In today’s rapidly changing economy, upskilling has become increasingly important as technological advancements and shifting job requirements make certain skills obsolete and create demand for new ones. Obtaining a certification can be beneficial for advancing your career within your current company or increasing your competitiveness compared to other job candidates. While an online certification won’t replace a degree, it shows employers that you are dedicated to enhancing and upgrading your professional skills and knowledge and that you are curious and want to stay relevant.

Employers’ recognition of online certification courses can vary depending on the specific course, the industry, and the employer. In general, many employers recognize the value of online certification courses and may view them as a positive addition to a candidate’s resume or professional development. In some situations, it may directly lead to a raise or promotion. A report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) identified online learning as a key trend in the future of work, stating that demand for online learning is on the rise, and employers increasingly recognize the value of MOOCs (massive open online courses) and other online courses. The recent global pandemic went a long way with normalizing and democratizing online learning.

Here is a list of some free online certifications to improve your skill set and differentiate your resume; while some are free, others do carry a registration fee or tuition. Think about the reasons why you are looking for an online learning program and evaluate which offering is right for you:

Harvard University

While free online certifications from Harvard University may not carry the same weight as a traditional degree from the university, it is a highly respected institution with a long history of academic excellence, and the university’s online courses and certifications are typically designed by experienced faculty members and subject matter experts.

Alison.com

Alison.com is a credible online certification platform that offers free courses and affordable certifications. The website provides a wide range of courses in various subjects and industries, including business, technology, health, and more. The courses are designed by subject matter experts and are available to anyone.

edX

edX is a leading online learning platform that offers massive open online courses (MOOCs) and other educational resources from top universities and institutions world-wide. The platform was founded in 2012 by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a non-profit organization to provide high-quality education to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Google Free Courses

Google Skillshop is an online learning platform that provides free training courses and certifications in various aspects of Google’s products and services. The platform is designed to help individuals and businesses develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital marketing industry.

Hubspot Academy

Regardless of the institution that offers online courses, the value of any certification ultimately depends on the specific course or program and how it relates to your career goals and industry requirements. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to research and carefully evaluate the relevance and credibility of any certification program you’re considering.

Here are some of the benefits of online learning:

• They can demonstrate to employers that you have taken the initiative to learn new skills and knowledge, which can be a positive factor in hiring decisions.
• They can help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in a particular subject area, which can be helpful for career advancement or personal growth.
• They can provide valuable credentials to add to your resume or LinkedIn profile, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

For more than 46 years, Agilus has served our candidate and employer networks, connecting great job seekers with meaningful employment. We place nearly 10,000 job seekers in roles every year in Engineering, Technology, Professional/Office, and Light Industrial roles. Agilus employs over 100 recruiters across Canada who can help you find your next role or help you find that new career path. For more information about Agilus, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or check out our current open roles.