7 Free Certification Courses to Enhance Your Resume (2023)

Want to give your resume a boost? Free online certifications are a great, affordable way to help get you noticed.

If you're searching for a job, listing certifications on your resume is a great way to help bump up your credentials and get you noticed by hiring managers. In many ways, certifications act as evidence of the experience and skills listed on your resume, verifying them for the hiring manager. They basically say, “Hey, I know how to do this, and here's proof.”

Don't have any certifications to list? There are a number of websites, organizations, and companies that offer online certification programs — for free.

So, if you have some time on your hands, and you want to give your resume an impressive boost, it's worth exploring these free online certification programs.

7 free certification courses you can take online

While some certifications can be costly, there are a number of free options that'll help strengthen your resume. Keeping your field in mind, consider these free courses:

1. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot, a growth platform used by big-name companies including Doordash, Subaru, and SurveyMonkey, offers a number of free online certifications through Hubspot Academy. These courses range from content marketing to social media to growth-driven design.

However, its Inbound Marketing Certification is one of the most popular offerings. It includes 11 lessons and takes about four and a half hours to complete. With this course, you'll solidify your skills as an inbound marketer, gaining additional knowledge around content strategy, social media promotion, and conversion optimization strategy.

(Video) 7 Free Certifications to Upgrade your Resume

2. Alison's Certification in Supervision Skills

Alison is an online learning website that offers free certificate courses from top experts. It offers more than 1,300 free certifications in a range of topics — everything from software development to law. You can even search course options by “life stages” depending on where you are in your career.

Are you a manager, or looking to be promoted to one? Then, Alison's certification in supervision skills is for you. Whether you're a newer manager or have years of experience, this course will help you navigate tricky situations at work. In a span of one to two hours, it will cover 14 different topics to help you become a better team leader and cover strategies to help you resolve team conflict. To get started, create a free account.

3. Advanced Google Analytics course

If you rely on Google Analytics to do your job, you might consider taking some of its free online courses. Options include Google Analytics for Beginners, Advanced Google Analytics, and Google Analytics for Power Users.

The Advanced Google Analytics course, for example, is made up of four units that cover a variety of topics, from creating custom metrics to understanding user behavior with event tracking. The idea is to help you analyze website traffic and find ways to continue to grow your audience using new marketing strategies.

If you don't use Google Analytics, look into certifications for other tools you use. For instance, Tableau, Salesforce, and Asana offer certification programs — though they may not all be free.

4. FEMA certifications

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers free online courses for those who have emergency-management responsibilities in the workplace. This is a great resume addition for anyone who might have to handle emergencies as part of their job.

In order to enroll in the certification course, you'll need to create a FEMA student identification number (SID). This is free and simply helps FEMA prevent identity theft as you move forward.

(Video) 12 Online Certifications to Boost Your Resume & Career | Indeed Career Tips

5. Coursera IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Coursera is an online learning platform that pairs professionals up with a number of top-ranked schools, including Yale, Duke, and Stanford, and big-name companies, like Google and IBM. You can join the website for free, and tap into thousands of courses and more than 13 professional certificate programs, including its professional certificate in data science from IBM.

This course has more than 112,000 ratings and averages 4.6 stars. You'll learn how to create and access a database instance on cloud and write basic SQL statements, as well as pick up additional data science, machine learning, Python programming, and data visualization skills.

According to Coursera, 46 percent of professionals who completed this specialization started a new career while 19 percent got a promotion or raise. If you spend about four hours a week with this course, you can complete it in 10 months.

Although you can join Coursera for free with a seven-day trial, after that you'll have to pay a subscription fee, which usually runs from $39 a month to $79 a month. This will give you unlimited access to all the site's courses and certifications. If you're hesitant about making the commitment, you can cancel before the end of your trial.

6. edX Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies program

edX is an online course provider that partners with more than 100 institutions to cover a range of professional certification topics, from Python programming to corporate finance and American sign language.

While it's worth noting many of the edX professional certification programs cost a couple hundred dollars, edX still offers a number of free courses, including Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies.

