Are AI Certifications Worth It in 2026?
The Honest Truth.

It depends on how you use them. Certifications alone rarely get people hired. They can validate baseline knowledge and help pass initial resume filters at some companies. But hiring managers in 2026 prioritize demonstrated ability to build AI systems. A strong portfolio with deployed projects typically outweighs any certification. If you pursue a cert, treat it as one small part of your strategy, not the strategy itself.

If you choose to get a certification, AWS Machine Learning Specialty and Google Professional ML Engineer have the most industry recognition. But value depends on context. A cert only helps if target employers use that platform and value that credential. Many companies care more about your GitHub projects than your certificate badges. Research specific job postings at companies you want to join before investing in any certification.

Build your portfolio first. Certifications prove you completed coursework. Portfolio projects prove you can solve real problems with AI. When you interview, employers ask about your projects and test your ability to build. They rarely quiz you on certification content. A candidate with three deployed AI projects and no certifications typically beats a candidate with certifications but no portfolio.

Most hiring managers view certifications as baseline validation, not proof of competence. They expect candidates to pass technical interviews regardless of credentials. Certifications might get your resume past automated filters, but they will not carry you through coding challenges or system design discussions. Employers want to see that you have built things, solved problems, and can handle production complexity.

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

Certification programs range from $300 to $3000. The question is whether that investment accelerates your job search more than alternatives. The same money spent on 1:1 coaching often provides better ROI because you get personalized guidance on exactly what you need to learn and build. If you have strong portfolio projects and interview skills, you may not need certifications at all.

Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.

You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.