LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, stands as a premier platform for honing professional skills across diverse industries. While a subscription typically unlocks its vast library, many are unaware of the treasure trove of free courses it offers, complete with certificates of completion. This article delves into the world of Linkedin Learning Free Courses, guiding you on how to access over 460 hours of valuable learning content and earn recognized certifications to boost your career prospects.
The Expansion of Free Learning on LinkedIn Learning
The surge in free learning resources on LinkedIn Learning can be traced back to the global events of 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft, LinkedIn’s parent company, launched an initiative to support global workforce development. This included making 14 LinkedIn Learning paths freely accessible, aimed at equipping 25 million individuals worldwide with essential digital skills for the evolving job market. This initiative marked a significant expansion of free offerings beyond the platform’s usual subscription model.
Initially highlighted as a response to immediate global needs, these free learning paths gained considerable traction, attracting nearly a million learners seeking to upskill or reskill during uncertain times. Observing this demand and the ongoing need for accessible professional development, LinkedIn Learning has continued to provide a selection of free courses and learning paths. While the landscape of free offerings has fluctuated, with peaks and troughs in the number of available courses, LinkedIn Learning consistently provides a substantial collection of free, certificate-bearing courses.
In recent assessments, the number of free courses and learning paths has shown a robust offering, currently exceeding 460 hours of learning content. This includes 13 comprehensive learning paths provided directly by Microsoft, alongside 4 additional learning paths and over 400 individual courses, all available without cost and offering free certificates upon completion. This represents a significant opportunity for learners worldwide to gain valuable skills and recognized credentials from a leading e-learning platform without financial investment.
Accessing LinkedIn Learning Free Certificate Courses
Gaining access to these valuable free courses and certificates is straightforward. Typically, upon navigating to LinkedIn Learning, new users are invited to start a 1-month free trial, which prompts for payment details. However, to specifically access the free courses with certificates, it’s crucial to bypass the subscription signup process.
The key is to directly use the course links provided for free courses. After signing up for a basic LinkedIn account (or signing into an existing one), ignore any prompts for payment or subscription upgrades. Instead, navigate back to the specific link of the free course you are interested in, often found in curated lists or articles like this one. By using direct course links, you should be able to bypass the payment prompts and proceed directly to the course content.
It’s worth noting that the availability of free courses can be dynamic. LinkedIn Learning’s course catalog is subject to change, with courses occasionally transitioning between free and paid access. Therefore, it’s advisable to regularly check for updated lists and resources to maximize your learning opportunities. If you discover more free courses or certificate offerings, or notice any inaccuracies in existing lists, contributing to community knowledge by sharing updates in comments sections or relevant forums is always encouraged.
Earning Your LinkedIn Learning Free Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of earning a free certificate on LinkedIn Learning is designed to ensure comprehensive learning and skill acquisition. For individual courses, the requirements are generally consistent:
- Complete All Video Modules: Each course is structured into video lessons. You must watch every video in its entirety to be eligible for a certificate.
- Pass Course Quizzes: Most courses incorporate quizzes to assess your understanding of the material. You will need to successfully pass these quizzes. Some courses may include a final exam instead of or in addition to quizzes.
- Locate and Download Your Certificate: Once you have fulfilled the course requirements, navigate to the “Related to this course” section, typically found below the video player on desktop interfaces. Click on “Show all” within this section. A pop-up window will appear, displaying the available certificate for the course. Click the “Download” button to obtain your LinkedIn Learning certificate.
For those pursuing a Learning Path certificate, the process is extended to encompass all courses within the path:
- Complete All Courses in the Learning Path: A learning path is a curated series of courses designed to provide in-depth knowledge in a specific area. You must complete every course within the learning path.
- Download the Learning Path Certificate: Upon completing all required courses, the option to download the Learning Path certificate will become available, usually accessible from the learning path’s main page or your LinkedIn Learning profile dashboard.
In addition to LinkedIn Learning certificates, some courses also offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, further enhancing their value for professional development.
By following these steps, you can effectively leverage LinkedIn Learning’s free offerings to gain valuable skills, earn credible certificates, and advance your career trajectory without incurring any costs. Explore the available free courses and learning paths to unlock your potential today.
