Machine learning stands out as one of the most in-demand skills in both the US and other developed countries. If you want to pursue a career in machine learning, one of the best ways is to get machine learning certifications. Machine learning certifications are perfect for students learning the basic aspects of machine learning as well as seasoned professionals in the machine learning field.
Since this is a rapidly growing field, there are plenty of career opportunities available. The highest-paying machine learning certifications provide you with an easy route to enter this competitive field and are equally useful for anyone no matter the skill level. Read on to read our list of the best certifications for machine learning.
What Is a Professional Certification?
Professional certification is proof of training and skill development in a particular field. It represents that an individual has the competency to perform a specialized job. This certification is awarded by a credentialing organization relevant to the industry. It can take a few weeks up to about two years to complete a professional certification.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is the experience, standardization, and scope of the technical skills you master. A certificate provides you with subject-specific knowledge through studying relevant courses. Certification in the field of machine learning is awarded as a result of an assessment process to examine the expertise of a professional.
Why Is Certification in Machine Learning Important?
Certification in machine learning is important because it paves the way for career advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 43 million people held a license or certification in the US in 2018. To establish a career in the fast-changing field of technology, machine learning certifications are a worthy addition to your resume.
Best Machine Learning Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM Certified Specialist-AI Enterprise Workflow V1 | IBM Corporation | $173,613 | $200 |
| Azure AI Engineer Associate | Microsoft Corporation | $164,769 | $165 |
| Professional Machine Learning Engineer | Google Inc. | $112,709 | $200 |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning-Specialty | Amazon | $97,358 | $300 |
| IBM Certified Data Scientist-Machine Learning Specialist V1 | IBM Corporation | $97,358 | $200 |
| Azure Data Scientist Associate | Microsoft Corporation | $97,358 | $165 |
| TensorFlow Developer Certificate | TensorFlow | $80,509 | $100 |
Best Machine Learning Certifications to Further Your Career
The certification assesses the problem-solving abilities of data scientists using machine learning solutions. It focuses on the ability to find solutions for enterprise problems using IBM methods. You must correctly answer 44 exam questions to get certified. It also offers specialty practice exam resources for machine learning to prepare for the certification exam.
IBM Certified Specialist-AI Enterprise Workflow V1 Overview
- Average Salary: $173,613
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Experience using data science techniques for business problem solving
- Valid For: Not defined
- Exam Length: 90 minutes for 62 questions
- Best Suited For: Data scientists wanting to become an artificial intelligence manager
Potential Careers With IBM Certified Specialist-AI Enterprise Workflow V1
The professional certification offered by Microsoft Corporation requires individuals to pass the Specialty Exam AI-102 with a minimum score of 700 to get the certification. It assesses the skills of individuals in Azure Cognitive Services Solution, NLP, and AI mining solutions. It prepares them for the career path of an artificial intelligence engineer.
Azure AI Engineer Associate Overview
- Average Salary: $164,769
- Cost: $165
- Requirements: NLP, computer vision, and AI solutions knowledge; Python and C#
- Valid For: 6 months
- Exam Length: Not stated
- Best Suited For: People wanting to develop Azure skills for AI real-world projects
Potential Careers With Azure AI Engineer Associate
The Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification assesses a professional’s ability to frame and develop machine learning models, identify real-world problems, design solutions, and manage machine learning solutions. There are no prerequisites for the certification and it offers free training and exam preparation resources.
Professional Machine Learning Engineer Overview
- Average Salary: $112,709
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: 3 or more years of experience using Google Cloud for design solutions
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 2 hours to answer multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: People wanting to pursue a career as an ML engineer
Potential Careers With Professional Machine Learning Engineer
The certification focuses on the performance of essential functions on machine learning models and framework on AWS Cloud. It is best suited for professionals with more than one year of experience in data science. The certification is delivered through a proctored online exam or Pearson VUE and PSI. It offers many free resources and exam guides to prepare for the exam.
AWS Certified Machine Learning-Specialty
- Average Salary: $97,358
- Cost: $300
- Requirements: At least 2 years of hands-on experience using AWS Cloud for machine learning frameworks
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 180 minutes for 65 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: People with basic knowledge in the field of data science
Potential Careers With AWS Certified Machine Learning-Specialty
The Certified Data Scientist-Machine Learning Specialist V1 certification is offered by IBM Corporation to assess data science skills of professionals for AI tools and processes. It demonstrates their proficiency in specialized topics like solving business problems using AI models. Candidates must answer exam questions within the given time to get the certification.
