Contents

1. Overview
2. Why start with an AI certification?
3. What makes a good AI course?
4. Courses
5. Frequently asked questions about AI courses

Overview

"I need to learn AI or else I'll be left behind."

This is what you - someone who wants to break into tech - probably thought, especially when ChatGPT gained worldwide recognition.

But how do you get started?

Especially if you're a complete beginner?

Here's a guide to help you pick the best online AI certification courses to start with.

‍

Why start with an AI certification?

1. Structured Learning Path: Beginner AI certification programs provide a structured path to learn fundamental concepts, making it easier to follow and understand.
2. Credibility: A recognized certificate can enhance your resume, showcasing your commitment and expertise to potential employers.
3. Flexibility: Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, fitting your studies around your personal and professional commitments.

‍

What makes a good AI course?

Here's what we looked at to evaluate the quality of AI courses.

1. Comprehensive curriculum content: The course should cover fundamental AI concepts comprehensively. The curriculum should be up-to-date with the latest advancements and practical applications in AI.
2. Instructor expertise: Quality courses are often taught by experienced professionals or academics with extensive backgrounds in AI. Instructors should have a strong grasp of the subject matter and the ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
3. Hands-on projects and practical experience: Effective AI courses provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios. Practical experience with AI tools and practice working on projects integrating AI is essential.

‍

1. EntryLevel.net's Working with AI online course for beginners

Cost

Under $200

Duration

For beginners, this AI certification course can be completed within 6 weeks at 3-5 hours a week. The online AI course has 5 modules.

Overview

EntryLevel’s Working with AI course is a flexible and hands-on program focusing on getting your hands dirty with AI. You'll work on projects to demonstrate your skills throughout the course, ending in a project that helps you automate parts of your job.

Institution

EntryLevel

Key topics

This certified AI course covers:

• Introduction to AI and automation
• Prompt engineering using chat-based AIs like ChatGPT
• Advanced automations (custom webhooks)
• Using AI agents
• Automate your job (project)

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Course created by industry experts working in the field
• Flexible, online course with deadlines so there is some structure
• You work on real-world projects and complete the course with a portfolio of work
• You get a certificate

Cons

• 6 weeks might be too long - or too short - of a course duration for some students
• Lack of in-person or live learning

What will you learn?

If you're a beginner not wanting to get left behind, you need to learn how to work with AI tools. You could save up to 90% of your time by automating work with AI, making your 10x more effective at your job - and 10x more valuable.

Unlike other courses, EntryLevel's AI course will teach you how to use AI practically, and you'll create a project by the end of the course. You'll also combine automation with AI to create agents.

• Automate the boring work so you can focus on more exciting projects
• Set up custom automated solutions to become more efficient
• Create complex, chained prompts that are usually only accessible to developers

Website

Enroll before the deadline

‍

2. Coursera's AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng

Cost

‍Free, or $59/month with subscription

Duration

6 hours (4 modules), which can be completed in less than 3 weeks

Overview

‍This course introduces AI for everyone - from non-technical employees to engineers wanting to learn the business side of AI.

Institution

Coursera

Key topics

This AI course covers:

• Neural networks, machine learning, deep learning, data science
• What AI canandcan't do
• How to apply AI to your organization
• How to work with an AI team and build an AI strategy
• AI ethics

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Course created by experts
• Focused on applying AI in the workplace
• It is self-paced and flexible

Cons

• There are no serious deadlines, so you may not complete the course
• There are a lot of videos to watch, which can get overwhelming
• This is an introductory crash course, so you don't get to really practice your own work

Website

Visit website

‍

3. edX's Master the basics of AI

Cost

Free, or $99 USD with certificate

Duration

4 weeks at 1-2 hours per week

Overview

Learn what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is by understanding its applications and key concepts including machine learning, deep learning and neural networks.

Institution

IBM via edX

Key topics

This beginner-friendly AI course covers:

• AI's applications and use cases
• Understanding what Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Neural Networks mean
• AI ethics
• Starting a career in AI

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Online course, so there is flexibility
• Free (but you don't get a certificate)

Cons

• You do not get real-world experience and practice; there is no project component
• Lack of real deadlines and structure

Website

Visit website

‍

Frequently asked questions

What is the best online AI course for beginners?D

Depends on your requirements and goals. Coursera's "AI for Everyone" is popular, but if you need more structure and hands-on projects, EntryLevel's Working with AI course might be for you.

Do I need prior programming experience to take an AI course?

No - especially if it's a beginner AI course like the ones listed in this article.

EntryLevel's AI course teaches you terms so you can better communicate with developers.

How long does it take to complete an online AI course?

It depends on the course - usually you can expect to spend 3-5 hours per week and complete a beginner course in 4-6 weeks.

What kind of certificate will I receive upon completing an AI course?

This depends on the course you take - most course providers like Coursera and edX charge for their certificates.

With EntryLevel, your course purchase comes with a certificate, reference letter, and a portfolio project.

Can I get a job in AI with an online certificate?

It depends on whether you can apply the course learnings to a project. Many beginner-friendly online AI courses don't have a hands-on project component, but EntryLevel's does.

How do I choose the right AI course for me?

To choose the right AI course, consider your current knowledge level, learning objectives, preferred learning style, and the course's curriculum, instructor qualifications, and reviews from past students. Free trials or introductory modules can also help you make an informed decision.

If price is a factor, we recommend Coursera's AI for Everyone course.

However, if you care more about hands-on projects and structure (so you actually finish the course), we recommend EntryLevel's Working with AI course.