Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of industries across the globe. From healthcare to finance, AI skills are now in high demand, making it essential for professionals to stay ahead by gaining the right knowledge. But what if you could acquire these skills without paying a dime? In 2024, several free AI courses with certifications are available, allowing you to enhance your résumé and advance your career.
In this article, we’ll highlight five of the best free AI courses with certifications that you can enroll in right now, and why each of them is perfect for boosting your AI knowledge and career prospects.
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course by IBM | Coursera

IBM’s Introduction to AI course is one of the best free resources available for learning AI fundamentals. Hosted on Coursera, this course provides a thorough introduction to key AI concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Students also gain hands-on experience with generative AI models, including large language models (LLMs), which are crucial in the current AI landscape.
Upon completion, learners receive a certification that can be shared on LinkedIn, helping you stand out to potential employers.
Why Choose This Course?
- Comprehensive coverage of AI basics.
- Hands-on labs and project work.
- Certification by IBM, a respected name in tech.
Resource: IBM AI Course on Coursera
2. Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn
Designed by Microsoft in collaboration with LinkedIn, this course is a robust resource for professionals wanting to develop practical AI skills. The course covers the application of generative AI in real-world scenarios, making it ideal for those aiming to implement AI within their careers. It is tailored to help learners grasp the core principles of AI and its impact on job roles.

The certification from Microsoft and LinkedIn adds immense value to your résumé and LinkedIn profile, signaling to employers that you possess in-demand skills.
Why Choose This Course?
- Created by industry leaders, Microsoft and LinkedIn.
- Focuses on the real-world application of AI in the workplace.
- Ideal for career-focused individuals.
Resource: Microsoft AI Essentials on LinkedIn
3. Generative AI Fundamentals | Databricks

For a quick and effective introduction to generative AI, the Generative AI Fundamentals course by Databricks is a great option. It consists of four short videos followed by a knowledge test, with a digital badge awarded upon successful completion. This course is perfect for anyone looking to quickly grasp the principles of generative AI, including large language models (LLMs) and their applications.
Why Choose This Course?
- Short and to the point, perfect for busy professionals.
- Includes a digital badge to showcase on your profiles.
- Explores current and practical AI trends.
Resource: Generative AI Fundamentals by Databricks
4. Introduction to Generative AI | Google Cloud Skills Boost
Google Cloud offers a free course on Generative AI, specifically designed to help you understand the fundamentals of generative AI while integrating with cloud technologies. After completing this course, you receive a badge that you can display on your social media profiles or résumé.
This course is perfect for individuals looking to build a foundation in generative AI and integrate those skills into a cloud-based career.
Why Choose This Course?
- Google Cloud certification adds high credibility.
- Focus on generative AI in a cloud environment.
- Includes practical cloud computing skills.
- Resource: Google Cloud Generative AI Course
5. Introduction to Image Generation | Google Cloud Skills Boost
The most technical of the five courses, Introduction to Image Generation by Google Cloud, is for those who want to dive deep into AI-driven image creation. This course covers everything from training your own AI image generation model to deploying it on Google’s Vertex AI.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a valuable badge that reflects your proficiency in one of the most exciting areas of AI: AI-powered image generation. Whether you’re a developer or a designer looking to enhance your AI skills, this course offers tremendous value.
Why Choose This Course?
- Highly technical and geared toward advanced AI learners.
- In-depth hands-on experience with AI image generation.
- Google Cloud certification adds significant weight.
Resource: Google Cloud Image Generation Course
Why AI Certifications Matter for Your Career in 2024
As the job market becomes more competitive, adding recognized certifications to your résumé can help differentiate you from other candidates. The AI industry is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years, and professionals who can demonstrate AI expertise will be in high demand. By completing these free AI courses with certifications, you’ll be equipped with both the knowledge and credentials to thrive in the tech world.
Furthermore, showcasing certifications from highly reputable companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM provides additional trust and authority to your profile, whether on your résumé or on platforms like LinkedIn. In the fast-evolving AI landscape, staying up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies is key to professional growth.
External Resources and DoFollow Links:
- AI Career Guide: Explore Coursera’s AI Learning Path for more insights into AI career opportunities.
- Understanding Generative AI: Learn more about the basics of Generative AI from MIT Technology Review.
- AI and the Future of Work: Stay updated with the impact of AI on jobs via this Harvard Business Review Article.
Conclusion
AI is reshaping industries at a rapid pace, and acquiring the right AI certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects. The 5 free AI courses with certifications listed here offer a wide range of learning opportunities, whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize in AI. By enrolling in these courses, you’ll be equipped with the skills and credentials needed to stand out in a competitive job market in 2024.
Make the smart choice and enroll in one of these free AI courses today, and watch your career soar!