IBM Certified Data Scientist-Machine Learning Specialist V1 Overview
- Average Salary: $97,358
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Exploratory data analysis, interpretation, and representation skills
- Valid For: Not stated
- Exam Length: 90 minutes for 61 questions
- Best Suited For: Data scientists wanting to enhance their practical skills
Potential Careers With IBM Certified Data Scientist-Machine Learning Specialist V1
The certification Azure Data Scientist Associate is for professionals to assess and recognize their ability to apply effective machine learning techniques in data science. It measures their key skills in implementing machine learning methods to analyze and interpret data. The minimum passing score requirement for this certification is 700.
Azure Data Scientist Overview
- Average Salary: $97,358
- Cost: $165
- Requirements: Experience in using Azure machine learning and data science
- Valid For: Six months
- Exam Length: 120 minutes for 40 to 60 questions
- Best Suited For: People who want to become a proficient data scientist
Potential Careers With Azure Data Scientist
TensorFlow Developer Certificate tests the foundational knowledge of people with experience utilizing machine learning models and a clear understanding of TensorFlow models. After the exam, certified individuals can join the certification network of TensorFlow. Candidates can get a TensorFlow Education stipend to support the preparation and examination expenses.
TensorFlow Developer Certificate Overview
- Average Salary: $80,509
- Cost: $100
- Requirements: Understanding of machine learning, deep learning algorithms, and neural networks
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 5 hours
- Best Suited For: People wanting to get started in machine learning development
Potential Careers With TensorFlow Developer Certificate
How to Choose the Best Machine Learning Certification for Your Career
It can be difficult to choose the right machine learning certification for you since there are many factors you must consider. You must choose your certification wisely to gain the maximum value. Below we have some tips that can help you choose the best certification for yourself.
Define Your Career Goals
You must first define your career goals clearly to know which certification fulfills those needs. You must know what jobs use machine learning and which certifications are the most suitable for those jobs. Decide if you want to do something like design self-driving cars, create a bot to make the perfect movie recommendation, or design a robot that is an expert in object recognition, and curate your learning path to your dream role.
If you are a beginner, do some research to know about the best jobs and relevant certifications available for you. Similarly, if you wish to enhance your current job position, take some time to decide which path to pursue to approach potential employers. Having a clear vision of the future will help you make better decisions.
Decide on a Budget
Professional machine learning certifications can be expensive, even costing hundreds of dollars. You also need money to pay for machine learning certification exam prep. Decide your desired certification on a budget and proceed accordingly. Choose a certification program offered by a well-reputed organization that aligns with your available budget.
Consider Industry Reputation
You must ensure that the certification you have selected is demanded in the market. If you enroll in an outdated certification program, all the effort to get the credentials will go to waste. Also, the provider of the certification must have a good market reputation and industry recognition. Choose the certifications offered by well-reputed organizations and associations.
Which Machine Learning Certifications Pay the Most?
The machine learning certifications that pay the most are IBM Certified Specialist-AI Enterprise Workflow V1, Azure AI Engineer Associate, and Professional Machine Learning Engineer. These certifications lead to some of the highest-paying jobs in the industry that help you earn significantly more than you are now.
The following section includes the top five highest-paying certifications listed in the machine learning field, along with the average salary you can earn. These include a mix of beginner and advanced level certifications.
Highest-Paying Machine Learning Certifications
- IBM Certified Specialist-AI Enterprise Workflow V1: $173,613
- Azure AI Engineer Associate: $164,769
- Professional Machine Learning Engineer: $112,709
- AWS Certified Machine Learning–Specialty: $97,358
- IBM Certified Data Scientist-Machine Learning Specialist V1: $97,358
Which Machine Learning Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The machine learning certifications that are the best for beginners are Professional Machine Learning Engineer by Google, AWS Certified Machine Learning-Specialty, and Azure Data Scientist Associate. These certifications develop the foundational knowledge of machine learning so beginners with either no experience or a small amount of experience can succeed.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Machine Learning Certification Exam
Besides the prerequisites for your desired certification, you typically need additional preparation to pass your machine learning certification exam. There are many resources available, including online courses in machine learning, machine learning bootcamps, books, and online communities. You can find resources to help prepare you for your machine learning certification exam below.
