Key Takeaways
- The prevalence of technology in day-to-day life makes basic computer literacy an essential skill for personal, educational and professional pursuits.
- Basic computer skills can expand job prospects, facilitate communication and streamline tasks and work processes.
- Several free online computer courses with certificates can help learners develop or enhance their skills. These beginner-friendly courses cover fundamental computer skills and cater to individuals with varying proficiency levels.
Computer literacy is crucial for professional, educational and personal pursuits. The widespread use of computers in modern life demands proficiency in basic computer skills. But with the constant emergence of new technology, applications and software, determining which skills to prioritize can feel overwhelming.
One significant advantage of our digital world is the abundance of resources available online. These enable us to develop and advance our computer skills through tutorials, courses and other educational materials. Learners can earn certificates and other professional credentials to validate their abilities.
If you’re ready to advance your computer skills, we’ve curated a list of free online computer courses with certificates ideal for beginners or those seeking to brush up on in-demand skills.
Why Should You Take a Computer Skills Course?
Having basic computer skills is necessary in today’s digitally driven world. Computers are vital in daily life, spanning education, work, day-to-day communication and personal tasks. Developing basic computer skills can help you utilize technology more effectively and efficiently.
Online computer skills courses focused on developing computer literacy offer valuable opportunities to many individuals, such as students, job-seekers, professionals, lifelong learners and those simply interested in brushing up on basic yet in-demand skills.
Employers increasingly expect candidates and employees to possess skills in word processing, creating and managing spreadsheets, web browsing and research, communication, navigating different operating systems and basic troubleshooting.
Free online courses boast many benefits and provide cost-effective, flexible and accessible avenues for skill acquisition and career development. Below, we’ve compiled a list of free online computers with certificates. Our selection covers basic computer skills geared toward beginners. While the courses listed are free, pursuing the certificate track might cost an additional fee.
Consider These Free Online Computer Courses With Certificates
Beef up your computer skills with one of these free courses. Though all of these courses are free, you might have to pay for a certificate of completion.
Alison
Certificate Title: Windows 10 Course (2020 Edition)
Program Length: Five to six hours
Certificate Overview: Microsoft Windows is one of the most widely used and popular operating systems globally for personal and professional use. Proficiency in WIndows-based software and tools is essential for many industries and job roles.
Alison offers a comprehensive course that dives into the essential features of Windows 10, starting with fundamentals like user accounts, display and power settings, desktop applications, file sharing and management, and personalization. This course comprises eight modules and culminates in a final assessment.
Participants earn a CPD-accredited Alison Diploma/Certificate. Alison charges a $22 fee for digital certificates and a $31 fee for printed certificates.
Mastermind Education via Alison
Certificate Title: Essentials of macOS
Program Length: 1.5 to three hours
Certificate Overview: MacOS is the operating system that powers Macintosh computers, such as Macbooks and iMacs. This operating system fully integrates with other Apple devices and services, making it easier for users to take full advantage of this ecosystem. If you want to navigate the user interface and maximize macOS’s key features and functions on your personal or work devices, consider enrolling in this macOS essentials course.
Mastermind Education’s course includes two modules covering basic operations, keyboard and mouse shortcuts, system preferences, file management and troubleshooting techniques. You’ll explore ways to enhance productivity using built-in and third-party applications. Learners complete a final assessment and earn a CPD-accredited diploma or certificate. Alison charges a $22 fee for digital certificates and a $31 fee for printed certificates.
SimonSezIT via Alison
Certificate Title: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019/365
Program Length: Three to four hours
Certificate Overview: Microsoft Word remains a popular tool for business and personal use. Word processing applications allow you to create and edit documents, such as reports, essays, letters and résumés. In SimonSezIT’s introduction course to Microsoft Word 2019/365, you’ll learn how to maximize the functionality of this word processing application.
Learners receive a step-by-step guide on creating documents, executing commands and formatting characters using the application’s various tools.
This course consists of five modules, including a final assessment. Upon completion, participants earn a CPD-accredited diploma or certificate.
Great Learning – PowerPoint for Beginners
Certificate Title: PowerPoint for Beginners
Program Length: Two hours
Certificate Overview: In Great Learning’s beginner-friendly course on PowerPoint, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of this widely used software tool to deepen your understanding of its functionalities and create engaging and professional presentations.
This course consists of 11 modules, which include self-paced video lectures. Participants explore key components of PowerPoint, such as Slide Master, SmartArt, basic animation, charts, Excel data dumps and live charts. Learners apply what they’ve learned by creating, presenting and reviewing their own presentation.
Great Learning – Excel for Beginners
Certificate Title: Excel for Beginners
Program Length: 4.5 hours
Certificate Overview: Excel is a popular and versatile spreadsheet program for personal and professional tasks. It’s often used for data organization, visualization and analysis, chart creation, performing calculations and budgeting. Great Learning’s free, beginner-friendly certificate course explores Excel’s many capabilities.
Through 4.5 hours of self-paced video lectures, you’ll learn about essential formulas, functions and if-else conditions, which are crucial for manipulating and analyzing data efficiently. You’ll gain proficiency in cell referencing, creating tables and borders, and sorting and filtering data. Upon completion, you’ll earn a completion certificate.
Codecademy
Certificate Title: Learn HTML
Program Length: Seven hours
Certificate Overview: Codecademy’s free online Learn HTML course teaches the basics of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), a critical foundation for building and editing websites and their content. HTML skills are crucial in web development and essential for front- and back-end developers; however, professionals such as writers and content creators also benefit from basic HTML skills.
This beginner course comprises lessons, quizzes and projects covering HTML elements and structure, syntax, tables, forms and semantic HTML. Codycademy’s Learn HTML course is free; however, a certificate of completion is included with paid plans only. Learners can choose between two paid plan options: $14.99 or $19.99 per month.
MITx via edX
Certificate Title: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
Program Length: Nine weeks
Certificate Overview: MITx’s course on computer science and programming using Python is the first in a two-course sequence designed for beginners. This course offers a brief introduction to several topics, including algorithms, data structures, and testing and debugging. This course includes lecture videos, exercises and problem sets using Python 3.5. This course can be a stepping stone toward more advanced computer courses.
While this course is free, learners must enroll in a paid track to earn a certificate upon completion. The certificate track costs $75.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Online Excel Courses With Certificates
How can I learn the computer online for free?
To learn computer skills for free, identify your learning goals and areas of interest, then find a reputable online learning platform that offers free courses or learning materials. You can supplement your learning with additional resources, such as forums, tutorials or exercises to help you better understand the concepts.
Are free certificates worth anything?
The value of certificates earned through free online courses varies depending on the platform’s reputation and content. Employer policies vary, but in general, certificates from reputable institutions with strong track records are more highly regarded.
Which website is best for online certification courses for free?
Many organizations offer free online certification courses in a variety of subjects. To find the most suitable course, consider your learning objectives, preferred learning style, course content, testimonials and the reputation of the issuing organization.
What basic computer course is best for beginners?
The best computer course for a beginner depends on each individual’s skill level and learning objectives. Many courses cover computer fundamentals, such as computer hardware and software components, operating systems and commonly used office software.