The course is led by a Harvard University professor, who will teach you how to identify smart entrepreneurial opportunities and solve problems in societies with emerging economies. The course is about six weeks long, and you can expect to spend three to five hours working on it each week. Once you've completed the course, you have the option to order a verified certificate for $125.

(Video) 7 free certificates to enhance resume (quick summary in description box)

7. Google Ads Search Certification

Skillshop is a training platform owned by Google to help you master any Google tool.

If you use Google Ads as a part of your job, then you could get Google Ads certified in search, display, video, and/or shopping ads. The Google Ads Search Certification, for example, is built for beginners and will help you showcase your ability to build a digital marketing and Google Search strategy.

To earn your certification, you'll need to answer 50 questions within a 75-minute time limit and earn an 80 percent or higher. If you fail, you can retake it the next day.

Why do certifications matter?

Depending on your industry and level, some jobs will require specific certifications. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure you've completed those. For other jobs, certifications are a nice bonus that could give you an advantage over other applicants.

Certifications have additional benefits outside the job search, as well. They can help you negotiate your salary, enhance your credibility and personal brand, and network with professionals in your field. You might even learn some new skills along the way.

How to list your certifications on your resumes

Ready to add your certifications on your resume? TopResume's career advice expert, Amanda Augustine, suggests including them toward the bottom on your resume in a section called “Education and Professional Development.”

Remember to only include the certifications that support your career goals and are most relevant to your job search. If the certification is required for the job or particularly impressive, you could also mention it in your professional summary at the top of your resume.

(Video) 7 ONLINE COURSES THAT WILL BOOST YOUR CV

Remember to also add these certifications to your LinkedIn profile and personal website, as well. Certifications are not only a great way to enhance your resume but can also boost your personal brand and credibility.

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FAQs

Which certificate course is best for resume? ›

Here are 11 role- and industry-specific certifications that are easy to obtain.
  1. Information technology (IT) certifications. ...
  2. Human resources certifications. ...
  3. Language certifications. ...
  4. First aid certifications. ...
  5. Project management certifications. ...
  6. Software certifications. ...
  7. Government certifications. ...
  8. Notary public certification.

What qualifications can I get online for free? ›

What are the best free online courses?
  • Inbound marketing course with free certification. ...
  • Learn basic HTML from home. ...
  • Free software development courses. ...
  • A course on starting your own business. ...
  • A certified course on social media strategy. ...
  • Customer service free qualification. ...
  • Analysing and visualising data with Excel.
26 May 2022

Which certificate course is best? ›

If you are looking for some good certification courses here is the list of top 10 online courses with certificates to get high salary jobs.
  • Cyber Security. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Web Developer. ...
  • Architecture. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Digital Marketing. ...
  • Data Science. ...
  • Financial Management.
4 days ago

What free certifications are worth getting? ›

15 free online certifications to consider
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification Course. ...
  • Web design by Udemy. ...
  • Google Ads Certification. ...
  • Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing. ...
  • Google Analytics Academy Courses. ...
  • Free Code Camp certifications. ...
  • AWS certification. ...
  • IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.

Do free online courses count? ›

It's not common to earn academic credit through free online courses, but there are occasional exceptions. For example, if you are already attending the school presenting the MOOC, they may award some credit upon completion of the paid certification program.

Are Google certificate courses free? ›

There is no charge for the Associate Android Developer Certification training. However, the certification exam costs $149 per attempt. The courses are taught by Google employees.

What certifications can I get in 3 months? ›

Top careers with three-month certificate programs
  • Medical billing and coding specialist.
  • Web designer.
  • HVAC technician.
  • Truck driver.
  • Licensed real estate agent.
  • IT support.
  • Brick mason.
  • Personal trainer.

Can I get coursera certificate for free? ›

You can apply for financial aid if you want the certificate and course materials for free. There is also a 7-day trial and audit option. But, when you can do the whole course and get a certificate for free, who cares about all these?

Which short course is best for job? ›

Best Short-term Job-Oriented Courses
  • Certificate Course in Finance Accounting and Taxation.
  • Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science.
  • Advanced Certificate in Machine Learning and NLP.
  • Advanced Certificate in Blockchain Technology.
  • Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication.
  • PHP Certification.