Best Courses to Prepare for Machine Learning Certification Exams
Preparing for machine learning certification can be a tedious task if you are doing it on your own. There are many machine learning prep courses that prepare you to pass certification exams and award you a shareable certificate of completion. Below are the best certificate program courses to prepare for machine learning certification exams.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2 hours and 4 minutes
- Best Suited For: AI-102: Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution
This is a free self-study course offered by Microsoft Corporation to help students prepare for the AI-102 exam, which helps you become a certified Azure AI Engineer Associate. The course consists of two modules that can be accessed and completed online.
It is a quick way to learn about conversational AI solutions. You must have a basic understanding of Azure portal and programming languages such as Python or C# to make the most of this resource.
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- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2 months
- Best Suited For: TensorFlow Developer Certification
This course is ideal for people aiming to get the TensorFlow Developer Certification. It covers deep learning concepts, machine learning skills, and algorithms used to work with large datasets, as well as a capstone project. The ideal candidate should have basic programming experience and knowledge.
- Cost: $1,450
- Duration: 4 days
- Best Suited For: AI-102 (Azure AI Engineer Associate)
This instructor-led program is offered by Microsoft Corporation to help learners prepare for the AI-102 exam under the guidance of a professional instructor. The course is available in six different languages in addition to English and is carried out online. It consists of 12 modules and requires prospective trainees to have an understanding of programming.
- Cost: $49/month
- Duration: 4 months
- Best Suited For: TensorFlow Developer Certificate, Google TensorFlow Certificate
The professional certificate program focuses on skill-based, hands-on learning about deep learning topics. It trains individuals in integrating TensorFlow with machine learning to develop strong deep learning models.
The certificate also helps you prepare for the professional TensorFlow Developer Certificate exam. The course is offered by DeepLearning.AI and is highly ranked by students. Financial aid is also available for deserving students
- Cost: $34/month
- Duration: 54 hours
- Best Suited For: AWS Machine Learning-Specialty Certification
This certification preparation program follows a comprehensive approach and includes theoretical courses, advanced courses, and hands-on labs. It consists of four modules covering specialized topics like neural networks, reinforcement learning, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning models.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Machine Learning Certification Exams
Preparing for machine learning exams can be challenging if you don’t have access to learning resources. Luckily, there are numerous free and paid resources other than your certification courses to help you prepare for your machine learning certification exam.
Machine Learning Blogs
Machine learning blogs are a useful source of learning for those preparing for their certification exam. It helps you explore the latest information about complex topics described in an easy-to-understand way for others. There are plenty of machine learning blogs available online including Distill, Google AI, Amazon Web Services Machine Learning Blog, and Fast ML.
Machine Learning Blogs Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to gain the latest knowledge
Exam Practice and Sample Questions
Many certificate providers such as Amazon offer free sample exam questions to help candidates understand the exam pattern. It also helps them test their knowledge by solving practice questions. You can search through the official certification associations’ websites to access these documents.
Many certification-awarding organizations include free access to learning resources along with the certification program. You may also find a bunch of good exam practice questions by running a quick Google search.
Exam Practice and Sample Questions Overview
- Type of Resource: Documents
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People looking for exam-focused study
Machine Learning Communities
If you want to learn from the experience of industry professionals, you can join online machine learning communities. These communities facilitate interaction and discussions among members to help them explore the machine learning field to enhance their academic and professional achievements. Popular platforms include Reddit, LinkedIn, and Quora.
Machine Learning Communities Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Varying subscription fee
- Ideal For: People who prefer interactive learning
Machine Learning Books
If you want to develop a strong foundational knowledge of machine learning or want a detailed self-paced learning experience, you can opt for machine learning basic and advanced books. Some may be accessible for free while others have varying prices. Amazon also offers used books at a considerably lower rate for students preparing for certification exams. You can also use online libraries to get relevant books.
Machine Learning Books Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: Varying costs
- Ideal For: People who want to learn the basic concepts of machine learning
Video Tutorials
If you are looking to learn about machine learning concepts in detail, you can explore the best machine learning YouTube channels to gain access to video lectures and tutorials. YouTube offers free video playlists to help you learn different topics and prepare for your certification exams.
