A while back me and a friend were in a similar spot she was using youtube and i was taking free courses after which i wanted to take up something structured that would actually hold weight if I decided to move into a GenAI-focused role. Did a little bit of research I went with the Applied Generative AI certification offered Purdue on Simplilearn's platform. What made me choose this was the reviews, the learning parts, projects and modules covered. Here's my experience on it, just taught this might help you. The instructors actually knew the tech and kept the content current, was a mix of theory + practice which helped a lot, I built small GenAI apps, played with model fine-tuning, and that made things click and the instructor was very helpful in my challenges and doubts. now talking about some thing which could have been better are, some modules were slower-paced along with a few concepts i had already learnt through free courses and a few modules could’ve gone deeper. Overall i would say go through the course curriculum and the learning path and all the details of the course before you pursue it so that it aligns with you. Answer from Critical-List-4899 on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/onlinecourses › what's the best generative ai certification for someone looking to switch careers into genai?
r/onlinecourses on Reddit: What's the best Generative AI certification for someone looking to switch careers into GenAI?
October 24, 2025 -

I currently work in the tech field and have recently gotten really interested in Generative AI. I've gone through some beginner content which was free and on youtube and now I'm thinking about taking it more seriously and getting a certification that could actually help me transition into a GenAI-focused role.

There are tons of certification options out there from different companies, but it's hard to tell which ones are actually worth the time and money or recognized by employers.

If anyone here has taken a genAI certification that helped you gain practical skills or opened up real opportunities, I'd love to hear your recommendations

Top answer
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A while back me and a friend were in a similar spot she was using youtube and i was taking free courses after which i wanted to take up something structured that would actually hold weight if I decided to move into a GenAI-focused role. Did a little bit of research I went with the Applied Generative AI certification offered Purdue on Simplilearn's platform. What made me choose this was the reviews, the learning parts, projects and modules covered. Here's my experience on it, just taught this might help you. The instructors actually knew the tech and kept the content current, was a mix of theory + practice which helped a lot, I built small GenAI apps, played with model fine-tuning, and that made things click and the instructor was very helpful in my challenges and doubts. now talking about some thing which could have been better are, some modules were slower-paced along with a few concepts i had already learnt through free courses and a few modules could’ve gone deeper. Overall i would say go through the course curriculum and the learning path and all the details of the course before you pursue it so that it aligns with you.
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If you want to switch to a Generative AI career, top paid certifications include DeepLearning. AI’s “Generative AI for Everyone” for beginners, IBM’s GenAI Specialization for hands-on skills, Microsoft & LinkedIn’s Career Essentials for practical applications, and Generative AI Leader Professional Certificate for managers. AWS AI Practitioner and NVIDIA LLM Certification are also employer-recognized. Pick one based on your skills, goals, and industry recognition to boost your transition into GenAI.
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Course Report
coursereport.com › home › advice › tips and advice › the 5 most valuable generative ai certifications
The 5 Most Valuable Generative AI Certifications | Course Report
May 1, 2025 - For data scientists, software engineers, and AI professionals, earning a generative AI certification is a good career move. From NVIDIA to AWS, we've rounded up the top 5 generative AI certifications that employers are looking for.
People also ask

What are the best Generative AI courses online?

There are several excellent online courses available for learning about generative AI. For instance, the AWS Generative AI Applications Professional Certificate provides practical insights into applying generative AI in real-world scenarios. Another option is the IBM Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate, which focuses on engineering aspects. These courses can help you build a solid understanding of generative AI principles and applications.

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coursera.org
coursera.org › courses
Best Generative AI Courses & Certificates [2026] | Coursera
How do I learn Generative AI?

To learn generative AI, start by identifying your learning goals and the specific areas of interest within the field. Enroll in online courses that match your objectives, such as those focusing on programming, machine learning, or specific applications of generative AI. Engage with hands-on projects to apply what you learn, and consider joining online communities or forums to connect with others in the field. Consistent practice and exploration will help you build confidence and expertise.

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coursera.org
coursera.org › courses
Best Generative AI Courses & Certificates [2026] | Coursera
What skills do I need to learn for Generative AI?

To succeed in generative AI, you should develop a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python or Java, as well as a solid understanding of machine learning concepts. Familiarity with AI frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, is also beneficial. Additionally, skills in data analysis, natural language processing, and creative thinking will enhance your ability to work with generative AI technologies effectively.

