Are AI Certifications Still Worth It? What Changed in 2026
InfoWorld, Monday, November 2nd, 2026
An InfoWorld update says AI certifications remain worthwhile in 2026 but for narrower reasons, as AWS and Microsoft retired and replaced exams.
The author revisits an earlier article and concludes AI certifications are still worth it, but for more specific roles and with a shorter shelf life.
Two of six previously recommended credentials can no longer be earned: AWS gave its last Machine Learning Specialty exam on March 31, 2026, replacing it with a ladder up to the Generative AI Developer Professional.
Microsoft retired seven certifications and launched nine AI-focused replacements, including AI-103 for the Azure AI App and Agent Developer Associate in place of AI-102.
The author says employers have grown skeptical of credentials and value now lies more in what preparation forces candidates to build.