Top Free Online Certifications to Level Up Your Resume

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Table of contents

IT Certifications for Your Resume
Free Marketing Certifications
Free Programming Certifications
Nursing Certifications for Your Healthcare Resume
Free Engineering Certifications
Free Graphic Design Certifications
Free Writing Certifications
Management Certifications for Your Resume
Free Entrepreneurship Certifications
Where to List Certifications on a Resume
Resources to Help With Your Job Search

Whether you're looking for your first job or you're hoping to grow into a new role, certifications can make a significant difference. Employers like to see certifications on your resume because they demonstrate specific hard skills alongside the initiative and learning mindset of a worker who is committed to improving.

In this guide, we'll look at some of the best online certifications that you can start working on right now. Whether you're a marketing wizard or a programming pro, these certifications will help your resume stand out from the competition.

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IT Certifications for Your Resume

1. Engineering Cisco Meraki Solutions 1

The Cisco Meraki Solutions 1 certification gives students a working knowledge of the Meraki dashboard and how to use it to troubleshoot basic IT problems. By the end of the training, students will be prepared to pass the Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist certification exam.

Learned skills:

How to utilize configurations in the Meraki Dashboard
How to use Meraki products for IT applications
Ways to troubleshoot basic IT problems with Meraki Dashboard tools

Cost: The exam is $300 and the e-learning course is between $900 to $1,800.

2. Network Security Associate Program

Fortinet's NSE certification is a multi-stage program. The Network Security Associate Program (covering NSE levels 1–3) is completely free and includes both self-paced courses and digital certificates. The Network Security Associate Program is the first course in this series and aims to give students a basic understanding of the current threat landscape that impacts networks in the U.S.

Learned skills:

How to validate network security skills
Basic understanding of the ever-increasing threat landscape that impacts networks
Experiential exercises that showcase network security concepts

Cost: Free for the associate level. For later courses, prices range from $200 to $1,600.

3. Cybersecurity Training Certifications

Each of the Mile2® cybersecurity training certification courses guides students through the fundamental and advanced principles of cybersecurity. These courses allow students to gain experience with incident handling, hands-on skills training, disaster recovery, and network forensics. Mile2® certifications are known to be robust programs that meet specifications for the military, government, and private sectors.

Learned skills:

Disaster recovery techniques
Common incident handling strategies
The foundations of network forensics

Cost: Individual courses range in price from approximately $700 to $3,000. For an exam-only package with no labs or training, prices range from around $400 to $550.

4. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate

For beginner IT support professionals, Google's IT Support Professional certificate offered through Coursera is a great way to learn the basics and prepare for an entry-level role. After enrolling, students have access to situational problems that provide hands-on simulations of IT support scenarios to help build confidence and experience.

Learned skills:

To troubleshoot basic IT problems
How to provide high-quality customer service
An understanding of common operating systems

Cost: Free

5. The Google IT Automation With Python Professional Certificate

This Google course is also administered through Coursera and is ideal for students who have a foundation in IT skills and want to level up their careers. After the course is complete, students will know how to code using the Python programming language and how to apply it to system administration tasks. The course will also train students to use Git and GitHub, create solutions for complex problems, and automate tasks using configuration management.

Learned skills:

To automate simple tasks by writing Python scripts
How to utilize Git and GitHub for version control
Management skills for IT resources for both physical and virtual machines
Ways to approach IT problems and create strategies to solve them

Cost: Free

Free Marketing Certifications

6. Google Analytics for Beginners

For marketing professionals who want to boost their resumes, Google Analytics for Beginners gives digestible, step-by-step instructions to build a foundation to operate Google Analytics. Once students complete the first course, they should move on to Advanced Google Analytics, Google Analytics for Power Users, and Getting Started With Google Analytics 360. The training that these courses provide will prepare students to pass the certification exam.

Learned skills:

To use Analytics for their specific website's needs
Discover the different reports and learn how to use the data to create a strategy
How to use raw data to communicate results

Cost: Free

7. Digital Marketing Specialization

This certificate from the University of Illinois offered through Coursera contains seven courses that can help students develop an understanding of how marketing is changing in this digital world. After completing this certification, students will understand how digital tools—such as the internet and smartphones—can be used to create messages for highly specific audiences in ways that have never been possible before.

Learned skills:

How digital tools are changing marketing from the inside out
The strategies behind marketing analytics and how to approach them
The impact of digital technologies on communication strategies and practices
How to balance revolutionary digital strategies with analog sales

Cost: Free

8. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification Course

Inbound marketing uses relevant, functional, and highly optimized content to attract potential customers. This approach requires marketing professionals to create helpful and human content to build trust. The HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification Course educates students on why marketing has shifted towards inbound, how buying behavior has changed as a result, and actionable ways to create an inbound strategy for business.

