Yes, you can obtain certificates from LinkedIn Learning during a free trial period, allowing you to showcase your newly acquired skills and knowledge to potential employers or professional connections. LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses covering various topics, from technical skills to soft skills, business skills, and more. Completing these courses successfully earns you certificates of completion, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile or download for offline use. In this comprehensive explanation, we’ll explore how you can access LinkedIn Learning’s free trial, enroll in courses, complete them, and obtain certificates, along with the benefits and limitations of doing so during the trial period.
1. Accessing LinkedIn Learning’s Free Trial:
To access LinkedIn Learning’s free trial, you’ll need to sign up for a LinkedIn Premium subscription, which includes access to LinkedIn Learning as one of its features. LinkedIn typically offers a free trial period ranging from one to three months, during which you can explore the platform’s courses and features at no cost. To start your free trial, visit the LinkedIn Learning website, sign in with your LinkedIn account, and follow the prompts to activate the trial period.
2. Exploring Course Catalog:
Once you’ve activated your free trial, you’ll gain access to LinkedIn Learning’s extensive course catalog, which includes thousands of courses covering a wide range of topics and skill levels. Browse the catalog to discover courses that align with your interests, career goals, or areas of expertise you wish to develop. You can filter courses by subject, skill level, duration, and other criteria to find the ones that best suit your needs.
3. Enrolling in Courses:
After identifying courses you’re interested in, enroll in them to gain access to the course content and materials. Enrollment is typically straightforward and can be done with a single click. Once enrolled, you’ll have unlimited access to the course materials for the duration of your free trial, allowing you to progress through the course at your own pace.
4. Completing Course Requirements:
To earn a certificate of completion for a LinkedIn Learning course, you’ll need to meet the course requirements, which typically include watching all video lessons, completing quizzes or assessments, and any additional assignments or exercises specified by the instructor. Make sure to engage with the course content actively, take notes, and participate in any interactive elements to maximize your learning experience.
5. Downloading Certificates:
Upon successfully completing a LinkedIn Learning course, you’ll be eligible to download a certificate of completion as proof of your accomplishment. Certificates are available for download directly from the course page or your LinkedIn Learning dashboard. Simply click on the “Download Certificate” or similar option to obtain a PDF copy of your certificate, which you can then save, print, or share as desired.
6. Adding Certificates to LinkedIn Profile:
Once you’ve obtained certificates from LinkedIn Learning, you can showcase them on your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and accomplishments to your professional network. LinkedIn allows you to add certifications to your profile by selecting the “Add profile section” option, choosing “Licenses & Certifications,” and providing details about the certificate, including the issuer (LinkedIn Learning), the name of the certificate, the completion date, and a description if desired. You can also include a link to the course or certificate for verification purposes.
7. Benefits of Obtaining Certificates During Free Trial:
Obtaining certificates from LinkedIn Learning during a free trial period offers several benefits, including:
- Cost Savings: Accessing LinkedIn Learning’s courses and obtaining certificates during the free trial allows you to acquire valuable skills and credentials at no cost. This can be particularly advantageous if you’re exploring new career paths or seeking to enhance your skills without committing to a paid subscription upfront.
- Flexibility and Convenience: The free trial period gives you the flexibility to explore LinkedIn Learning’s course offerings and complete them at your own pace, without the pressure of a subscription fee. You can take advantage of the trial to sample different courses, experiment with various learning paths, and determine which topics or skills resonate most with you.
- Professional Development: LinkedIn Learning certificates serve as tangible evidence of your commitment to professional development and continuous learning, enhancing your credibility and marketability as a job candidate or professional. Obtaining certificates during the free trial allows you to kickstart your professional development journey and demonstrate your proactive approach to skill enhancement.
8. Limitations and Considerations:
While obtaining certificates during a free trial period offers numerous benefits, there are also limitations and considerations to keep in mind:
- Time Constraints: Free trial periods are typically limited in duration, ranging from one to three months. As such, you may have a limited amount of time to explore LinkedIn Learning’s courses, complete them, and obtain certificates. Be mindful of the trial period’s expiration date and prioritize courses accordingly.
- Access Restrictions: Some courses or features on LinkedIn Learning may be restricted or unavailable during the free trial period, depending on your subscription level. Certain premium courses or learning paths may require a paid subscription for full access. Be aware of any limitations or restrictions that may apply to your trial account.
- Subscription Renewal: At the end of the free trial period, your LinkedIn Premium subscription will automatically renew unless you cancel it before the trial expires. If you’re not interested in continuing with the subscription, make sure to cancel it in advance to avoid being charged for the subsequent billing cycle.
9. Conclusion:
In conclusion, obtaining certificates from LinkedIn Learning during a free trial period is a cost-effective and convenient way to acquire new skills, enhance your professional credentials, and showcase your accomplishments to potential employers or professional connections. By taking advantage of the trial period, you can explore LinkedIn Learning’s courses, complete them at your own pace, and obtain certificates to boost your resume and LinkedIn profile. While there are limitations and considerations to keep in mind, leveraging the free trial can provide valuable opportunities for professional development and career advancement without incurring additional costs.
