Best Entry-Level AI Certifications in 2026

Start learning AI through the work you want to do: using tools, understanding cloud AI or building applications. Compare Google AI Essentials, AWS and Azure foundations, Google Cloud Generative AI Leader and Claude architecture foundations by focus, format and cost.

Google AI Essentials credential artwork

Google AI Essentials

Google · Course certificate

Validates foundational skills in using generative AI at work, including AI basics, productivity tools, prompting and responsible use.

49EntryNo prerequisites
AWS Certified AI Practitioner credential artwork

AWS AI Practitioner

AWS · Exam AIF-C01

Validates foundational knowledge of AI and generative AI concepts, foundation models, responsible AI and AWS AI services.

100EntryNo prerequisites
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals credential artwork

Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

Microsoft · Exam AI-901

Validates foundational knowledge of AI concepts, responsible AI and building generative AI, vision and speech solutions.

99EntryNo prerequisites

Validates knowledge of generative AI concepts, Google Cloud generative AI offerings, improving model output and leading responsible adoption.

99EntryNo prerequisites

Validates ability to apply Claude to everyday business tasks, including prompting, checking output, choosing features and models, setting up Projects and using AI responsibly.

99EntryHas prerequisites

Validates knowledge of building production Claude applications, including API integration, agents, tools and MCP, prompt and context engineering, evals, security and cost.

125EntryHas prerequisites