Learned skills:

The history and foundation of inbound marketing
The difference between the inbound flywheel model and the traditional funnel model for businesses
How to apply these strategies to a business

Cost: Free

Free Programming Certifications

9. Python for Everybody Specialization

The University of Michigan offers a five-part specialization course for the programming software Python. During the course of this class, students will learn fundamental Python concepts to use in their future careers. Students will complete four courses with gradually increasing difficulty and finish with a capstone course. According to the University of Michigan, at a pace of three hours per week, this course will take students approximately eight months to complete.

Learned skills:

Install Python and write their first program
Describe the basics of the Python programming language
Use variables to store, retrieve, and calculate information
Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops

Cost: Free

10. CS50 Introduction to Computer Science

Harvard offers this course as an introduction to computer science. Students will develop a working knowledge of languages, including C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript, plus CSS and HTML. If students achieve a passing score on nine problem sets and their final project, they are eligible for a certificate.

Learned skills:

How to solve programming problems efficiently and effectively
Fundamental concepts like abstraction, encapsulation, resource management, security, and web development
Familiarity with languages such as C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript, plus CSS and HTML

Cost: Free

11. Responsive Web Design Certification

This 300-hour course on freeCodeCamp.org covers basic HTML and CSS, visual design elements, accessibility, and responsive web design principles. This site only requires a login, and students are free to work through the respective coding courses at no cost.

Learned skills:

Basic HTML and HTML5
Basic CSS
Responsive web design principles
CSS Flexbox
CSS Grid

Cost: Free

12. JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certification

This course is also hosted on freeCodeCamp.org but covers basic JavaScript, ES6, regular expressions, algorithm scripting, and functional programs. This 300-hour course will give programmers a foundation in JavaScript that they can build upon as they progress through their careers.

Learned skills:

Basic JavaScript
Basic algorithm scripting
Object-oriented programming
Functional programming
Intermediate algorithm scripting
JavaScript algorithms and data structures projects

Cost: Free

13. Front End Libraries Certification

The Front End Libraries Certification, also through freeCodeCamp, is a 300-hour training that increases students' understanding of Bootstrap, jQuery and React, and Redux. This course also includes several projects at the end so that students can put their knowledge to work.

Learned skills:

Bootstrap
jQuery
Sass
React
Redux

Cost: Free

14. Data Visualization Certification

freeCodeCamp.org offers this project-heavy course on data visualization. At the end of the 300-hour training, students will be able to use D3 to complete challenges such as creating heat maps and treemap diagrams.

Learned skills:

Data visualization with D3
JSON APIs and Ajax

Cost: Free

15. This Is How You Make iPhone Apps

This course, hosted by Udemy, gives users a well-rounded understanding of project creation, programming, testing procedures, and production details for creating apps. Though the course is completely free, a small fee is required to receive a printed certificate. However, the benefit of continuing education through Udemy is that all courses have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learned skills:

How to write the C programming language
Ways to develop apps from inception to testing
How to submit an app to the App Store

Cost: Free, but a small fee is required for a printed certificate

Nursing Certifications for Your Healthcare Resume

16. First Aid

This First Aid course is the perfect solution for individuals who don't have the time to take an in-person course every few years. This course uses minimal technical jargon and provides students with a helpful review section. All Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures covered in the course reflect the most recent American Red Cross® and ILCOR® Guidelines to provide people with modern techniques to administer CPR and First Aid.

Learned skills:

American Red Cross® and ILCOR® Guidelines for CPR and First Aid
Techniques for administering CPR and First Aid in an emergency situation

Cost: $25

17. Early Heart Attack Care

The Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) Course is designed to prepare medical professionals to recognize early symptoms of heart attacks. The course covers nonspecific and specific warning signs, ways to persuade reluctant patients to seek medical care, early heart attack care, and how to empower the community.

Learned skills:

Nonspecific and specific warning signs
How to persuade patients to seek early medical care
Ways to empower and educate the community

Cost: Free

18. CDC Certifications

The CDC has a database of 1,000+ free courses for medical professionals. For nurses who are trying to increase their understanding of specific diseases, courses like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Training or Community Care Provider Opioid Safety Initiative can provide up-to-date training on groundbreaking issues.

Learned skills:

How to use groundbreaking technology
Up-to-date information on emerging diseases
Modern treatments for disease and illness

Cost of course: Free

Free Engineering Certifications

19. Communicating Strategically

This archived course from Purdue University on communicating strategically is designed to help experts in scientific and engineering fields communicate effectively. Whether communicating in a report, to the board, to peers, or even to family members, some experts have a hard time verbalizing their work in a digestible and productive manner. At the end of the course, students should be able to use speaking techniques and nonverbal communication to interface with any audience.