What courses do employers look for? ›

The top five disciplines employers recruit from are:
  • Computer Science and Information Systems.
  • Business and Management Studies.
  • Accountancy and Finance.
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
  • Economics and Econometrics.

Can you put free online courses on your CV? ›

From networking skills to the science of wellbeing, there is a huge range of courses. Many of the courses are free and you'll get certification at the end, making them ideal to put on your CV.

Which 6 month course is best? ›

And listed out some of the best 6 month courses after 12th science.
...
Job Oriented Short Term Courses.
  • Diploma in Digital Marketing.
  • Diploma in Hotel Management.
  • Diploma in Web Designing.
  • Diploma in Advertising & Marketing.
  • Diploma in Event Management.
  • Diploma in Photography.

What is the highest paying certification? ›

Top-paying certifications:

CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control — $151,995. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional — $151,853. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager — $149,246. PMP® - Project Management Professional — $148,906.

What certificates can I get in 6 weeks? ›

34 Best 4-6 Week Certificate Programs Online that Pay Well
  • Medical Terminology.
  • Emergency Medical Care.
  • Medical Assistant.
  • Nurse Assistant Training.
  • Massage Therapy.
  • Understanding and Interpreting Medical Records.
1 Aug 2022

How do I get a Google certificate? ›

In order to receive the Google Certified Educator status, you will need to pass the corresponding Level 1 or Level 2 exams. These exams test you on your ability to use Google for Education tools in a classroom setting.

Do certificates look good on resumes? ›

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you're applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you're pursuing,” Yurovsky says.

Do employers care about online certificates? ›

Do employers accept online degrees? In general, employers should treat an online degree the same as they would a campus-based degree. Most employers care far more about the quality of the school than the delivery format of the degree.

Can I get a job with edX certificate? ›

Yes, you can get a job with an edX MicroMasters. Gaining technical skills from a MicroMaster will help you get a job. Through these programs, you will be able to advance in your career or start a new one.

What online courses are worth? ›

  • MBA & DBA. Executive MBA SSBM.
  • Data Science. PGP in Data Science and Business Analytics Program from Maryland. ...
  • M.Sc in Machine Learning & AI – LJMU & IIT M.
  • Management. PMP Certification Training | PMP Online Course. ...
  • Digital Marketing. ACP in Customer Centricity.
  • Software Technology. ...
  • Business Analytics Certification Program.
1 Jan 2021

Do employers care about Google certificates? ›

Employers are super keen on these certificates because they know they're getting high-quality talent,” Gevelber says. “They also know they're getting more nontraditional talent, and that's really important to a lot of people who are hiring today.”

Does Google certificate have value? ›

Yes, the Google certification is well worth the time and effort. These certifications can add value to your resume. So, it is true to say that they can help you land an entry-level job in the IT industry with ease.

How much does a Google IT certificate cost? ›

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera costs $49 per month after a seven-day free trial. If you complete the five courses in six months, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate costs about $294.

Which short term course is best for high salary? ›

Top 10 Short-term Courses for High-salary Jobs
  • Business Analytics.
  • Full Stack Development.
  • Data Science.
  • Artificial Intelligence.
  • Digital Marketing.
  • Programming Languages.
  • DevOps.
  • Blockchain Technology.
28 Aug 2022

What courses can I do in 2 months? ›

Short Term Courses
  • Diploma in Computer Application & Networking (DCAN) 10 with Knowledge of English language. ...
  • Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) Knowledge of English language. ...
  • PC Assembly & Maintenance. Knowledge of Computer. ...
  • Graphics Designing. Knowledge of Computer. ...
  • Audio & Video Editing. ...
  • Internet & Webpage Designing.
30 May 2016

Are Coursera certificates worth it? ›

Are Coursera Certificates worth it? On the whole, yes. If you're seeking promotion, looking for a career change, or the skills you are learning are highly sought after, then a Coursera Certificate does have value and is definitely worth the investment. Coursera partners and course providers are world class.

Is Coursera free or paid? ›

Generally speaking, Coursera courses are free to audit, but if you want to access graded assignments or earn a Course Certificate, you will need to pay.

