Finding Free Online Language Courses with Certification

It is quite common for individuals to seek free online language courses with certification. With the rise of online learning platforms, a variety of options are available to learners. This article explores some of the popular platforms, discusses the importance of certification, and addresses common concerns.

Popular Platforms for Free Online Language Courses

Coursera

Coursera is a renowned platform where many universities offer free courses. Access to course materials is free, but the offering of a certificate typically requires a payment. Some courses, however, allow you to apply for financial aid to offset the cost.

edX

edX is another popular platform similar to Coursera. It offers free courses from universities. You can audit courses for free, but a verified certificate usually comes at a cost. Financial assistance is also available for those in need.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a widely used free app for learning languages, which tracks your progress. It does not offer formal certificates. However, they have a Duolingo English Test, which is a paid certification option.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn provides a variety of language courses for free. Course materials are accessible for a limited time, and a certificate is often available for a fee. Some courses may offer free certificates.

Alison

Alison is a platform that offers free courses in various subjects, including languages. While you can earn a certificate for free, there may be a charge for a physical copy.

OpenLearn

OpenLearn, part of The Open University, offers free courses, including language learning options. Upon completion, you can earn a statement of participation.

BBC Languages

BBC Languages is a platform that provides a variety of free resources and materials for learning different languages. While not a formal course platform, it is a valuable resource for those looking for free content.

Memrise

Memrise offers a free version that includes language learning features. Although they do not provide formal certificates, you can track your progress.

Why Certification Matters

When choosing a course, it is crucial to understand the details about certification and associated costs. Here are two important reasons why certificates from free websites are often less valuable:

Cost and Accountability

Accreditation of courses is an expensive process that involves extensive paperwork and supervision by external examiners. Course providers need to recoup these costs somehow. If the student isn't paying, who is?

Government-Funded Schemes: Some governments offer funding for courses in less commonly studied languages. Before committing, check if there are any such government-funded schemes available for your target language.

Authenticity and Trust

The cost of exams is per learner and therefore never negligible. The biggest challenge is proving that you took the exam yourself. If the organization issuing the certificate cannot confirm with certainty that it was you who took the exam, no one else can trust that the certificate means anything.

Specific Exams: You might find free courses to prepare you for a specific exam, but to sit the exam and get the certificate, you will still need to pay hundreds of pounds, dollars, or euros.

Conclusion

While free online language courses can be a valuable resource for learning, the availability of certification is an important factor to consider. Always verify the details on certification and costs before enrolling in any course. If certification is crucial for your needs, be prepared to invest a small fee for authentic recognition.