Introduction
The demand for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills continues to rise, with industries across the globe adopting AI technologies to automate processes, improve decision-making, and drive innovation. For those looking to break into the field, acquiring the right skills is essential, and there’s no better time to start than 2024.
Fortunately, many platforms now offer free machine learning courses with certificates, allowing learners to develop their expertise without financial barriers. This blog explores five top-notch, free machine-learning courses that provide certification upon completion. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about obtaining an AI certificate for free, the best machine learning certificates available, and whether it’s possible to learn machine learning for free.
1. Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course (MLCC)
Overview
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course (MLCC) is a fantastic free resource for both beginners and professionals who want to gain hands-on experience in machine learning. The course is designed to help learners build foundational machine learning skills, with real-world examples from Google’s use cases.
Course Structure
The MLCC consists of around 25 lessons, including lectures, tutorials, and coding exercises. Google also provides TensorFlow APIs and tools for practical implementation, helping learners understand the workflow of ML projects.
Certificate
Upon completion, learners can receive a certificate, which they can showcase on their LinkedIn profiles or resumes. Although this course doesn’t go in-depth into advanced ML topics, it’s a great starting point for beginners.
Why Choose This Course?
- Beginner-friendly
- Hands-on coding experience with TensorFlow
- Real-world examples from Google’s projects
Case Study: A Beginner’s Success Story
Sarah, a marketing analyst in California, completed Google’s MLCC as her first introduction to AI. Without any prior coding experience, she learned how to create simple ML models and integrated AI insights into her campaigns, improving client engagement by 15%.
2. Coursera: Machine Learning by Andrew Ng (Stanford University)
Overview
Offered by Coursera, Stanford University’s “Machine Learning” course taught by Andrew Ng is one of the most recognized and acclaimed machine learning programs. Though Coursera charges for certificates, you can audit the course for free and apply for financial aid to earn a certificate.
Course Structure
This course covers a wide range of ML topics, from linear regression and neural networks to unsupervised learning and anomaly detection. Andrew Ng’s clear, structured explanations have made this course a favorite for millions of learners worldwide.
Certificate
To get a free certificate, you can apply for financial aid through Coursera, which grants access to all features, including quizzes, peer-graded assignments, and a certificate of completion.
Why Choose This Course?
- In-depth coverage of fundamental ML concepts
- Taught by one of the world’s most respected AI educators
- Applicable to a wide range of industries
Case Study: From Coursera to Career Transition
After completing Andrew Ng’s machine learning course, Rajesh, an engineer in India, transitioned from traditional software development to AI. He later secured a job as an ML engineer, where his project on predictive analytics earned recognition from his company.
3. edX: Principles of Machine Learning (Microsoft)
Overview
The “Principles of Machine Learning” course, offered through edX and developed by Microsoft, is an excellent introduction to machine learning. It focuses on practical implementation using Python and the Microsoft Azure framework. Learners are guided through building ML models and exploring algorithms such as regression, clustering, and classification.
Course Structure
The course is structured into video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on labs using Python and Jupyter Notebooks. It provides a comprehensive introduction to supervised and unsupervised learning and helps participants understand how to evaluate models.
Certificate
Though edX offers paid certificates, you can access the course materials for free. However, learners can apply for financial aid to receive a verified certificate upon completion.
Why Choose This Course?
- Covers practical ML applications using Python
- Azure-based learning tools for hands-on experience
- Suited for beginners as well as intermediate learners
Case Study: Advancing Data Science Skills
Maria, a data analyst, used the free version of the edX course to build her machine learning foundation. She applied her new skills to automate parts of her company’s reporting process, saving her team hours of manual labor.
4. Fast.ai: Practical Deep Learning for Coders
Overview
Fast.ai’s “Practical Deep Learning for Coders” is a free and open-source course designed for individuals with some coding experience who want to delve into deep learning. The course is accessible to anyone with basic Python knowledge and focuses on creating ML models using the Fastai library.
Course Structure
This course dives straight into building real-world deep learning models, covering topics such as image classification, natural language processing (NLP), and collaborative filtering. Fast.ai’s unique teaching approach focuses on top-down learning, encouraging students to build models early on and then gradually understand the theory behind them.