Does udemy give free certificates? ›

No. Currently only paid, approved courses offer a certificate of completion. Free courses and courses that only include practice tests do not offer a certificate of completion.

Can I get udemy courses for free? ›

If you're new to online learning and not sure where to start, you're not alone. We've curated a free collection of courses for professionals. Take one of these courses and learn new skills (on us).

Which course is best now a days? ›

These are one of the best courses to study for jobs.
...
Best Certification Courses Which Offer High-Paying Jobs.
Sl NoBest Online Courses With Certificates
3Accounting Management Certification Courses
4Information Technology Certification Courses
5Civil Engineering Certification Courses
6Web Development Certification Courses
6 more rows
7 days ago

Which courses has more job opportunities? ›

Below mentioned are the best courses after 12th science which a student can choose from depending on their aptitude and interests.
  • Medicine/ MBBS. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • BBA. ...
  • LLB (Bachelor of Law) ...
  • Bachelor in Statistics. ...
  • Bachelor in Computer Application. ...
  • Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management. ...
  • B.Sc in IT and Software.
25 Mar 2022

Which course has highest demand? ›

Most In-Demand Degrees
  1. Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
  2. Computer Science. ...
  3. Health Science. ...
  4. Information Technology. ...
  5. Engineering. ...
  6. Business Administration. ...
  7. Finance. ...
  8. Human Resources.

What are good qualifications? ›

15 Skills and Achievements That Will Look Good on Any CV
  • First aid training. ...
  • Touch-typing. ...
  • Database skills. ...
  • Other computing skills. ...
  • Budgeting experience. ...
  • Events experience. ...
  • Language skills. ...
  • Commercial awareness.

What are employers looking for 2022? ›

According to a Zety study, recruiters and hiring managers listed the following soft skills as the most important ones.
  • Teamwork.
  • Communication.
  • Time management.
  • Problem-solving.
  • Creativity.
  • Leadership.
  • Organisation.
  • Emotional intelligence.
7 Jul 2022

Is coursera good for resume? ›

All Coursera courses will add value to your resume even if they require just a few hours. But the larger amount of time dedicated will result in a more recognized certificate. Just like a longer work experience timeline is more impressive to employers.

Can I use Alison certificate in my resume? ›

Your Alison Certification can be included with your CV/Resume to share with potential employers, or just to share your achievement with the world!

Does edX give free certificates? ›

edX courses do not award free certificates. Certificates are awarded only to passing students registered in the paid certificate track. The enrollment fee for this track varies by course. Most courses can be viewed in the audit track entirely free, but again will not award a certificate.

Can I get a job with a certificate? ›

Some jobs may require you to have a degree, while others are only looking for certificate qualifications. You can still get a job with a certificate and earn a handsome salary.

What is the best course name? ›

Topic We Cover: Top 10 popular courses in India
  • Management MBA/BBA.
  • Engineering B.Tech and B.Arch, M.Tech, ME, BE.
  • Computer Application-BCA/MCA.
  • Designing - Fashion/Interior/Web.
  • Mass-communication/Journalism BJMC.
  • Hospitality (Hotel) - Hotel Management.
  • Medical-BDS and MBBS.
  • Finance -B.Com/CA.

What is short term courses? ›

Short term course is defined as the course that can be completed within a short interval of time. It can be done as a part time course or regular course. It can be done as an additional course with your regular academic course.

Which course is in demand? ›

Essential IT skills
  • Security. Security should be foundational to any IT team. ...
  • Programming. Being able to program will be a must for those who want to develop software, web applications, and websites. ...
  • Systems and networks. ...
  • Data analysis. ...
  • DevOps. ...
  • Cloud computing. ...
  • Machine learning.
2 Sept 2022

Do Google certifications expire? ›

All Associate and Professional Google Cloud certifications are valid for two years from the date an individual certifies. The Cloud Digital Leader certification is valid for three years from the date an individual certifies.

What is the highest paid job in IT? ›

The Best Paying IT Jobs
  • Information security engineer — $131,300.
  • DevOps engineer — $137,400.
  • Enterprise architect — $144,400.
  • Technical program manager — $145,000.
  • Software architect — $145,400.
  • Applications architect — $149,000.
  • Infrastructure architect — $153,000.
  • Software development manager — $153,300.