Learned skills:

How to practice good communication skills with vocal tactics and nonverbal cues
The value of communication and how to be confident in their abilities
Bridging the communication gap between experts and non-experts

Cost: Free

20. OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with keeping workplaces safe for employees. For engineers who work in labs with dangerous chemicals and machinery, knowledge of the policies put in place by OSHA is crucial. These certifications for OSHA policies will teach students the most recent OSHA regulations so all employees under their supervision will stay safe.

Learned skills:

Latest workplace safety procedures
Workplace hygiene courses
How to implement these regulations in the workplace

Cost: Free

Free Graphic Design Certifications

21. Graphic Design Specialization

Graphic design is so much more than proficiency in Adobe programs. The Graphic Design Specialization course by CalArts offered through Coursera teaches graphic designers foundational skills such as typography, composition, and color and shape theory. At the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of design as an art form and a science so that they can confidently progress in their practice.

Learned skills:

How to use color, rhythm, and pattern in design
Ways to implement weight, scale, direction, space, and texture in a composition
Creating images using specific techniques

Cost: Free

22. UX Fundamentals

For graphic designers who are interested in applying their design skills to web design, this course on UX Fundamentals can help connect the dots. In this course, students will learn how to use wireframing and prototyping, ways to organize content to meet user expectations, and how to conduct user testing. Throughout the course of the lessons, students will learn to assess a site's usability and make changes to the design using UX principles as necessary.

Learned skills:

How to use wireframing and prototyping
Designing for user expectations and how to organize content based on the user
Ways to conduct user testing during development

Cost: Free

23. Web Designing Certification

This web designing certification from the University of Michigan and offered through Coursera is the perfect course for design students who want to learn how to create optimized and professional websites. By the end of the course, students will have a working knowledge of emerging technology and how they can use it to create quality websites that are beautiful and functional on any device.

Learned skills:

Skills such as HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript
Use quizzes and projects to develop an understanding of programming languages and responsive web design
How to choose the best fonts, layouts, and colors for optimal user experience

Cost: Free

Free Writing Certifications

24. High-Impact Business Writing

Trained writers in any profession know how to write in their own voice about topics that they are familiar with. Learning to write in other styles about topics they have little experience in is a learned skill. This Coursera course is the perfect option for writers who want to improve their business writing skills. Students will learn to use specific formats based on the audience, choose the most effective medium, and communicate objectives clearly. Additionally, students will learn to avoid common writing mistakes for a wide range of business documents, from memos to yearly reports.

Learned skills:

Communicating effectively with any audience
Different techniques for choosing the right medium
Efficient ways to edit business documents

Cost: Free

Management Certifications for Your Resume

25. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project management is one of the most universal skills a student can pursue. Engineers, marketing professionals, and politicians alike can benefit from courses like the Project Management Professional (PMP) training. During this course, students will develop the skills needed to plan and manage a project, analyze the potential risks, monitor project contracts, and efficiently schedule and budget.

Learned skills:

The skills needed to plan and manage a project
Tools for analyzing any potential risks at stake
Techniques for monitoring project contracts during the course of the timeline
Scheduling and budgeting strategies to keep the project on track

Cost: $675

26. Management and Leadership Skills Course

The Management and Leadership Skills Course is a great choice for any manager. First-time supervisors, experienced professionals, and seasoned executives alike can benefit from this course on managing people. This course teaches students helpful strategies for building strong teams that work hard and honing valuable management skills.

Learned skills:

How to help teams meet their goals
Strategies for hiring and keeping the right people
Techniques for delegating projects and encouraging individuals to take responsibility.

Cost: The exam is free, but certification copies cost between $20 and $50, depending on the style of certification copy you choose.

Free Entrepreneurship Certifications

27. Entrepreneurship: Launching an Innovative Business Specialization

This course on Launching an Innovative Business is designed to teach entrepreneurs how to use their skills to pick up on innovation opportunities, how to bring those innovations to investors, and strategies to establish a competitive company. Students will also be taught modern ways to finance new ventures.

Learned skills:

Strategies for getting new businesses to the marketplace
How to build relationships with investors
Ways to finance a new venture using modern techniques

Cost: Free

Where to List Certifications on a Resume

Certifications can have a significant impact on your resume's success. Whether you're anticipating a career change or just trying to stay on top of your industry, listing certifications on your resume can help you stand out to employers.

But where do you put them? There are a few options. If you have one or two certifications to list, you may give them their own resume section or list them beneath your education section. If you have more certifications to include, a designated certifications section is the right move.

Here's an example of a certification section to use as a reference:

Certifications

Google Data Analytics Certificate, Coursera — Completed Jan. 2025
CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science, Harvard/edX — Completed Dec. 2024
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance — Expires Mar. 2026

Resources to Help With Your Job Search

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Conor is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.