Every industrial sector is experiencing a digital transformation, and the education industry isn’t far behind. From stifling classrooms and the one-size-fits-all model, the education system has now moved online with more control over what learners want to study. Online learning or eLearning is a billion dollars industry that people didn’t focus on until the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the closure of universities and schools across the world indefinitely, the demand for online learning platforms skyrocketed. Millions of students switched to these platforms to continue their education in these unprecedented times.
In line with the growing demand for such eLearning platforms, many courses were offered for free and students could enroll in them easily. Whether you want to learn about software development, data science, cloud computing, personality development, finance, or digital marketing, there are a variety of training programs available. The best part – such free courses online incorporate bite-sized video modules that can be easily accommodated into one’s hectic routine. Some platforms also offer a certificate or a digital badge upon course completion that can be shared on professional networking sites like LinkedIn to demonstrate your achievement.
This article lets you know how one can achieve a free certificate and what are the top eLearning platforms that you should prefer.
Pursuing a Free Certification
There are many advantages of internet-based courses, and achieving a certificate of completion isn’t a hassle anymore. All you need to do is select an appropriate training provider, look for the free course you want to enroll into, and just sign up. When you start taking the classes, your progress is recorded, and you can check how much syllabus is left to be covered. Once you complete the entire course and finish the assignments or industry projects involved, you will be able to download the course completion certificate.
Now some training providers also collaborate with top universities to offer online courses. Such programs can be of short duration, a master’s course or specialization, or a post-graduate program. Depending on how much time you can spare for online learning or other career needs, you can make a suitable choice. Moreover, the certificates for such courses are endorsed by both the eLearning partner and the university. So, when you start appearing for the interviews, you will have the advantage of academic-like as well as an online learning experience.
Let us now understand what are the reliable online learning platforms that offer free certificates and help you take your career to new heights.
SkillUp by Simplilearn
Simplilearn is the world’s leading certification training provider and its SkillUp initiative is specially curated for learners who are seeking quality education for free. You will find online courses on a range of categories like digital marketing, cloud computing, project management, cybersecurity, business and leadership, and more. To enroll in any course, you just need to explore the desired category, find the best course available, check out its syllabus, and sign up easily. All the courses have flexible learning options and you will get a shareable certificate on course completion.
Codecademy
With an aim to help learners gain the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century, Codecademy offers a range of tech courses. The courses are designed by industry experts and cover most of the in-demand skills like Java, Python, C++, HTML, Swift, Kotlin, and so on. You can just sign up to learn the skill you want for free. You can also upgrade your plan to explore advanced courses and career paths like front-end engineer or web designer.
Udacity
Udacity is also a certification training provider basically popular for its Nanodegree programs. Recently, the eLearning platform has launched several free courses to help learners understand the basics of any technology. If you are happy with the course content, the platform also suggests a paid nanodegree program that you can enroll in and learn the advanced concepts. The duration may vary between two to four weeks depending on your pace.
Cognitive Class by IBM
With growing digital transformation and the rising skills gap in the job market, IBM has also come forward to help professionals develop digital skills and become ready for futuristic careers. Most of the courses offered in this online platform are based on data science, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. Apart from the video modules, learners can also access a virtual lab environment where they can practice what they learn.
Take Away
Now that you are aware of the best platforms available online to gain expertise in emerging technologies, you shouldn’t delay your learning journey and achieve a valuable certificate for free. Keep in mind that such certifications are helpful in enhancing your knowledge and keeping you relevant in the dynamic job market. However, do not take these free courses for the sole purpose of landing a job. If you are a fresher, you may need some practical experience to demonstrate your skills and convince employers regarding your credibility.
Finally, pull up your socks and enter the world of online learning through these prestigious training providers.
