Known primarily for their search engine, their apps — including Gmail and Maps — and for the Android and Google Cloud ecosystems, Google offers over 1800 online courses. These cover their products (Ads, Analytics, GCP) but also broader subjects, such as data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

Google offers most of its courses on Coursera, where they’re almost all free-to-audit. If you don’t know how to audit courses on Coursera, we’ve written a guide: How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free.

Most notably, Google also offers over 600 courses on a series of bespoke platforms, where some have the advantage of including free certificates or badges. These platforms are:

• Skillshop, which now includes Digital Garage and Analytics Academy
• Cloud Skill Boost, formerly Qwiklabs
• Play Academy
• Developer Platform

Finally, here’s a selection of offerings that lead to a Google free certificate or badge:

• Fundamentals of digital marketing from Grow with Google ★★★★★(18)
• Google Analytics Certification from Google via Skillshop ★★★★★(46)
• YouTube Music Certification from Google via Skillshop ★★★★★(4)
• Google Ads Search Certification from Google via Skillshop ★★★★★(5)
• Campaign Manager Certification Exam from Google via Skillshop ★★★★☆(1)
• Introduction to Generative AI from Google via Google Cloud Skills Boost
• Mobile Experience Certification Exam from Google via Skillshop
• Creative Certification Exam from Google via Skillshop
• Begin with Workspace: Essentials from Google via Qwiklabs
• Preparing for Your Associate Cloud Engineer Journey from Google via Google Cloud Skills Boost
• Getting Started With Application Development from Google via Google Cloud Skills Boost
• Introduction to Large Language Models from Google via Google Cloud Skills Boost
• Google Play Store Listing Certificate from Google via Google Play Academy

You can find more Google free certificates and badges in our dedicated article: 600 Free Google Certifications.

Free Microsoft Courses & Certificates

Microsoft is another big tech generalist, known for Windows, the Office software suite, its Azure cloud computing platform, and in the gaming industry with Xbox, among others. To support and expand the skills related to these and other technologies, Microsoft offers over 1800 online courses.

Microsoft’s courses are primarily available through Microsoft Learn, an interactive, hands-on platform that offers free access to learning paths and modules. Besides, they provide additional courses via Coursera and edX, most free-to-audit. Finally, they offer courses on LinkedIn Learning, which they acquired.

All their learning paths on Microsoft Learn include free badges. By contrast, their certifications typically require payment. But Microsoft recently launched a new type of credential, Applied Skills, and these are free for a limited time. Upon completion of an Applied Skill assessment, you’ll receive a free certificate.

Here’s a selection of offerings that lead to a Microsoft free certificate or badge:

• Write your first code using C# (Get started with C#, Part 1) from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn ★★★★★(3)
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe cloud concepts from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Get started with Microsoft data analytics from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: AI Overview from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Introduction to version control with Git from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Deploy containers by using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Develop natural language processing solutions with Azure AI Services from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Create computer vision solutions with Azure AI Vision from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Create and Manage Automated Processes by using Power Automate from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Develop an ASP.NET Core web app that consumes an API from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Develop solutions with Azure AI Document Intelligence from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn
• Get started with Power BI from Microsoft via Microsoft Learn

Free Amazon (AWS) Courses & Certificates

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the cloud computing arm of the global e-commerce leader, Amazon. To educate users in their cloud technology, AWS offers a substantial number of online courses.

Among the over 8100 Amazon courses, more than 720 are courses, learning paths, and game-based courses with free certificates or badges specifically from AWS. These programs are designed to help learners grasp the fundamentals of AWS services and advance towards more complex applications. 

AWS’ free courses can be accessed via:

• AWS Skill Builder
• AWS Educate

Besides providing extensive resources on cloud computing, the platforms cover broader subjects, such as cybersecurity, data science, and algorithms. Free programs on AWS Skill Builder culminate in a free certificate, while on AWS Educate, you’ll receive a badge by email upon finishing a course.

Here’s are some popular offerings that lead to an AWS free certificate:

• Introduction to Blockchain from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder ★★★★★(3)
• Data Analytics Learning Plan from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder ★★★★★(1)
• Getting Started with .NET on AWS from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder ★★★★★(1)
• Machine Learning Terminology and Process from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder ★★★★★(1)
• DevOps Engineer Learning Plan from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder ★★★★★(2)
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder 
• Machine Learning Learning Plan from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder
• AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner from Amazon Web Services via AWS Skill Builder
• Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence from Amazon Web Services via AWS Educate
• Algorithms from Amazon Web Services via AWS Educate
• Data Analysis from Amazon Web Services via AWS Educate
• Cybersecurity from Amazon Web Services via AWS Educate

Free IBM Courses & Certificates

IBM, a pioneer in the technology industry — known for its contributions to computer hardware, software, and cloud computing — also offers educational opportunities online. On platforms like edX and Coursera, IBM directly offers over 500 courses that are free-to-audit.

