Free courses with certificate

Benefits of taking free online courses

Free online courses let you learn at your own pace, at home or on your phone, without paying tuition. You study whenever you have time: in the morning before work, during lunch break, or in the evening.

They also boost your resume. A completed course shows recruiters that you're keeping up to date. When a course gives you a certificate or digital badge, you can add it to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Another advantage is testing a new field before spending money on it. If you're thinking about changing careers, a free introductory course shows whether the subject is right for you.

How to choose the right course

Start with your goal. Anyone looking for a job soon should prioritize practical, short courses like computer science, customer service, digital marketing, or information security. Those looking to change careers can choose longer paths with multiple modules.

Then check three things on the course page: the language of classes, total study time, and certificate requirements. Some courses offer free certificates. Others have free classes but charge for the certificate.

Finally, see who's offering the course. Universities, government agencies, and major tech companies usually have up-to-date, quality content.

Which platforms offer free certificates?

Rules vary from platform to platform. Here's a summary of the main ones.

FUN-MOOC

It's the public platform for online courses from French universities and schools. Courses are free, and in many of them, those who pass the exercises receive a completion certificate at no cost.

Cisco Networking Academy

Offers free introductory courses in networks, cybersecurity, and programming. When you finish, you receive a completion certificate and a digital badge.

Microsoft Learn

Has free learning paths in English about Excel, cloud, data, and artificial intelligence. Achievements are saved to your profile. Only official certification exams are paid.

Coursera and edX

Bring together courses from universities around the world. You can see part of the content for free, but certificates usually cost money. Coursera has a financial aid request for those who can't pay.

Courses for job seekers

If you're registered as a job seeker, France Travail can pay for training, including professional certification. The first step is to speak with your advisor and look for training on the France Travail website.

Those who work or have worked can also use their Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) balance on the Mon Compte Formation website. The course is paid for with your accumulated balance. Since 2024 there's a small fixed fee, which doesn't apply to job seekers.

Most sought-after fields

Technology and computer science: Office suite, programming, data, networks, and cybersecurity. These are the fields with the most free courses and the most job openings.

Business and entrepreneurship: management, personal finance, digital marketing, and sales. They help those who want to start their own business or advance in their company.

Languages: English, Spanish, and French for non-native speakers. A second language opens doors in almost every profession.

Health and wellness: first aid, nutrition, and elderly care, with courses from universities and hospitals.

Who these courses are for

For those looking for a job who want to improve their resume, for those already working who want to advance their career, for students who want to strengthen their foundation, and for anyone who simply enjoys learning new things.

They're also a good option for foreigners living in France, because many courses have classes in simple French, subtitles, and downloadable materials.

How enrollment works

Enrollment is always done on the official website of each platform. Generally, you just need to create an account with email and password, choose the course, and tap the enrollment button. You don't need to submit documents.

Some courses start on a fixed date and have a deadline to finish. Others are open year-round, and you study whenever you want. This information appears on each course's page.

After enrolling, you watch classes on the platform's website or app. Your progress is saved, so you can stop and continue later, from your phone or computer.

Beware of scams

No serious platform asks for bank passwords or payment by text message to unlock a free course. Be wary of calls and messages offering "free" courses based on your tax ID in exchange for your data.

When in doubt, type the official website address into your browser yourself. On the next page's list, we've included the address of each platform.

Tips for completing the course

Set fixed times during the week, even if it's just 20 minutes a day. Take notes on what you've learned and do the exercises: on most platforms, these are what unlock the certificate.

Start with just one course. People who sign up for several at the same time usually abandon all of them. When you finish, download the certificate or badge and update your résumé right away.

Frequently asked questions

Are the courses really free?

Yes, the classes in the courses on this list are free. What can be paid for, on some platforms, is the certificate. The list shows which ones have free certificates.

Do I need a diploma to sign up?

No. Most online courses are open to anyone with an email. Some advanced courses recommend prior knowledge.

Does the certificate count as a diploma?

No. The certificate from an online course shows that you completed the course and helps your résumé, but it's not a diploma or a professional certification recognized by the State.

Can I do it on my phone?

Yes. All the platforms on this list work in your phone's browser, and several have their own app.

How long does a course take?

It depends. There are modules that take 30 minutes and courses that take several weeks. The duration always appears on the course page, along with the study hours per week.

Can I take more than one course?

You can, but it's best to finish one before starting another. That way you keep your pace and reach the certificate.

View the full list

On the next page you'll find ten platforms with free courses, what each one offers, when the certificate is free, and the address of the official website to sign up.