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Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a crucial skill set for IT professionals. No matter what the industry or niche, automation, predictive analytics, and advanced monitoring are now must-haves for all businesses.
For IT admins, this shift means upskilling is not just an option but a necessity. On one hand, 42% of businesses are increasing their investment in AI tools, while 37% of admins are worried about AI’s impact on their jobs.
The good news? There is no shortage of AI courses and certifications to help you develop the technical and practical skills to succeed. This blog reviews the five best AI courses and certifications for IT admins today. It also takes into account its relevance to IT, ability to build essential AI-related skills, the reputation of the provider, and strong user reviews. Read on to know more!
1. IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
The IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate gives IT admins an end-to-end understanding of AI technology. This program covers machine learning (ML), deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP). The course guides learners from basic AI concepts to implementing them on an advanced level.
This certificate is for IT admins looking to integrate AI-driven automation, build intelligent monitoring solutions, or develop AI-powered applications in enterprise environments.
Skills Developed
- Machine learning pipeline management
- Deep learning model deployment
- Natural language processing operations
- Computer vision projects
- Applying Python and open-source frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Practical tools and real-world deployment are the main focus of this course. It helps prepare IT admins to manage AI systems in production environments.
Company/Provider
IBM is a recognized leader in AI and cloud computing, with employers highly valuing its certifications worldwide. Their training programs combine academic rigor with enterprise best practices.
User Satisfaction/Ratings
- Average rating: 4.6/5 (based on 7,383 reviews on Coursera)
- Learners praise its mix of theory and hands-on practice. Many note improved confidence in integrating AI solutions within legacy systems.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate certification is designed for professionals involved in deploying AI solutions on Microsoft Azure. The curriculum covers NLP, computer vision, conversational AI, and integrating AI services into existing IT infrastructure.
This certification gives IT admins practical experience with AI workloads in cloud environments, making it relevant for organizations implementing or managing Azure-based AI services.
Skills Developed
- Designing and implementing AI solutions on Azure
- Applying responsible AI principles
- Integrating NLP, speech, computer vision, and conversational AI
- Managing security, compliance, and governance for AI workloads
IT admins learn to streamline operations with AI while maintaining control over security and data compliance.
Company/Provider
Microsoft is a global technology leader. The Azure certification is a recognized standard for cloud professionals looking to specialize in AI.
User Satisfaction/Ratings
- Rating: 4.7/5 (based on Microsoft Learn and major tech forums)
- Users cite the practical, hands-on labs as a standout feature. Organizations note the immediate impact on their ability to deploy and support Azure AI services.
3. AI For Everyone (Coursera, Andrew Ng)
AI For Everyone, taught by Andrew Ng on Coursera, is an entry-level course focusing on practical AI adoption. It is not a technical deep-dive, but is essential for IT professionals seeking to understand how AI can be implemented across business and tech functions. Topics include what AI can and cannot do, how to run AI projects, and ethical implications.
Skills Developed
- Identifying AI opportunities in business and IT
- Managing AI projects
- Understanding organizational governance for AI
- Bridging technical and non-technical teams
IT admins benefit from a high-level view of AI’s role in driving automation, security, and support solutions.
Company/Provider
Andrew Ng is a co-founder of Coursera and a leading voice in AI education. The course is hosted by Coursera, a leading platform for online professional learning.
User Satisfaction/Ratings
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars,
- Many users credit this course for helping them grasp AI’s business potential without requiring a deep technical background.
4. Deep Learning Specialization by Coursera (DeepLearning.AI)
This Deep Learning Specialization, also led by AI pioneer Andrew Ng, takes learners from the basics to the intricacies of neural networks and deep learning. It lays the groundwork for building and troubleshooting AI systems supporting IT operations for admins with less AI experience.
The program includes neural network architectures, optimization, convolutional networks, and sequence models.
Skills Developed
- Neural network design and troubleshooting
- Hyperparameter tuning and optimization
- Deploying and scaling deep learning solutions
- Understanding AI system trade-offs
Admins gain the technical language and effective collaboration skills with data scientists and developers.
Company/Provider
Andrew Ng is a co-founder of Coursera and a leading voice in AI education. The course is hosted by Coursera, a leading platform for online professional learning.
User Satisfaction/Ratings
- Rating: 4.9/5 (400,000+ reviews on Coursera)
- Praised for clarity and accessibility. Many IT professionals say it demystified deep learning and gave them tools to automate monitoring and support tasks.
5. AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree By Udacity
Udacity’s AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree stands out by focusing on the practical adoption of AI within existing business and IT frameworks. This is particularly useful for IT admins managing digital transformation, cross-team collaboration, or vendor evaluation.
The coursework teaches how to identify business cases for AI, design practical implementation plans, and lead cross-functional AI deployments.
Skills Developed
- Identifying and scoping AI projects
- Practical AI architecture design
- Change management for AI adoption
- Vendor evaluation and management
The focus is less on writing code and more on deploying, leading, and managing AI initiatives.
Company/Provider
Udacity is known for industry-driven, job-ready training in emerging technologies. Their AI coursework is in partnership with leading companies and business schools.
User Satisfaction/Ratings
- Rating: 4.5/5 (by Udacity alumni and corporate reviews)
- Positive feedback highlights actionable strategies. Users find it valuable for bridging technical and business communication.
Comparison Table
| Course/Certification | Level | Format | Duration | Cost | Rating | Focus |
| IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate | Intermediate | Online | 1-6 months | USD 49/month (average) | 4.6/5 | Automation, Deployment |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | Intermediate | Online | 4 days | Exam: USD 165 | 4.7/5 | Azure Integration, Security |
| AI for Everyone (Coursera, Andrew Ng) | Beginner | Online | 6 hours | USD 29.24 (total) | 4.8/5 | Automation, Security, and Support Solutions |
| Deep Learning Specialization (Andrew Ng) | Intermediate | Online | 1-6 months | USD 49/month (average) | 4.9/5 | Deep Learning, Foundations |
| Udacity AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree | Beginner | Online | 28 hours | USD 547.70 (total) | 4.5/5 | Strategy, Leadership |
Setting the Pace for Your AI Journey
AI is reshaping the IT landscape. Whether you manage servers, deploy automation, or support internal teams, equipping yourself with AI skills accelerates your worth and your organization’s competitive edge. Select a course that fits your current skills and organization needs and pursue hands-on labs and project-based experiences wherever possible.
Want more resources? Start learning for free with JumpCloud University. Explore our free learning paths, or start studying for the JumpCloud Core Certification to demonstrate your expertise.