More interestingly, IBM offers 70 completely free courses and guided projects through its Cognitive Class initiative, designed to educate people in areas such as AI, data science, and cloud computing. What’s great with these courses is that upon completion, learners receive a certificate, a badge, or both for free.

Here are some popular offerings that lead to an IBM Cognitive Class free certificate:

• Machine Learning with Python from IBM via Cognitive Class ★★★★★(1)
• SQL and Relational Databases 101 from IBM via Cognitive Class ★★★★☆(3)
• Docker Essentials: A Developer Introduction from IBM via Cognitive Class ★★★★☆(1)
• Python for Data Science from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Data Science Methodology from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Deep Learning Fundamentals via Cognitive Class
• Introduction to Cloud from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Big Data 101 from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Introduction to Containers, Kubernetes, and OpenShift V2 from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Build an IoT Blockchain Network for a Supply Chain from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Build Your Own Chatbot from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Prompt Engineering for Everyone from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Automate the Boring Stuff With Large Language Models from IBM via Cognitive Class
• Fundamentals of Encryption & Quantum-Safe Techniques from IBM via Cognitive Class

Free LinkedIn Learning Courses & Certificates

LinkedIn Learning, an extension of the professional networking site LinkedIn owned by Microsoft, offers over 11,800 online courses designed to enhance skills across various domains. Among these, over 70 courses are not only free but also include the benefit of earning a certificate upon completion.

The platform covers a wide range of topics, from business and technology to creative fields. The courses are designed to be practical and applicable, helping professionals stay current with industry trends and develop skills relevant to their career growth.

LinkedIn Learning’s courses are typically created and taught by industry experts and available in several languages, making them accessible to a global audience.

Here’s are some popular offerings that lead to an LinkedIn Learning free certificate:

• Communication Foundations via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★★(4)
• Developing Your Emotional Intelligence via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★★(1)
• Digital Literacy and Productivity via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★★(4)
• Entrepreneurship Learning Pathway via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★★(1)
• Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★★(1)
• Project Management Foundations via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★☆(3)
• Professional Soft Skills Learning Pathway via LinkedIn Learning ★★★★☆(1)
• Writing in Plain Language via LinkedIn Learning
• How to Use LinkedIn Learning via LinkedIn Learning
• Business Analysis Foundations via LinkedIn Learning
• Administrative Professional Tips via LinkedIn Learning
• Finding a Job during Challenging Economic Times via LinkedIn Learning
• Microsoft Foundational Career Certificate in Programming via LinkedIn Learning
• Career Essentials in System Administration by Microsoft and LinkedIn via LinkedIn Learning

You can find more LinkedIn Learning free certificates and badges in our dedicated article: 1000 Hours of Free LinkedIn Learning Courses with Free Certification.

Free Meta Courses & Certificates

Meta, widely recognized for its social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has extended its influence into the realm of online education. On Coursera, Meta offers approximately 100 courses, covering a range of topics pertinent to web development, mobile development, and virtual reality. These courses are all free-to-audit.

In addition, Meta has developed the Meta Blueprint platform, offering around 70 free mini-courses to prepare for Meta’s certifications. What makes these mini-courses appealing is that they come with a free certificate of completion. These courses help individuals leverage Meta’s platforms for marketing, advertising, and engagement.

Here’s a selection of popular offerings from Meta that lead to a free certificate:

• Introduction to Front-End Development from Meta via Coursera ★★★★☆(5)
• Introduction to Back-End Development from Meta via Coursera ★★★★★(1)
• Programming with JavaScript from Meta via Coursera ★★★★☆(1)
• Version Control from Meta via Coursera ★★★★☆(1)
• HTML and CSS in depth from Meta via Coursera ★★★★☆(1)
• React Basics from Meta via Coursera ★★★★☆(1)
• Get started with Ads Manager from Meta via Blueprint
• Build an online business presence with Instagram from Meta via Blueprint
• Promote Your Business From Your Facebook Page from Meta via Blueprint
• Optimize your campaign with Meta Advantage from Meta via Blueprint
• Create for a Mobile World from Meta via Blueprint
• Community for Business from Meta via Blueprint

Free Salesforce Courses & Badges

Salesforce, mainly known for its customer relationship management (CRM) software and cloud-based solutions, offers many online learning resources about their products and related skills, such as software development, and AI. These courses are mainly hosted on Salesforce’s Trailhead platform.

