Machine Learning Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in machine learning, you might be overwhelmed by the many available certifications and certificate programs. You might also have a lot of questions, like:

• What’s the difference between a machine learning certificate and a certification?
• Do I need certifications to get a job?
• How do I prepare for such credentials?

This article aims to answer these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path towards a machine learning certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI). This complex and multidisciplinary field can require training in programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP). Common careers that require machine learning skills include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts.

Machine learning is often associated with Python programming and data science. Supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning are the top three models of ML algorithms. Popular uses of ML in daily activities include voice recognition tools like Siri, recommendation lists from Amazon or Netflix, and user engagement icons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Read more about what machine learning is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Machine Learning?

Machine learning algorithms dominate today’s internet. Websites gather information based on everything you do online, from your search patterns to previous purchases, social media posts, and whether or not you abandon a product in a cart. As ML algorithms continue to influence our personal and professional lives, more and more businesses use them to streamline processes and determine customer and client journeys. The following are a few of the most popular machine learning applications.

• Social media - Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) was one of the first well-known companies to use ML to measure user activities. Examples of how they analyze statistical activity include their user engagement, chatbots, and content filtering features. Other top social media platforms using ML extensively include Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

• Product Recommendations - If you’ve ever bought a product from Amazon or subscribed to a streaming service, you’ve probably seen the You May Like feature. Companies ranging from Apple to Netflix use machine learning algorithms to customize your experience.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) involves text analytics and functions combined with machine learning. Analyzing text includes basic steps like identifying the language and more complex steps like syntax parsing and sentiment analysis. ML is essential to text analytics and NLP solutions.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

The massive amount of online content referencing machine learning and artificial intelligence can overwhelm even the most knowledgeable seekers. When it comes to certifications and certificates, it’s easy to get confused. One simple guideline is that with certifications, you typically must sit for an examination administered by a third party to demonstrate mastery of a subject. In contrast, certificates are usually completion-based programs.

Fortunately, machine learning certifications are generally easier to differentiate from certificate programs than in many other subject areas. Read on to learn more.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Machine Learning

Noble Desktop offers top certificate programs for professionals in the machine learning field. Depending on your area of expertise, any of the following can be appropriate:

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s flagship data science program includes training in ML models as part of a broader data science curriculum. Topics include Python, Pandas, and Scikit-learn, to name a few.

• Data Analytics Certificate - This intensive curriculum includes a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp for students looking to qualify for entry-level Data Analyst or Business Analyst roles—both of which can require ML regularly.

• FinTech Bootcamp - Planning to specialize as a Financial Analyst or Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst? The FinTech Bootcamp covers financial analysis in detail, including Python machine learning, SQL, and data visualization with Power BI or Tableau.

Popular certifications for ML typically feature third-party authorization, and they’re not hard to find. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are among the top companies offering ML certifications. Your goals and needs may require one of these certifications, but they vary by sector and role. Look for the following when considering certification:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Machine Learning Specialty - For professionals with two or more years of ML experience with AWS Cloud.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals - Individuals new to Azure or starting with cloud-based solutions may be interested in this certification.

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer - Specifically for Machine Learning Engineers with three-plus years of experience.

Should I Get Certified in Machine Learning?

Depending on your career and the sector, the question of whether to get certified may not come up right away. Positions like Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Engineer may require certifications for specific roles. However, these likely depend on your specific role and the organization.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting with machine learning, a certificate can help you get into an entry-level position. And this is true whether you’re a student new to the field or already working in a tech role and looking to transition to data science or Python engineering work.

How to Get Certified in Machine Learning

Getting machine learning certifications will not be your first consideration unless you’ve been in an ML role for some time. If you’re at the beginning of your machine learning education, consider mapping out a strategy for the job you want and what it will take to get there. Most tech professionals move through several positions at different organizations throughout their careers.

Begin your ML education with an in-person or online live bootcamp or certificate program if possible. These in-depth programs can give you the tools you need to get started in the field. Once you’re working in a data science or machine learning role, you can determine the path upward by sitting for certifications in areas like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud platforms, or Microsoft Azure.

Learn Machine Learning with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of bootcamps and certificates that feature machine learning, both in-person and live online via teleconferencing. Some include Python as a focus, others include machine learning as part of a broader data science curriculum, and others cover ML in a FinTech curriculum. All bootcamps and certificate programs feature small class sizes to maximize personal attention from expert instructors.

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s Data Science Certificate program teaches participants data science fundamentals before advancing through machine learning, Python for automation, and Structured Query Language (SQL). This immersive certificate is open to beginners; you can retake it for up to one year at no additional charge.

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Programmers already comfortable with Python and its data science libraries can get their machine learning training as part of the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. Attendees can save by taking this shorter course as part of the Data Science Certificate program.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - This comprehensive bootcamp combines the same ML and Python training modules as the Data Science Certificate but does not include the Structured Query Language (SQL) bootcamp. It’s open to beginners and designed to prepare students for entry-level Python engineering or data science positions. 

For more information on Noble Desktop’s data science classes, including machine learning, check out all their full-time and part-time data science programs.

Key Insights

• If you’re starting with machine learning (ML), consider the difference between certifications and certificate programs.
• Top machine learning certificates include programs from Noble Desktop, like their:
• Data Science Certificate
• Data Analytics Certificate
• FinTech Bootcamp
• Popular certification programs for ML pros include:
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Machine Learning Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Consider certificate programs your priority, as certification programs typically require multiple years of experience in the field.
• You can get comprehensive machine learning training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.