Free Courses & Certifications to include in your UK CV [2024]

Standing out in today's competitive job market can be challenging, but a valuable strategy to differentiate yourself is by acquiring free certifications to include in your CV through online courses, enhancing your resume, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook profiles; emphasizing your skills, dedication to professional growth, and staying current with industry trends – further boosting your resume can be achieved through the use of keyword optimization tools like Jobscan's resume scanner, utilizing AI technology to tailor your resume for each job application.

No payment is required for the certifications listed here, encompassing diverse industries such as technology, business, marketing, science, and medicine. Regardless of your field of interest, you'll find a free course below to assist you in cultivating valuable, high-income skills.

Which certifications can you include in your CV for the UK job market?

Including relevant certifications in your CV can enhance your qualifications and appeal to prospective employers in the UK job market. Certifications serve as tangible evidence of your skills, knowledge, and commitment to professional development.

Consider incorporating certifications that align with the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. This might include industry-specific certifications, such as project management certifications, IT certifications, language proficiency certifications, or any other credentials that demonstrate your expertise.

Highlighting certifications on your CV not only showcases your dedication to staying current in your field but also helps you stand out among other candidates. Additionally, it provides employers with a quick overview of your skills and capabilities, making your CV more compelling.

Let's see the below free certifications to add in your CV.

1. Certification in Project Management to add in your CV / Resume

Irrespective of the industry, the demand for proficient project managers remains constant.
Project managers play a crucial role in overseeing all facets of a project, encompassing budgeting and timelines. Without a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), projects can easily veer off course.

Explore these no-cost certifications in project management:

• PMP Basics (SkillUp) (9 hours)
• Project Management (Great Learning) (1.5 hours)

2. Google Analytics Certification to include in your CV

Utilized by over 28 million websites, Google Analytics stands as a prominent web analytics service globally.

Attaining certification in Google Analytics can significantly enhance your job opportunities, showcasing your proficiency in utilizing the platform to collect and analyze data.

Please note that Google Analytics Universal will cease operations on July 1, 2023. The following complimentary courses will acquaint you with Google Analytics 4, the latest version:

• Discover the Next Generation of Google Analytics (49 minutes)
• Use Google Analytics to Meet Your Business Objectives (1.7 hours)
• Measure Your Marketing with Google Analytics (50 minutes)
• Go Further with Your Google Analytics Data (46 minutes)
• Google Analytics certification course, it is recommended to complete the aforementioned courses before taking the test.

3. Salesforce Certification to add in your CV

Recognized as a leading CRM (customer relationship management) software tailored for small businesses, Salesforce offers a user-friendly platform that requires no technical expertise. It empowers users to effectively manage customer relationships, sales data, and marketing campaigns.

To get free certification in Salesforce, learn through Trailhead, an innovative and interactive learning platform curated by Salesforce, serves as an engaging avenue to acquire comprehensive knowledge about the Salesforce ecosystem. This hands-on approach not only makes learning easy and enjoyable but also allows you to earn badges as you successfully navigate through diverse modules, further validating your expertise in Salesforce.

4. Python Certification for getting a python job in the UK

Renowned as one of the most widely used programming languages, Python stands out for its accessibility for beginners and robust libraries that cater to the needs of experienced programmers.

Not only is Python easy to learn, but it also ranks high in demand among employers, making it an excellent choice for those embarking on a programming journey.

Explore the fundamentals of Python through Harvard University's complimentary course, CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python.

5. Cybersecurity Certifications for adding in your CV

Witnessing a remarkable 43% growth in the past year, the cybersecurity sector stands out as one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Despite this surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals, employers are grappling with a talent shortage, creating abundant opportunities for those considering a career shift.

If you are contemplating a new direction for your career, exploring the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity could be a rewarding venture.

Delve into the realm of cybersecurity with these online courses, offering free certificates:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity (Cisco Networking Academy) (15 hours)
• Cybersecurity Essentials (Cisco Networking Academy) (30 hours)

6. Data Analyst Certification to include in your UK CV

As per The World Economic Forum, data analysis emerges as one of the most sought-after job categories in the U.S. across diverse industries.

Data analysis involves the systematic examination of data to extract meaningful insights, often facilitated by utilizing various software tools to identify patterns.

Explore the world of data analysis with these free online courses, providing certificates upon completion:

• Data Science 101 (Cognitive Class) (3 hours)
• Data Analysis and Statistical Inference (DataCamp)
• Big Data Analysis with Revolution R Enterprise (DataCamp)

7. HubSpot Certification 

Recognized as one of the premier marketing and sales platforms online, HubSpot assists companies in attracting visitors, converting leads, and closing customers.

HubSpot Academy offers complimentary certification programs encompassing all facets of digital marketing. Some of its most sought-after courses include:

• Inbound Marketing (4.54 hours)
• Social Media Marketing (4:05 hours)
• SEO (3:36 hours)
• Content Marketing (7:24 hours)
• Email Marketing (3:45 hours)
• Inbound Sales (3:12 hours)

To attain certification, successful completion of an online exam is required. Upon certification, you gain the privilege to showcase the globally-recognized HubSpot logo, signifying your proficiency in the latest digital marketing techniques to potential employers.

8. Google Ad Certification

Among the widely adopted forms of online advertising, Google Ads prominently feature on the Google search engine and various affiliated websites. Opportunities abound for individuals equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness Google Ads effectively.

Unlock free certifications by completing the following courses:

• Google Ads Display Certification (2.6 hours)
• Google Ads Search Certification (3.7 hours)
• Google Ads Video Certification (4 hours)

9. Digital Marketing Certification

Developed by Google, the following complimentary marketing certification course encompasses 26 modules filled with hands-on exercises and real-world examples, providing an immersive learning experience.

Explore the comprehensive "Fundamentals of Digital Marketing" offered by Google Digital Garage, a 40-hour program designed to equip you with practical skills and insights essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of digital marketing. Enrich your knowledge and expertise through this valuable resource, covering a wide array of topics essential for success in the digital marketing realm.

10. Amazon AWS Certification

Amazon Web Services, a widely adopted cloud computing platform utilized by numerous companies, offers free training, although certification exams are subject to a fee.

For those seeking foundational knowledge and a complimentary certificate, consider enrolling in the free course:

"Getting Started with AWS Services: Fundamentals for Beginners" provided by SkillUp (4 hours).

11. Front-End Developer Certification

Earning a front-end developer certificate validates your proficiency in crafting user interfaces and front-end web applications.

Access complimentary online courses for front-end developers that offer certification upon completion:

• Introduction to Front-End Development (SkillUp) (12 hours)
• Front End Development – CSS (Great Learning) (1 hour, 30 minutes)

How to Acquire a Free Course and Certification for Your UK Resume?

In addition to the previously mentioned courses, you can easily discover additional free and expedient certifications online by conducting a Google search.

The majority of courses are user-friendly to sign up for. Typically, creating an account is a prerequisite to access the course, but once registered, you can commence your learning journey promptly.

While some free courses provide certificates upon completion, others necessitate passing an assessment or test to unlock the certification. By leveraging these cost-free opportunities, you not only save money but also acquire valuable skills to enhance your career prospects.