By Quick answer: What are the best certifications under $100?
- $100 — AWS Cloud Practitioner, AI Practitioner.
- $99 — Google Cloud GenAI Leader.
- Free — Skillshop, HubSpot, Kaggle, CS50, freeCodeCamp.
- Often free — ISC2 CC.
Key takeaways
- Credible certifications don't have to be expensive.
- Three proctored exams cost $100 or less.
- Free certificates still need projects to impress.
You don't need a big budget for a credible certification. Three respected proctored exams cost $100 or less, and several recognised certificates are free. Here are nine.
Nine certifications for $100 or less
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAmazon Web Services | $1001 | 90 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 2 | AWS Certified AI PractitionerAmazon Web Services | $1002 | 90 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 3 | Google Cloud Generative AI LeaderGoogle Cloud | $993 | 90 minutes, multiple choice | Free test |
| 4 | Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop)Google Skillshop | Free4 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 5 | HubSpot Inbound Marketing CertificationHubSpot Academy | Free5 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 6 | Kaggle Learn Micro-Courses (ML, Python, SQL)Kaggle (Google) | Free6 | Short micro-courses, a few hours each | Free test |
| 7 | CS50: Introduction to Computer ScienceHarvard University | Free7 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 8 | freeCodeCamp CertificationsfreeCodeCamp | Free8 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 9 | ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)ISC2 | See ISC2 page9 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner before you pay.Start free test →
- AWS AI Practitioner Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified AI Practitioner before you pay.Start free test →
- Google Generative AI Leader Practice ExamPractise for Google Cloud Generative AI Leader before you pay.Start free test →
- Google Ads and Paid Search Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop) before you pay.Start free test →
Each certification, and its price
- AWSAWS Certified Cloud Practitioner$100 cloud$100
- AWSAWS Certified AI Practitioner$100 AI$100
- Google CloudGoogle Cloud Generative AI Leader$99 AI strategy$99
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Cost
- $1001
- Format
- 90 minutes, 65 questions
$100; 90 minutes, 65 questions. AWS's entry exam covers cloud concepts, core services, security and billing. It's 90 minutes with 65 questions and costs $100, so it's the usual first cloud exam for beginners and non-technical staff.
Best for$100 cloud
AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- Cost
- $1002
- Format
- 90 minutes, 65 questions
$100; 90 minutes, 65 questions. AWS's foundational exam covers AI, machine learning and generative AI concepts and how AWS services support them. It's 90 minutes with 65 questions and costs $100, so it suits cloud, tech and business staff who need AI literacy.
Best for$100 AI
Google Cloud Generative AI Leader
- Cost
- $993
- Format
- 90 minutes, multiple choice
$99; 90 minutes. Google Cloud's foundational exam tests generative AI strategy for non-technical leaders: use cases, risks and adoption. It's 90 minutes of multiple choice and costs $99, one of the cheapest proctored AI credentials available.
Best for$99 AI strategy
Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop)
- Cost
- Free4
Free Google Ads and Analytics. Google's Ads and Analytics certifications on Skillshop are free and recognised across agencies and in-house marketing teams. Each takes hours rather than weeks; check Skillshop for current renewal rules.
Best forfree marketing
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
- Cost
- Free5
Free inbound marketing. HubSpot Academy's free Inbound Marketing certification teaches attracting, engaging and delighting customers. It takes a few hours and is respected in B2B and inbound marketing roles.
Best forfree marketing
Kaggle Learn Micro-Courses (ML, Python, SQL)
- Cost
- Free6
- Time
- Short micro-courses, a few hours each
Free Python, SQL and ML. Kaggle's free micro-courses cover Python, pandas, SQL, data visualisation and machine learning, each in a few hours with hands-on notebooks and a free certificate. They're ideal practice alongside a structured course.
Best forfree data
CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
- Cost
- Free7
Free CS certificate. Harvard's free introduction to computer science teaches C, Python, SQL and web development through demanding problem sets, with a free certificate. An optional paid verified certificate is available through edX.
Best forfree CS
freeCodeCamp Certifications
- Cost
- Free8
Free coding certifications. freeCodeCamp's free certifications in web design, JavaScript, Python, data analysis and more are earned by building projects that must pass automated tests. The projects make useful portfolio pieces.
Best forfree coding
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cost
- See ISC2 page9
- Entry
- No work experience required
Check ISC2's page for free-exam offers. ISC2's entry credential covers security principles, access control, networks and operations, with no work experience required. It's ANAB-accredited, and ISC2 has run promotions offering free training and exams.
Best forsecurity, often free
Proctored vs free certificates
| Type | Examples | Weight with employers |
|---|---|---|
| Proctored exam | AWS CCP, AIP, GenAI Leader | Higher |
| Free certificate | Skillshop, HubSpot, Kaggle | Moderate, higher with projects |
Table: Low-cost certification types
How we ranked these picks
We listed credible certifications priced at $100 or less on official pages, checked 3 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best cheap certification?
AWS Cloud Practitioner or AI Practitioner at $100.
Are free certifications worth it?
Yes for learning; pair with projects.
Is there a proctored exam under $100?
Yes: Google Cloud GenAI Leader at $99.
Are prices the same everywhere?
AWS and Google Cloud list USD prices; local taxes may apply.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers 1,200+ free certification tests.
Sources
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified AI Practitioner, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google Cloud — Google Cloud Generative AI Leader, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google Skillshop — Google Ads & Google Analytics Certifications (Skillshop), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- HubSpot Academy — HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Kaggle (Google) — Kaggle Learn Micro-Courses (ML, Python, SQL), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Harvard University — CS50: Introduction to Computer Science, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- freeCodeCamp — freeCodeCamp Certifications, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISC2 — ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice Exam. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.