Trailhead stands out as a complete platform that embraces gamification and helps you prepare for Salesforce’s certifications. The platform hosts 1400 free modules split into 280 free learning paths or “trails”. These are geared toward different levels and roles within the Salesforce ecosystem.

For each module completed, you’ll earn a free badge or a “superbadge”, so there are plenty to collect. You can add these badges to your profile on the platform, or share them on social media.

Here’s a selection of offerings from Salesforce Trailhead that lead to free badges:

• Develop Emotional Intelligence from Salesforce via Trailhead ★★★★★(2)
• Build Your Practice as a Consulting Partner from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Develop with Mobile SDK from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Protect Your Salesforce Data from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Developer Beginner from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Sell Lightning Fast with Sales Cloud from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Design Solutions with Salesforce APIs from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Get Started with Network Security from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Build Lightning Web Components from Salesforce via Trailhead
• Get Started as a Salesforce Business Analyst from Salesforce via Trailhead
• AWS Cloud for Technical Professionals from Salesforce via Trailhead

Free Twitter / X Courses & Certificates

Twitter, aka X, extends its operations beyond social media by offering educational content through the X Ads Academy platform, previously known as Twitter Flight School. This platform is dedicated to teaching advertising on X, whether you’re a professional digital marketeer or someone looking to build a following.

X Ads Academy hosts approximately 200 free mini-courses focusing on various aspects of digital advertising on X. Of particular note, about a dozen of these mini-courses include the option to earn a free certificate upon completion.

Here are all the Twitter / X Ads Academy mini-courses that lead to a free certificate:

• Ads Manager Fundamentals from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• App Installs Badge Assessment from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Conversion Tracking from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• App Installs from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Campaign Planner from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Timeline Takeovers and Reach Blocks from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Twitter Spaces from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Get Started On Twitter from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Launch and Connect Badge from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• High-performing Video Ads from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• Video Ads Specialist Badge from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy
• X for Creatives from Twitter / X via X Ads Academy

Free GitLab Courses & Transcript

GitLab, much like GitHub, offers developers a place to centralize and manage their code. To help developers use their platform, the GitLab team offers a range of free online courses through their LevelUp learning platform.

LevelUp by GitLab hosts about 50 free online courses. These included “micro-courses” as well as a comprehensive learning path. The micro-courses are good for those seeking quick, focused insights into specific features of GitLab. They don’t include badges or certificates, but since the platform allows users to download a transcript of the courses they’ve completed, you may still demonstrate your learning.

On the other hand, the comprehensive learning path offered on LevelUp does include a free certificate. It encompasses a broad overview of GitLab’s capabilities and best practices, in particular regarding CI.

Here is the free certificate path and some of the free courses offered on GitLab LevelUp:

• GitLab CI Fundamentals from GitLab via LevelUp
• GitLab with Git Essentials from GitLab via LevelUp
• GitLab Security Essentials from GitLab via LevelUp
• Introduction to CI/CD from GitLab via LevelUp
• GitLab Runners from GitLab via LevelUp
• Adding Pipeline Complexity from GitLab via LevelUp
• Reusable Pipelines from GitLab via LevelUp
• Code Quality Reports from GitLab via LevelUp
• Generative AI Demo from GitLab via LevelUp
• Migrate from GitHub to GitLab from GitLab via LevelUp

Free MongoDB Courses & Transcript

MongoDB, known for its popular NoSQL database, offers free online courses on the MongoDB University. As you can imagine, this platform is dedicated to educating learners on all aspects of MongoDB.

MongoDB University hosts around 120 offerings, which range in duration from simple units to comprehensive learning paths. The platform is a good resource for developers, database administrators, and anyone interested in mastering MongoDB.

While MongoDB University does not offer certificates or badges, the platform allows learners to download a transcript of their completed courses, for those who want to showcase their MongoDB proficiency.

Here are the free courses offered on MongoDB University:

• Introduction to MongoDB via MongoDB University
• Data Modeling via MongoDB University
• MongoDB C# Developer Path via MongoDB University
• MongoDB Node.js Developer Path via MongoDB University
• MongoDB Java Developer Path via MongoDB University
• MongoDB Python Developer Path via MongoDB University
• MongoDB PHP Developer Path via MongoDB University
• Atlas Essentials via MongoDB University
• MongoDB for SQL Experts via MongoDB University
• The MongoDB Shell via MongoDB University
• Atlas SQL Interface via MongoDB University