Video Tutorials Overview
- Type of Resource: Online videos
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want a detailed explanation of fundamental concepts
Best Online Courses
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Machine Learning Job Outlook and Average Salary
Machine learning is a growing field with many job opportunities for learners. The job outlook and expected growth rate of popular machine learning careers such as data scientists are faster than average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists are expected to have a growth rate of 31 percent from 2020 to 2030.
The median salary for data scientists is $100,480, making it one of the highest-paying careers with multiple growth opportunities. Having a professional certification in addition to education can increase your chances to enter this lucrative career field.
Best Machine Learning Jobs After Certification
After certification, you can apply for several machine learning jobs according to your area of interest and competency. In the section below, you’ll find some of the highest-paying machine learning jobs you can get after certification.
A computer hardware engineer with a machine learning certification develops machine learning systems for performing various functions efficiently. They update the systems regularly for better performance. Understanding and solving any error occurring in the system is also the responsibility of a computer hardware engineer.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Professional Machine Learning Engineer. This certification provides computer hardware engineers with the fundamental knowledge of incorporating machine learning models in computer system functions.
Natural language processing engineers use machine learning techniques to make human language understandable for computer systems. This helps the processing systems understand and analyze human language. The core skills necessary for this job include machine learning and natural language processing frameworks.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Azure AI Engineer Associate. A major part of the certification topics includes understanding natural language processing (NLP) solutions.
Machine learning engineers utilize their skills and expertise to develop smart systems based on artificial intelligence that can operate without human intervention. They not only design and develop such systems but also monitor their performance and work for continuous improvement and enhancement.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Professional Machine Learning Engineer. The certification includes all the knowledge and skillset requirements for this job role.
Software developers with an understanding of machine learning align this technology to design and develop software. To become an expert machine learning software developer, you must have an understanding of deep learning, algorithms, and fundamental mathematics.
Best Certification for the Job Role
TensorFlow Developer Certificate. The certification adds to the skills of a software engineer and allows them to solve complex problems easily.
Data scientists deal with the analysis and interpretation of data to draw meaningful conclusions. They utilize machine learning data to identify and interpret future trends. Machine learning certifications help you master machine learning algorithms used by data scientists.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Azure Data Scientist Associate. The certification is designed for data scientists seeking to enhance their efficiency and career growth opportunities.
Best Machine Learning Associations
The best machine learning associations provide learning, training, discussion, and interactive platforms and resources to members. These associations are helpful in accessing the best resources to keep up with the developments and advancements in the machine learning industry. The following section lists three of the best machine learning associations.
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence is a non-profit organization committed to working for the advancement of artificial intelligence in various fields. It offers services to improve the understanding of artificial intelligence among people who aren’t in tech and train professionals for future developments in the field.
Data Science Association
This non-profit association in America works for advancements in data science, such as the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It facilitates its members to embrace and become a part of these advancements. Students, academics, scientists, and data scientists can become members of this association which provides access to its tools and resources.
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA)
The Data Science Council of America is a non-profit organization offering certifications and learning resources in data science. It is also one of the most notable accreditation associations for schools, universities, and other institutions focused on engineering and technology. It trains students to keep up with the fast-changing trends in data science to prepare them for the future.
Are Machine Learning Certifications Worth It?
Yes, machine learning certifications are worth it because they validate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field. It is one of the technologies expected to grow significantly and dominate the technological world.
A well-reputed machine learning certification can go a long way to help you launch a career in machine learning. It is safe to say that you will not regret earning a professional certification in machine learning.
Additional Reading About Machine Learning
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Machine Learning Certifications FAQ
No, all machine learning certifications do not have the same requirements. Every certification program is designed for a targeted group of people, including graduates, beginners, and experienced professionals. Since certifications are offered diversely, each one has different prerequisites and completion requirements.
To establish a career in machine learning, you must first get the foundational education to learn the fundamental concepts of machine learning. Then you can pursue a machine learning certification to build coding skills, complete hands-on projects, and build a strong portfolio. You can also join online communities to interact with professionals and learn from their experiences.
The skills required for machine learning include strong programming skills, database management systems and languages, machine learning algorithms, statistical pattern recognition, predictive modeling, mental modeling, and proficiency in mathematics. You must also have problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
Yes, machine learning can be hard due to the complex programming, coding, and algorithms involved. If you are a beginner, you might face some difficulty comprehending these concepts, but once you understand the fundamentals it becomes easy to learn and apply machine learning concepts.
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