Free online courses have significantly altered how education is imparted globally. Unlike the traditional classroom-learning method that restricts both learners and instructors within a bounded time and location, online courses have made quality education accessible to anyone with internet reach. So, if your goal is to learn and develop skills that your job demands, there's no stopping you. Regardless of your target, free online courses have innumerable advantages.

From allowing you to study at your own pace and location to giving you access to quality education to helping you develop in-demand and job-ready skills, it gives you the freedom to attain the best of training from reputed institutions across the globe. This blog is just the right prescription for those wondering: Is a free online course and certificate worth it? Let us explore the benefits and value of a free online course and certificate. 

Is a free online course and certificate worth it?

Definitely yes. The increasing demand for competitive skills and professional certification in the job market has made online courses and certifications highly relevant and valuable today. The availability of free online courses and certification programs has made it feasible for people to learn industry-related knowledge, develop new skills and attain professional growth and adaptability in today's rapidly evolving job market. Several top universities and institutions host short-term and self-paced courses with certificates to cater to the needs of the industries.

Certifications have become essential in most professions today. Earning them from a reputed institution free of cost is a jackpot. You can continuously enhance your skills and learn new things without investing a penny. However, your time retention during the course is an investment. Hence, the only trick is to ensure that you enroll or register for online free courses at a legitimate and reputed institution. 

Benefits and value of an online course and certificate

The benefits and value of an online course and certificate have become even more relevant today, as online self-paced courses with certificates offer the flexibility to learn new and trending skills, attain in-demand job credentials and grow professionally. Let us consider a few of the top advantages of free online courses:

Cost-effective: Online courses offer a more affordable option than traditional on-campus programmes. Students can do away with the burden of overhead expenses that on-campus learning typically accrues. You can save up the cost of commuting or having to live in another place.

Flexible and Convenient: Online courses are the most convenient method of acquiring job-ready skills today. Online learning approach and certification opportunities allow you to commit to enhancing your skills and improving yourself professionally and personally without compromising your job obligation. From flexible class schedules to easily accessible learning resources, building professional competencies and job-ready skills is made more convenient with the online approach. 

Enhanced Earning Potential: Your engagement in self-paced courses with certificates rewards you with credentials essential for advancing your career to higher levels. You will have access to higher earning opportunities and improve your career prospects altogether.
 
5 best sites for free online courses

The popularity of free online learning methods has given birth to innumerable institutions claiming to offer top-notch training. To ease the challenge of navigating these options, here are the 5 best sites for free online courses that you can rely on.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn, the world's largest platform for professional networks, offers access to thousands of courses across diverse industries and fields through its subsidiary LinkedIn Learning. They offer free courses with certificates, taught by industry experts. 

Google Skillshop

This site is your haven if you are interested in Business, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Designing, Marketing etc. You will also have access to an array of certifications and courses about Google's web, hardware and software tools. 

Careerera

Known for its quality training for professional certifications and degree programmes at a global scale, Careerera is another leading platform that provides extensive training across different domains and fields. The institute is reputed for its team of global experts and their certifications are widely known across the globe. For those interested in Data Science, Cyber Security, Business studies, and trending areas like Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, Careerera should be your top choice.

Simplilearn

This is another highly recognised site that offers digital skills to professionals and beginners alike. They offer online classes and certificates, and are known for their team of intellectuals who are top industry practitioners, global leaders and renowned trainers. Offering several professional certification courses, their learning outcomes are known to be greatly impactful. 

Skillshare

With over 27,000 free and premium classes spanning across various fields like entrepreneurship, productivity, visual arts, tech, film, writing, etc. Skillshare is also another excellent platform for enthusiastic learners. One of the best parts of this site is its bite-sized classes, allowing learners to learn something new even in a limited period. 

With the growing relevance and significance of online courses and certification programmes, choosing to study online can be a great way to enhance your career.