Certificate
While Fast.ai does not offer formal certificates, the skills and projects learners gain from this course can be applied directly to portfolios or personal projects, which employers often find valuable.
Why Choose This Course?
- Free and open-source
- Hands-on, project-based learning
- Focuses on real-world applications of deep learning
Case Study: Building a Portfolio for AI Jobs
David, a software developer looking to transition into deep learning, completed Fast.ai’s course and used his final project to land a job at an AI startup. The project, which focused on image classification, showcased his ability to build practical AI models from scratch.
5. Kaggle: Intro to Machine Learning
Overview
Kaggle, the world’s largest data science community, offers a free “Intro to Machine Learning” course as part of its educational platform. The course focuses on using machine learning to solve practical problems through hands-on exercises and competitions.
Course Structure
This course introduces concepts such as decision trees, model validation, and overfitting. Learners use Kaggle’s interactive environment to complete coding exercises and build their ML models without needing to set up any local environments.
Certificate
Although Kaggle doesn’t provide certificates for all courses, completing this course equips you with practical skills that you can apply directly to Kaggle competitions. These projects serve as valuable portfolio pieces for showcasing your abilities.
Why Choose This Course?
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Interactive, hands-on learning with immediate feedback
- Access to Kaggle competitions for practice
Case Study: Competitive Advantage in Data Science
Emily, a data scientist, used Kaggle’s Intro to Machine Learning course to sharpen her skills and compete in Kaggle competitions. Her participation in a competition on predicting housing prices boosted her confidence and led to her winning a spot as a finalist.
How to Get an AI Certificate for Free?
While many courses offer paid certificates, there are several ways to obtain free certifications:
- Financial Aid: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer financial aid options for learners who cannot afford the fees. By applying for aid, you can gain full access to course materials, including certificates, without any cost.
- Free Auditing: Some platforms allow learners to audit courses for free. Though certificates may not be provided automatically, learners can sometimes receive certification by completing additional tasks or projects.
- Open-Source Platforms: Some courses, such as those from Fast.ai or Kaggle, may not offer traditional certificates but allow learners to build projects that demonstrate their skills to potential employers.
What is the Best Machine Learning Certificate?
The “best” machine learning certificate depends on your goals and career stage. Here are some of the most recognized ones:
- Coursera – Machine Learning by Andrew Ng: This is highly regarded for its comprehensive curriculum and the reputation of Stanford University. It’s ideal for beginners and offers a well-rounded understanding of key ML concepts.
- Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course: While it’s a crash course, Google’s MLCC is popular due to its practical applications and the credibility of Google itself. It’s great for quick upskilling, especially if you’re interested in TensorFlow.
- edX – Principles of Machine Learning (Microsoft): This course is valuable for those who want to work with Microsoft’s Azure framework. It offers a more structured approach to learning the theoretical and practical aspects of machine learning.
Can I Learn Machine Learning for Free?
Yes! As highlighted in this blog, numerous platforms are offering free machine learning courses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these resources can help you learn the fundamentals and even advanced concepts of machine learning:
- Google’s MLCC provides a beginner-friendly introduction to ML concepts.
- Coursera’s Machine Learning by Andrew Ng offers an in-depth exploration, and you can apply for financial aid to access the certificate for free.
- Fast.ai allows you to dive into practical deep learning without any cost.
Conclusion: Take the Leap into Machine Learning in 2024
With the abundance of free resources available, 2024 is the perfect time to start your machine-learning journey. From beginner-friendly courses like Google’s MLCC to more advanced, project-based programs like Fast.ai, there’s a course for everyone, regardless of your background or financial situation. By taking advantage of these free opportunities, you can build your skills
What prerequisites do I need to take a machine learning course?
Most beginner-level machine learning courses require basic knowledge of Python programming and fundamental math skills, including algebra and statistics. For more advanced courses, understanding concepts like calculus, linear algebra, and probability will be beneficial.
What is the best machine learning certificate?
Coursera’s Machine Learning by Andrew Ng (Stanford University)
Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
edX’s Principles of Machine Learning (Microsoft)
How can I get an AI certificate for free?
You can obtain an AI certificate for free by taking advantage of financial aid options or free courses on various platforms like Coursera, edX, Google, and Fast.ai. Many of these platforms offer certificates upon completion, or you can apply for financial aid to access premium features for free.