What type of certifications can I get online? ›

Here are some popular certifications you can get online during this social distancing period to help advance your career:
  • Project Management Professional.
  • Human Resources Certifications.
  • Leadership and Management Certificate.
  • Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)
  • CompTIA certifications.
  • Salesforce certifications.

How can I improve my resume? ›

10 winning resume updates
  1. Select the best template for your skills, experience, and goals. ...
  2. Add skills or areas of expertise near or below your name. ...
  3. Include a robust and compelling objective. ...
  4. Display your online presence. ...
  5. Use relevant keywords. ...
  6. Use action verbs. ...
  7. Quantify your accomplishments in previous roles.
31 May 2022

Is IT worth getting a certificate? ›

While a specific certificate's ROI is influenced by field and program, Forbes reports that certificates generally lead to a 13-25% salary boost. For many professionals, that means earning back the cost of the certificate dozens of times over. Online certificates are also a valuable networking opportunity.

Should I put certifications on my resume? ›

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you're applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you're pursuing,” Yurovsky says.

Is Coursera certificate valid for resume? ›

Add Coursera professional certificates to your resume

Offered by such world-class partners as Google, IBM, and Meta, Coursera's flexible, online professional certificates can help you get job-ready for such in-demand careers as project manager or data analyst.

Does Google certificate have value? ›

Yes, the Google certification is well worth the time and effort. These certifications can add value to your resume. So, it is true to say that they can help you land an entry-level job in the IT industry with ease.

What certifications can I get in 3 months? ›

Top careers with three-month certificate programs
  • Medical billing and coding specialist.
  • Web designer.
  • HVAC technician.
  • Truck driver.
  • Licensed real estate agent.
  • IT support.
  • Brick mason.
  • Personal trainer.

Do certificates help you get a job? ›

Conclusion: Certifications can help if you're wise

The bottom line is that certifications can help you get a job. They showcase a certain skill level that can beat out the biggest competition. They also help you build valuable skills that will prove the claims stated on your resume.

Can you put free online courses on your CV? ›

From networking skills to the science of wellbeing, there is a huge range of courses. Many of the courses are free and you'll get certification at the end, making them ideal to put on your CV.

How do I say I have a certification? ›

First: You can be "certified in" a subject. Like "I am certified in diesel engine repair." You can be "certified on" a particular machine or tool. "I am certified on turret lathes." You can be "certified as" a profession. "I am certified as a hairdresser."

Do Coursera certificates matter? ›

Are Coursera Certificates worth it? On the whole, yes. If you're seeking promotion, looking for a career change, or the skills you are learning are highly sought after, then a Coursera Certificate does have value and is definitely worth the investment. Coursera partners and course providers are world class.

How many certifications should I have on my resume? ›

Certifications in the Resume Objective

The resume summary, or resume objective, section is a great place to include required as well as recommended certifications. It's best practice to only include only one certification in this section. The majority of this space should be used to describe your resume objective.

Why certification is important for professional? ›

Certification helps in learning the new technologies, skills, and abilities for a specific promotion. Earning a new certification or an advanced certification in a particular area of expertise can help in advancing your career.

How do you put online courses on a resume? ›

One of the best ways to incorporate online courses into your resume is by means of a cover letter. It allows you to connect with a recruiter or hiring manager on a personal level and is a great place to discuss the professional skills that you've acquired and how they relate to the position.

Do employers take Coursera seriously? ›

Coursera certificates are different and are respected by employers and universities. This is because Coursera offers the highest quality when it comes to courses. Coursera courses are led by the top universities and companies that you could think of. This makes Coursera certificates and degrees legitimate and valuable.

Do employers like Google certificates? ›

Employers are super keen on these certificates because they know they're getting high-quality talent,” Gevelber says. “They also know they're getting more nontraditional talent, and that's really important to a lot of people who are hiring today.”

Can I get Coursera certificate for free? ›

You can apply for financial aid if you want the certificate and course materials for free. There is also a 7-day trial and audit option. But, when you can do the whole course and get a certificate for free, who cares about all these?

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