by Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, provides a broad introduction to machine learning, data mining, and statistical pattern recognition.
- IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate: Consisting of six courses, this program covers a wide range of AI topics, including machine learning algorithms, deep learning models, and open source tools and libraries.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: This certification program demonstrates the ability to use cognitive services, machine learning, and knowledge mining to architect and implement Microsoft AI solutions.
- Post Graduate Program in AI and Machine Learning by Purdue University: This comprehensive program covers Python, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition, and more.
- Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence by MIT Professional Education: This program covers key concepts of AI, including machine learning, probabilistic reasoning, robotics, and natural language processing.
In-depth exploration of each AI certification program
Stanford University — Machine Learning via Coursera:
This program comprises eleven weeks of study, with each week requiring 4–6 hours of commitment. It covers both supervised and unsupervised learning, along with best practices in machine learning.
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate:
This program focuses on teaching students how to develop AI-powered applications using industry-standard tools like TensorFlow and Keras. It includes hands-on labs and projects to provide practical experience.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate:
This program prepares students to design and implement AI apps and agents using Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Bot Services, and machine learning platforms in Azure. It’s a great choice for professionals focusing on Microsoft’s AI stack.
Post Graduate Program in AI and Machine Learning by Purdue University:
This program, in collaboration with IBM, offers a comprehensive understanding of AI and Machine Learning concepts. It has over 450 hours of learning and includes both self-paced and live sessions.
Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence by MIT Professional Education:
This program features instruction from MIT faculty and provides a deep dive into the latest AI concepts and techniques. It offers a blend of theory and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the field.
Criteria for selecting an AI certification program
Choosing the right AI certification program can be a daunting task given the multitude of options available. However, considering the following factors can help you make an informed decision:
- Course Content: Ensure the program covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of AI, along with the latest advancements in the field.
- Practical Learning: Look for programs that offer hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and practical assignments to help you gain practical experience.
- Instructor Expertise: The quality of instruction matters. Make sure the program is taught by leading industry experts or faculty from reputable institutions.
- Flexibility: If you are juggling work and study, opt for a program that offers flexible learning options. Online programs typically allow you to learn at your own pace.
- Certification Value: Consider the recognition and value of the certification in the industry. Certifications from reputed universities or organizations are generally more recognized.
Process and requirements for enrollment in each program
Stanford University — Machine Learning via Coursera:
Enrollment can be done directly via Coursera’s website. There are no specific prerequisites, although a basic understanding of programming and mathematics would be beneficial.
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate:
Sign up directly on Coursera. A basic understanding of Python and math is recommended. The program requires you to complete a series of courses in a specified order.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate:
You can register on the Microsoft Certification website. A background in Azure and AI concepts, along with proficiency in Python or C#, is required.
Post Graduate Program in AI and Machine Learning by Purdue University:
Enroll through the Simplilearn website. It is recommended for learners to have a basic understanding of programming, mathematics, and machine learning concepts.
Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence by MIT Professional Education:
Registration can be done directly on the MIT Professional Education website. A background in college-level calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics, along with some experience in Python, is required.
Career opportunities after obtaining an AI certification
AI certification opens up a multitude of exciting career opportunities in a variety of industries.
According to Indeed, the average salary of an AI engineer in the US is around $112,806 per year (source).
Here are some of the roles you can pursue after obtaining an AI certification:
- AI Engineer: They build and test AI models and are proficient in programming languages such as Python and R.
- Data Scientist: They analyze and interpret complex digital data to help companies make decisions.
- Machine Learning Engineer: They design and build machine learning systems, perform tests, and implement machine learning algorithms.
- Business Intelligence Developer: They analyze complex data sets to identify business and market trends.
- Research Scientist: They conduct research to advance the field of AI, inventing new technologies, algorithms, and approaches.
Getting an AI certification can provide a significant boost to your career, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in these roles and more.
Conclusion — Choosing the right AI certification program for you
Choosing the right AI certification program is a significant step towards a successful career in the field of AI. Each program we’ve explored offers unique strengths and is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
Your choice should align with your career goals, skill level, and learning style. Do you want a program that offers a broad overview of AI, or are you looking for something more specialized?
Do you prefer learning through lectures, or do you value hands-on projects? These are important considerations to keep in mind.
Regardless of the program you choose, obtaining an AI certification is a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise, stand out in a competitive job market, and open the door to a multitude of exciting career opportunities.
