Free Certifications to Benefit Communications Students

Written by Hannah Salcedo

Today’s job and internship market is more crowded than ever before, so if you want recruiters to notice you, you’ll need to stand out. One easy way to set yourself apart from the competition is by earning certifications. There are many options available, but if you’re looking to earn a certification in a few hours or less, online is the way to go.

Online certificate programs are a quick, easy, and flexible way to develop the technical skills you need for entry-level careers. You can earn them by completing an online course and passing the quizzes/exam at the required score. The best part? Many of them are free, making them super accessible!

Why should I get certified?

By earning certifications, you expand your knowledge in your field and demonstrate your dedication to your industry. With these credentials on your LinkedIn profile or résumé, you’re showing employers that you’re eager to grow outside of school, giving you a competitive advantage. They’re also a great way to practice applying new skills — some courses include practical exercises similar to what you may encounter in a job or internship.

As someone with 20 (and counting!) certifications, I truly believe they’re the perfect way to keep learning and stand out in the Ad/PR field. These courses have introduced me to inspiring marketing experts to follow on LinkedIn, providing extra insight into how to succeed as a professional.

Now that we’ve been through all that, what free certifications are available to you, and where can you find them?

Semrush Academy

Semrush Academy is an online learning platform by Semrush, a digital marketing management platform. Their programs are industry-recognized and highly respected in the marketing industry. The courses are in-depth, led by a variety of industry experts who specialize in the various topics.

They offer courses for all skill levels, whether you’re trying to start with no experience or want to learn a specific skill. Most programs on Semrush Academy take about an hour to complete, but range from 16 minutes to four hours.

The format of these courses is simple. There is a series of video lessons you must watch, followed by a short quiz at the end of each section. At the end, there is an exam of 10-15 questions, and you have three attempts to pass. Once you pass, you will receive a personalized certificate that you can download and add to your LinkedIn! Certificates expire after one year.

HubSpot Academy

HubSpot Academy is an online learning platform by HubSpot, a customer relationship management software. Like Semrush Academy, their courses are recognized worldwide and used by over 258,000 companies in 135 countries. These programs are led by inbound professors and professionals with expertise in sales, marketing, content, and more.

With 39 certification courses and over 600 lessons to choose from, there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level. Courses are about two hours on average, but are anywhere from four minutes to eight hours long, so you can decide if you want a quick lesson or a deep dive into marketing.

Earning your certification is easy. HubSpot Academy courses feature video lessons, quizzes, and an exam of about 60 questions at the end. Many also include a practical exercise where you can apply what you’ve learned in a real-world scenario. Once the exam and practical exercise are passed, you’ve earned your certification!

Google Skillshop

Google Skillshop is a platform by Google with e-learning courses that teach proficiency in Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Marketing, and more. These courses are led by industry experts and Google employees, giving you a strong understanding of how to advertise on their platform. On average, the courses are four hours.

Included in Google Skillshop is Fundamentals of Digital Marketing. This course is a long one, with 17 learning paths (modules) taking 40 hours to complete. But, if you take the time, you’ll learn a lot of essential information about digital marketing tools and strategies, complete with real-world examples and practical exercises. 

These courses are definitely more time-consuming than the first two examples, but they have a similar format. There are video lessons and reading content, quizzes scattered throughout, and a final exam at the end consisting of 60 questions. Upon passing, you will receive your certificate!

LinkedIn Learning

There are courses for basically every field and hobby out there, and there are plenty for communications students and professionals. With over 24,000 courses (in 20+ languages!), and dozens more added each week, there truly is something for everybody. LinkedIn Learning also has Learning Paths, which are playlists of related courses on a certain subject or career. These playlists make it easy to learn what you need in a streamlined way.

Earning a certificate is very simple. The courses are formatted with a series of short educational videos and quizzes, and most courses do not have a final exam! Once you finish the course, you will be prompted to post it on your LinkedIn and add it to your profile!

As you can see, certifications are a great way to build your skills and show employers you’re serious about your career. By taking advantage of these high-quality courses now, you’ll get a head start and feel more ready for future interviews, internships, and jobs.