Certificate or badgeOhio onlyNo experience needed

AI Ready Ohio: free AI training and certificates for Ohio residents

From AI Ready Ohio (JobsOhio and Enterprise Technology Association)

Go to the official page ↗ CompareDirect official link

What you'll learn

Ohio residents get free AI training at three levels: building basic AI literacy, using AI in your daily work, or leading AI strategy, with online classes statewide and in person events in Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

AI Explorer: foundational AI literacy
AI Empowered Professional: AI in daily work
AI Empowered Leader: AI strategy

Source: the provider's official page ↗

Is this right for you?

Level: Beginner People new to this. You can start today with no experience.
What you get: A certificate from a name employers know, ready to add to LinkedIn and your résumé the day you finish. It costs nothing to take.
How you learn: Online, self paced, about 2 hrs.
How to use it: Add it to LinkedIn under Licenses and certifications, post it with one thing you learned, and name the exact skills on your résumé. Then bring it up in interviews and show how you use AI to get more done.
Why it's worth it: Fast, practical proof that you are ahead on AI. It shows initiative, gives you skills you can use the same day, and hands you something concrete to talk about with every hiring manager.

What you will payFree if you qualifyFree for people who meet this program's eligibility rules. See Before you start below.

Time: AI Explorer 2 hours; AI Empowered Professional 4 hours; AI Empowered Leader 8 hours
Before you start: Ohio residents; no technical background needed. Sign up on aireadyohio.org (new learners approved daily), then log completed hours.
How you are tested: Online courses plus in person AI Week workshops
Renewal: None stated
Full cost details: Free for Ohio residents.
Where it applies: Ohio residents only

Checked at the source Oct 19, 2026

Sources and what we verified

AI Ready Ohio home page ↗JobsOhio news, September 10, 2026 ↗

What we verified: Learner sign up is open and the program is free for Ohio residents; no end date stated. JobsOhio is the state's private nonprofit economic development corporation, not a state agency, and no state agency is named as a partner.

Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you pay.

Also listed for: AI Specialist, AI for Small Business, AI for Sales