Which kinds of AI certification are there?
| Kind | What it shows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor exam | You can use one company’s AI tools, tested under exam conditions | Microsoft AI-901, AWS Certified AI Practitioner |
| BCS Essentials exam | You know the basics of AI, in a 30-minute multiple-choice exam | BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence |
| Partner-only exam | Skills for staff of a vendor’s partner firms | Claude certifications |
| Apprenticeship | A nationally set standard, with paid work and training | AI data specialist (Level 7) |
| Certificate of completion | You finished a course | Most free online courses |
Which AI exams can I book in the UK?
We list 11 AI exams today, with fees as each provider shows them:| Course | Provider | Fee | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner Learning Plan | Amazon Web Services | Free to learn. Exam USD 100 | Paid exam certification |
| BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence | BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT | £160 | Exam certification |
| BCS* Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) (PLA) | Cardiff and Vale College | Free under Personal Learning Accounts | Exam certification |
| BCS Foundation Award: Award in Understanding the Role of Ethics in the Responsible Use of AI (PLA) | Cardiff and Vale College | Free under Personal Learning Accounts | Exam certification |
| BCS Foundation Award: How AI Can Support Your Organisation (PLA) | Cardiff and Vale College | Free under Personal Learning Accounts | Exam certification |
| BCS Foundation Award: Award in Machine Learning (PLA) | Cardiff and Vale College | Free under Personal Learning Accounts | Exam certification |
| BCS* Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) (PLA) | Cardiff and Vale College | Free under Personal Learning Accounts | Exam certification |
| BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) | ILX Group | £735 | Exam certification |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate | Microsoft | Paid. Price not shown by provider | Exam certification |
| AI-Driven Project Manager Certification | Provek | £599 | Exam certification |
| BCS Foundation in Artificial Intelligence | QA | £1,720 | Exam certification included in fee |
The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is the UK-specific option: BCS shows “UK Price: £160”, excluding VAT and including remote proctoring, for a 30-minute exam of 20 multiple-choice questions. BCS also says it is not regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, CCEA Regulation or SQA.
Who can take Claude certifications?
Only staff of member firms. Claude’s announcement says: “Exams are available to members of the Claude Partner Network.” See Claude certifications explained.
How do I prepare for an AI exam?
These courses prepare for the exams above:| Course | Provider | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to AI in Azure (AI-901T00) | Microsoft | Free |
| AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner Learning Plan | Amazon Web Services | Free to learn. Exam USD 100 |
| BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) | ILX Group | £735 |
Is an AI apprenticeship a qualification?
Yes. Apprenticeships in England follow a standard set by Skills England, at a stated level, and lead to an assessment. See AI apprenticeships for the standards, their levels and funding.