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15 Free Online Certifications That Can Launch Your Resume Ahead of Other Applicants

Get certifications that can make your resume stand out when applying for jobs.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Job searches can be competitive, and sometimes, you need a little something extra on your resume to make it stand out. A talent that sets you apart or extra experience in your particular field can get you noticed.

Certifications are a good example of something that can give you a step up on your competitors. The good news is you don’t have to spend a large chunk of money to get certifications you can add to your resume.

Here are a few free options that might help you start building more wealth.

Get paid up to $225 a month while watching viral videos

Instead of sitting around watching viral videos on YouTube, you could be getting paid actual cash taking surveys for InboxDollars instead.

It's simple. You sign up here and confirm your email. Then you watch videos and take surveys. Then you earn cash (yes, actual cash … not "points"). Log in during your spare time and see how you can earn up to an extra $225 every month.

BONUS: Free $5 when you sign up, confirm your email and phone.

Computer Science for Business Professionals

Harvard University’s Computer Science for Business Professionals course might be the right fit for a business professional who has to make decisions related to cloud computing, web development, internet technologies, or other computer issues.

This course can help you understand computer issues in the business world, and the Harvard brand on your resume could make you stand out and maybe even make a little extra money when you get the job.

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Quality Assurance Certification

Quality assurance is an important part of computer software testing. It ensures that computer programs and web applications respond as they're supposed to.

Grab a freeCodeCamp Quality Assurance Certification to learn how to make sure your applications work as planned.

Google Ads Video Certification

Google allows you to post video ads on sites such as YouTube to maximize your advertising impact.

So, check out the Google Ads Video Certification, which teaches you how to increase your market reach by using ads on websites such as YouTube and Google Video.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

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Grow Offline Sales Certification

Not all commerce is done online. You need important skills if you work for a company that sells products in stores or directly to customers.

Check out the Grow Offline Sales Certification if you want to be a more well-rounded job candidate who can demonstrate an understanding of how to sell a product in different types of markets.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS, which stands for Amazon Web Services, is a cloud-computing platform that offers its services to businesses, individuals, and others.

Get started in AWS with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certificate, which can be an important mark on your resume if you’re applying for jobs with companies that use AWS services.

The Science of Well-Being

Yale University’s Science of Well-Being is a personal development course that helps you build productive habits you can use in both your personal life and work life.

You will learn more about what makes you happy and how to overcome biases, for example. Yale suggests adding the certification to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV.

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Introduction to the Incident Command System

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers courses for emergency responders to learn about the basic structure and uses of the Incident Command System, a standardized method of dealing with many types of emergencies.

This could be a great certification to add to your resume if you are in a position that potentially requires you to respond to emergencies.

Supervision Skills

As you move up the corporate ladder, it may be important to learn skills to successfully oversee a team of employees.

Alison’s Supervision Skills certification can help you learn how to supervise and motivate your employees to achieve the best work possible.

Google Analytics Certification

Analytics can be a great tool for marketers who want to make important decisions and gain valuable insights into their marketing campaigns.

Google offers Google Analytics Certification that demonstrates your understanding of how to collect and report crucial data.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover^®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!² <p>See website for details.</p>

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Getting Started as a Project Manager

Project managers need to guide projects from conception to completion. LinkedIn Learning’s Getting Started as a Project Manager certification can increase your proficiency in executing these skills.

Be aware that LinkedIn Learning normally charges a fee of $19.99 to $39.99 per month, but you can get your first month free and earn certifications during that period.

Technical Writing

Technical writers need a specific set of skills to convey detailed information about particular subjects. You’ll need to know how to communicate both inside an organization and how to reach out to a specific audience.

Saylor Academy offers a free Technical Writing certification that you can add to your resume.

Free Online Photoshop Course

Photoshop can be a great resource if you work with illustrating, graphic design, and other visual arts.

The EDUCBA Free Online Photoshop Course is a certification that proves you have an understanding of one of the better-known types of graphics editing software.

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Introduction to Public Health Surveillance

Health care providers may want to get a certificate that shows they know how to properly track and analyze data in response to the spread of disease.

The Public Health Foundation’s Introduction to Public Health Surveillance was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and may be a good option for those working in the public health field.

AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification

Artificial intelligence software has become an important tool for different fields, including marketing and advertising.

Google’s AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification allows you to learn more about Google Ads and how adding AI can optimize your marketing reach.

Responsive Web Design Certification

If you’ve ever considered web design as a career option, you may want to build up your resume with a web design certification, which could help you make extra money on the side.

The freeCodeCamp Responsive Web Design Certification helps you learn basic languages that you’ll use in a web design career.

Bottom line

Free certification programs are great options if you want something to make your resume stand out. If you have a similar background to other candidates, the right certification can help you get above the rest.

Consider different options that are relevant to your particular field and that might lead to promotions and other opportunities to get ahead financially.

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