10 Best Free Self-Paced Courses With Certificates Online in 2025

Online learning has really taken off in the past few years, offering more flexibility and options than ever before. Whether you're looking to upskill or make a career change, accredited self-paced courses can give you new skills to leverage in the workplace. Keep reading to learn more about free self-paced courses and how you can use new skills to help your career.

What Is a Self-Paced Online Course?

A self-paced online course allows you to learn a topic on your own time, at your own speed, without any deadlines or schedules. These courses typically consist of pre-recorded lectures, quizzes, and cumulative tests.

Why Choose a Free Course With a Certificate?

When learners choose free online courses with certificates, they enjoy flexible learning without breaking the bank. As for professional development, these courses are excellent for improving your skills, whether they align with your current career or can be used to help you find new work. What's more, online courses focus on real-world knowledge, ensuring you walk away with skills you can actually use in the workplace.

Top 10 Free Self-Paced Courses With Certificates Online

The self-paced course options available to you are boundless. Whether you want to learn how to leverage artificial intelligence in the workplace or are interested in the fundamentals of digital marketing, there are various courses to enroll in. Below are 10 free self-paced courses that offer certificates.

1. Coursera � Foundations of Project Management

Offered as part of the Google Career Certificates program via Coursera, this beginner-friendly course teaches you the basics of project management terminology and methods. With 99% of learners reporting that the course was helpful, you can rest assured that you'll gain invaluable skills to excel in the business world.

Course type: Business, project management

Course length: 10 hours

Skills gained: Project planning, strategic thinking, risk management, Agile methodology

2. Harvard University � CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science

As one of the most popular computer science programs, this free course offered by Harvard teaches learners about the basics of algorithms and programming. While the course is free, you will have to pay for the certificate after scoring ''satisfactory'' on nine problem sets.

Course type: Computer science

Course length: 11 weeks

Skills gained: C programming, Python, data structures, web development

3. LinkedIn � Time Management Fundamentals

With this short course from LinkedIn Learning, you can boost your productivity and learn how to manage your time � both in the workplace and in other aspects of your life. This course will teach you practical skills to help you avoid distractions and set yourself up to effectively tackle tasks throughout your day.

Course type: Business, productivity

Course length: 1.5 hours

Skills gained: Task prioritization, scheduling, distraction avoidance

4. Coursera � Introduction to AI

It's no secret that artificial intelligence and machine learning are utilized in many industries. For many roles, you can learn how to leverage AI to help you in your career. In partnership with IBM, this course has four modules that take you from the basics of AI usage and terminology through its application and ethical concerns.

Course type: Artificial intelligence

Course length: 11 hours

Skills gained: AI concepts, machine learning basics, ethical concerns of AI use

5. Open University � Writing What You Know

If you're interested in the arts and humanities, this creative writing course from the Open University might be perfect for you. You'll learn how to turn your personal experiences into engaging stories and how to look at everyday occurrences in a new light. More than anything, you'll learn how to think creatively, a skill that's especially in demand in the workplace.

Course type: Writing

Course length: Eight hours

Skills gained: Narrative writing, character development, story structure

6. Coursera � Machine Learning Specialization

Anyone interested in learning more about computer science could benefit from this course offered by Coursera and the University of Washington. You'll learn about various aspects of machine learning, from prediction and classification to clustering and information retrieval.

Course type: Computer science, machine learning, data science

Course length: Two months

Skills gained: Statistical modeling, applied machine learning, data mining

7. FutureLearn � Digital Skills: Artificial Intelligence

This is an introductory course exploring how AI is shaping the workplace in various industries. You'll learn about the basics of AI without needing any sort of technical background, gaining insight into how you can use artificial intelligence in your profession.

Course type: AI

Course length: Three weeks

Skills gained: AI applications, automation, ethical implications of AI

8. Codecademy � Learn JavaScript

This coding course from Codecademy is a hands-on, beginner-friendly introduction to JavaScript. This course is especially helpful for aspiring coders, but people in industries from cybersecurity to healthcare could benefit from a basic knowledge of coding.

Course type: Computer science, programming

Course length: 15 hours

Skills gained: JavaScript syntax, DOM manipulation, functions, loops

9. Alison � Digital Marketing Overview

The art of marketing has evolved drastically in the digital age. This course from Alison will teach you the ins and outs of SEO, email marketing, PPC, and social media management to create and promote your brand.

Course type: Business, marketing

Course length: Five hours

Skills gained: SEO, Google Ads, analytics, content marketing

10. Coursera � Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specialization

Whether you work in a busy finance office or a small nonprofit, you'll likely use Microsoft Office's suite of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you're unfamiliar with Office, this course is perfect for you.

Course type: Business

Course length: Two months

Skills gained: Writing, data management, Microsoft Office

What To Look For in a Free Self-Paced Course

Before enrolling in an online course, consider a few key factors:

• Verified or shareable certificate: The course should come with a certificate you can share on your social media pages and include on your resume.
• Quality of instruction: Check the ratings for the course. Testimonials from previous learners can be invaluable.
• Platform reputation: Similarly, you want to use a platform that has a positive reputation, both among users and in the professional world.
• Real-world skill development: Make sure you're choosing courses that give you hands-on experience that you can take with you into your professional life.

FAQs About Free Online Self-Paced Courses

Upskilling is a great way to earn a competitive edge in your work life, whether you're looking for a new job or want to advance in your current career. Below are some FAQs about self-paced online courses.

Are Free Courses Really Free?

Yes, free courses are actually free. However, while the content is usually accessible without a fee, you may have to pay for the certificate at the end of the course to share on your LinkedIn or download. If needed, there may be financial aid for online certificate programs to reduce any costs you may incur.

Are Self-Paced Courses Worth It?

Self-paced courses are absolutely worth it. You gain invaluable skills at your own pace that you can leverage in the workplace.

Do Employers Recognize Free Online Certificates?

Certificates may not carry the weight of a college degree, but most employers recognize them nonetheless. They not only show that you have valuable skills but also that you take the time to improve yourself on your own accord.

How Long Do Free Courses Usually Take To Complete?

Free courses vary in length depending on the platform and the content. Some can be completed in as little as an hour, while others could take months.

Can I Start at Any Time with Self-Paced Learning?

Yes and no, depending on the platform and the program. Some courses are available 24/7, while others have specific start dates throughout the year.

Are There Any Hidden Fees for the Certificate?

Many platforms offer course certificates entirely for free, while others do require a fee upon completion. Check to see if there are any fees before you enroll.

What Are the Best Websites for Free Self-Paced Courses?

There are many excellent websites that offer free self-paced courses. Some of the best are Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, Alison, and Khan Academy.

Discover Online Courses and Certificate Programs

Whether you're looking to advance in your current career, considering a job change, or just want to learn some new skills, free self-paced courses with certification offer limitless possibilities. Keep exploring Learn.org to find more online courses and certificate programs to upskill today.