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coursera.org
coursera.org › courses
Best Generative AI Courses & Certificates [2026] | Coursera
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Coursera
coursera.org › courses
Best Generative AI Courses & Certificates [2026] | Coursera
For instance, the AWS Generative AI Applications Professional Certificate provides practical insights into applying generative AI in real-world scenarios. Another option is the IBM Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate, which focuses ...
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Jhu
online.lifelonglearning.jhu.edu › johns hopkins university with great learning
Johns Hopkins Applied Generative AI Course & Certificate Program
September 21, 2025 - Earn dual certificates in Applied Generative AI and Agentic AI · Reach out to your Program Advisor for more details · * Image for illustration only. Certificate subject to change. The curriculum, designed by the faculty of Johns Hopkins University...
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NVIDIA
nvidia.com › en-us › learn › certification › generative-ai-llm-associate
Generative AI with LLMs Certification | NVIDIA
The NCA Generative AI LLMs certification is an entry-level credential that validates the foundational concepts for developing, integrating, and maintaining AI-driven applications using generative AI and large language models (LLMs) with NVIDIA ...
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Computerworld
computerworld.com › home › careers › it skills and training
Here are the top AI certifications that will get you hired and promoted – Computerworld
September 2, 2025 - Its Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL) certification program covers industry-neutral AI strategies, managing risks, and developing teams for managing AI transformation. For those seeking a more cost-effective or introductory-level specialization, the Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders Specialization offered through Coursera provides an overview of AI literacy for executives, Ramirez said.
Find elsewhere
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ProjectPro
projectpro.io › blog › 7 best generative ai certifications to pursue in 2025
7 Best Generative AI Certifications To Pursue in 2025
January 2, 2025 - To earn certification, complete ... Gen AI certifications include Google Generative AI Certification, Microsoft Generative AI Certification, and AWS Generative AI Learning Path for Developers....
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ZDNET
zdnet.com › home › innovation › artificial intelligence
The best free AI courses and certificates for upskilling in 2025 - and I've tried them all | ZDNET
October 30, 2025 - Gen AI: Beyond the Chatbot: Foundational overview of generative AI. Gen AI: Unlock Foundational Concepts: Core AI concepts explained. Gen AI: Navigate the Landscape: AI ecosystem and infrastructure.
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Udemy
udemy.com › topic › generative-ai
Top Generative AI (GenAI) Courses Online - Updated [December 2025]
Learn Generative AI (GenAI) today: find your Generative AI (GenAI) online course on Udemy
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ZDNET
zdnet.com › home › innovation › artificial intelligence
The best free AI courses and certificates in 2025 - and I've tried many | ZDNET
May 22, 2025 - Gen AI: Beyond the chatbot: Foundational overview of generative AI · Gen AI: Unlock foundational concepts: Core AI concepts explained · Gen AI: Navigate the landscape: AI ecosystem and infrastructure · Gen AI Apps: Transform your work: Business-focused AI applications · Gen AI Agents: Transform your organization: Strategy and adoption of AI · There is a small catch here: If you want the actual certificate, you need to pony up $99 and take a 90-minute exam.
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AWS
aws.amazon.com › certification › certified ai practitioner
AWS Certified AI Practitioner
2 days ago - AWS Certified AI Practitioner covers the breadth of AI frameworks, concepts, and associated AWS technologies, with an emphasis on generative AI.
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DigitalOcean
digitalocean.com › resources › articles › ai-certifications
11 Best AI Certifications in 2025 to Deepen Your Technical Knowledge | DigitalOcean
Focus: AI fundamentals, generative AI, LLMs, practical business applications · Cost: Included with DataCamp Premium subscription ($25/month) ... Ask any AI practitioner about their learning journey, and chances are Andrew Ng’s Deep Learning Specialization will come up.
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Harvard University
pll.harvard.edu › subject › artificial-intelligence
Artificial Intelligence Courses | Harvard University
Build a foundational understanding of AI concepts with this course from Harvard Business School (HBS) Online. ... Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters, a flexible, six-week online program from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, ...
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Google Cloud
cloud.google.com › blog › topics › training-certifications › new-google-cloud-certification-in-generative-ai
New Google Cloud certification in generative AI | Google Cloud Blog
May 14, 2025 - To help you prepare for the Generative AI Leader certification exam, we’ve developed a comprehensive and no-cost learning path available on Google Cloud Skills Boost, enriched with all new ways of learning, like hands-on “try it” experiences, ...
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United States Artificial Intelligence Institute
usaii.org › artificial-intelligence-certifications
Artificial Intelligence Certification | AI Certification | USAII®
The Certified Artificial Intelligence Prefect – Advanced (™CAIPa) is the most distinctive and groundbreaking K-12 AI certification program to turn a smart teenager into a professional, allowing generation-Z to either pursue higher studies ...
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MIT Professional Education
professionalprograms.mit.edu › online-program-generative-ai
Generative AI Online Course | MIT Professional Education
September 18, 2024 - This course is part of our: Professional Certificate Program in Digital Transformation in the AI age, Professional Certificate Program in Industry 4.0, Blended Professional Certificate: Chief Technology Officer, Blended Professional Certificate: Chief Digital Officer and Blended Professional Certificate: Chief Product Officer · Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various sectors by automating processes, analyzing large volumes of data, and providing valuable insights. Among the many branches of AI, generative AI stands out for its ability to create new content, from text and images to music and software code, based on patterns learned from existing data.
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Gsdcouncil
gsdcouncil.org › generative-ai-foundation
Generative AI Foundation Certification | GSDC
Hub of Trending Technologies and framework certifications. Content curated by Industry's best Subject matter experts.
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › credentials › certifications › azure-ai-fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
Demonstrate fundamental AI concepts related to the development of software and services of Microsoft Azure to create AI solutions. ... This certification is an opportunity for you to demonstrate knowledge of machine learning and AI concepts ...