Boost your CV with 11 free online courses that come with qualifications

Are you finding yourself with some free time between classes and looking to use it productively? One great way to do so is by taking free online courses that can help broaden your skillset and boost your CV. Whether you’re on holiday or in between graduation and your dream job, these courses can keep your brain engaged and introduce you to new subjects that you may not have covered in university.

Distance learning is a fantastic way to learn something new in your spare time, and it shows future employers that you are proactive and willing to learn. Even if the course doesn’t directly relate to your career plans, the initiative to learn a new skill will impress potential employers and make your CV stand out.

Here are some free online courses with qualifications that you can consider:

1. Inbound Marketing Course with Free Certification

   • Course by: Hubspot Academy
   • Duration: Five hours
   • Qualification: Hubspot Academy’s own certification
   • Cost of certificate: Free
   • Description: Inbound marketing is a crucial aspect of business today, and this course can help you understand how businesses attract customers through various online methods.

2. Learn Basic HTML from Home

   • Course by: Codecademy
   • Duration: Ongoing
   • Qualification: Codecademy’s own certification
   • Cost of certificate: Around £12/month for annual Plus access
   • Description: Learning basic HTML coding is essential in today’s digital world, and this course can help you grasp the basics and even advance to more complex coding skills.

3. Free Software Development Courses

   • Course by: FreeCodeCamp
   • Duration: Ongoing
   • Qualification: FreeCodeCamp certificates
   • Cost of certificate: Free
   • Description: If you’re interested in software development, FreeCodeCamp offers a wide range of free courses in coding-related topics that can help you build valuable skills.

4. A Course on Starting Your Own Business

   • Course by: FutureLearn
   • Duration: Two weeks (two hours per week)
   • Qualification: FutureLearn’s own certification
   • Cost of certificate: £79
   • Description: This course can provide you with valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business management, which can be beneficial for future job applications.

5. A Certified Course on Social Media Strategy

   • Course by: Alison
   • Duration: Two to three hours
   • Qualification: Alison’s own certification
   • Cost of certificate: From around £30
   • Description: Social media skills are highly sought after in today’s business world, and this course can help you understand how to create effective social media strategies.

6. Customer Service Free Qualification

   • Course by: Oxford Home Study Centre
   • Duration: 20 hours
   • Qualification: Course completion certificate
   • Cost of certificate: £10 – £120
   • Description: Customer service skills are valuable in any job, and this course can help you improve your communication and interpersonal skills.

7. Excel for Beginners

   • Course by: DavidsonX (via edX)
   • Duration: Four weeks (three to five hours per week)
   • Qualification: Professional certificate
   • Cost of certificate: £197
   • Description: Excel skills are essential in many workplaces, and this course can help you master the basics of spreadsheet management and data analysis.

8. Free Search Engine Optimization Certification

   • Course by: SEMrush
   • Duration: Ongoing
   • Qualification: SEMrush certificate
   • Cost of certificate: Free
   • Description: Understanding SEO can be beneficial for marketing roles, and this course can help you learn the basics of optimizing websites for search engines.

9. Learn Mental Health First Aid

   • Course by: Free Courses Online
   • Duration: 6 weeks
   • Qualification: Accredited certificate
   • Cost of certificate: Free
   • Description: Increasing your knowledge of mental health can be valuable in various settings, and this course can help you learn how to support others in times of crisis.

10. A Free Course on Exercise, Nutrition, and Health

    • Course by: The Aim Group
    • Duration: Ongoing
    • Qualification: Accredited level 2 qualification
    • Cost of certificate: Free
    • Description: Understanding the importance of exercise and nutrition can benefit your overall health and well-being, and this course can provide you with valuable insights.
11. Build Websites with WordPress
    • Course by: Coursera
    • Duration: Ongoing
    • Qualification: Professional certification
    • Cost of certificate: Free
    • Description: Learning how to build websites with WordPress can be a valuable skill for web development or online marketing roles.

Taking advantage of these free online courses can not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also make your CV more attractive to potential employers. So, why not make the most of your free time and invest in your personal and professional development today?