Best Free and Low-Cost AI Certifications Tech Pros Can Earn in 2026

Artificial intelligence skills are now essential for many tech jobs, but training and certification can be expensive.

Thankfully, major tech companies and popular learning platforms are offering free and low-cost AI courses. These programs help professionals gain 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 AI fundamentals to applying machine learning concepts, with some including certificates or digital credentials. For tech professionals looking to build AI skills without breaking the bank, 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 who work 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 single-module program explains how AI, ML, deep learning, and generative AI are connected, helping learners understand basic terms and ideas without requiring a technical background. 

The course also introduces several AWS services that use AI and ML capabilities, offering practical context for how these tools are applied across different industries. Designed to take about an hour to complete, the course 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: Best for hands-on cloud-based AI skills

Google Cloud’s Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence learning path is a structured collection of courses designed to help learners 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 well-suited 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 theory alone. 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 for familiarizing 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 spans 14 modules and takes just over 10 hours to complete, covering topics such as machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing, and more. Through this learning path, learners 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 practical use of Azure tools while reinforcing Microsoft’s responsible AI principles. Learners can access different modules about managing AI solutions, from model training to deploying generative AI applications. The course is designed for beginners with some familiarity with Azure and the Azure portal, and is relevant for roles such as developers, AI engineers, and solutions architects. 

4. AI for Everyone: Best for understanding AI concepts

AI for Everyone, offered on Coursera by DeepLearning.AI, is a beginner-level course that explains artificial intelligence without requiring technical skills.

The program focuses on core AI concepts, common terminology, and real-world applications, with emphasis on how AI can be applied in business and organizations. Non-technical professionals seeking to understand how AI works and technical practitioners looking 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 takes about six hours to complete.

5. IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate: Best for building job-ready AI development skills

IBM’s AI Developer Professional Certificate is a program designed to help learners build job-ready skills in AI and generative AI. 

The certificate is taught by the IBM Skills Network Team and delivered as a 10-course series, covering fundamental AI concepts, terminology, and applications. Learners are introduced to generative AI models and can gain experience in 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 designed to be completed within six months.

Learners can subscribe to Coursera for $20 per month to earn a shareable certificate, access practice materials, assignments, discussion forums, and more. 

For more options, see eWeek’s breakdowns of top AI credentials and the best generative AI certifications. 

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