Learn and Grow: 9 Free Certifications That Will Boost Your Career

We live in a competitive world.

Getting the job of your dreams is no easy feat.

Indeed, an average corporate job opening receives 250 applications. Only one person gets it.

How can you make sure you’re the one to land the role? Of course, there are never any guarantees. A lot goes into securing a job (a great resume, lots of experience, personal aptitude, solid interview skills, and so on).

It’s vital that you do what you can to get an edge over the competition. The more relevant qualifications you have to your name, the better. They improve your skillsets and prove your hard-working nature in the process.

But education isn’t always cheap. Thankfully, there is an abundance of free certifications out there too. Interested in finding one for you?

Keep on reading.

1. Viral Marketing Course- Coursera

Budding marketers will enjoy this free certification from Coursera.

It will be perfect if you’re interested in developing your marketing skills. You’ll be taught the central tenets of viral marketing; why some content becomes super popular while other content fails.

This top course has been widely used, reviews and rated online! Take it and get a head start in your marketing skills. Remember, marketing is a key asset to many roles and professions!

2. Content Marketing Certification- HubSpot Academy

Looking for more marketing info?

Then this HubSpot academy cert will be right up your street. Just create your account and be on your way. As you might expect, it’ll take you through the fundamentals of effective content marketing.

Come away with newfound insight into how to tell a story and create great content. Nicely, it also covers the repurposing and promotion of it too.

3. Social Media Course- HubSpot Academy

Let’s stay with HubSpot Academy for a second.

They offer a bunch of awesome resources. This free course is all about developing an effective social media strategy. Just finished their content marketing course? Then simply use your same account details and get on your way with this one.

Otherwise, set yourself up with an account and get cracking. The content won’t cost a penny. However, be aware that the exam at the end (if you want to take it) will cost you $199.

4. Advanced SEO- Udemy

Here’s another marketing-related course.

This one’s about mastering search engine optimization (SEO). A solid understanding of SEO is crucial to marketing success. Without it, you won’t be able to rank your content in search engines. There’s a lot to learn though to be successful.

This Udemy course will walk you through it step by step. However, it’s a private course. You’ll need to sign in and request an invite. Do so and you won’t be disappointed!

5. Introduction to Computer Science- Harvard Univesity/edX

Always wanted to study at Harvard?

Well, now’s your chance…sort of.

This intro to computer science course was one of their largest on-campus back in 2014. Now you can do it for free in your own time (however, the certificate will cost you 90 bucks).

You’ll learn a bunch of tech-related stuff. You’ll learn how to solve programming problems and the different programming languages (including CSS, PHP, and HTML).

6. Introduction to Graphic Design- Udemy

Design skills come in handy in a variety of fields.

However, for aspiring graphic designers, the introductory course from Udemy may be just what’s required. You’ll come away with insight into design theory. You’ll master the basic design principles, and understand why certain designs work and others don’t.

Have this course behind you and you’ll have a head-start in your personal and professional design work.

7. Introduction to Public Speaking- University of Washington/edX

Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

For many, just the thought of getting up to talk in front of people can lead to cold-sweats! However, from wedding speeches to sales pitches, and effective project management (this useful tool can help out here too), public speaking is a vital life skill to develop. And knowing what you’re doing is sure to help with the nerves.

This introductory edX course can do just that. It’s in-depth too, taking 10 weeks to complete.

8. The Art of Sales- Coursera

Need to learn how to make a sale?

Then look no further than this Coursera course. Its full title is The Art of Sales: Mastering the Selling Process Specialization.

Take it, and come away with a greater understanding of how to attract customers, stand out, build support, and make the sale.

Remember, you don’t have to be a salesperson to need to sell. All of the aforementioned skills can come in handy in many areas of life. You might even be able to sell yourself to your next interviewer!

9. App Development for iPhone- Alison

Apps are now a major part of life.

Everyone with a smartphone relies on them every day.

Creating your own has the potential to earn you mega bucks. But first, you need to know how to do it. This top course from Alison will help you out here. You’ll be a master of Objective C programming and multi-touch functionality in no time!

Don’t be put off by the technical stuff. Video tutorials walk you through each process of creating your very own iPhone app.

Get Working On These Free Certifications!

There you have it: 9 free certifications that you can do right now. You never know, they might make the difference between landing your next job and not!

Remember, in a competitive job market you need to do anything you can to stand out. Certifications, even the free kind, can make all the difference and give you the edge. Not only do they enhance your skillsets, but they also showcase your willingness to learn and improve.

These qualities are major assets to employers.

Hopefully, this article has highlighted some of the best free courses you can get started on right now.

Keep tabs on our site for more helpful insights.