In today’s competitive job market, professionals are constantly looking for ways to make their resumes stand out. One way many have tried to accomplish this is by completing LinkedIn Learning courses and earning certificates. But are these certificates really worth the time and effort required to earn them? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of LinkedIn Learning certificates and look at whether they provide any real value.
What are LinkedIn Learning certificates?
LinkedIn Learning (previously known as Lynda) is an e-learning platform that offers thousands of online courses in business, technology, and creative skills. Courses are taught by industry experts and range from beginner to advanced level. At the end of each course, learners have the option to take a test and earn a certificate of completion. These certificates can then be showcased on a LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn Learning certificates are credentials indicating that someone has completed and passed the assessment for a particular course on the platform. They demonstrate knowledge and skills in a specific subject area like project management, graphic design, web development, and so on. The certificates can be earned for both long-form courses as well as shorter videos.
The case for LinkedIn Learning certificates
There are several potential benefits to earning LinkedIn Learning certificates:
They demonstrate self-motivation
The fact that someone took the initiative to complete extra training in their spare time shows motivation and drive. This is an attractive quality for employers who want self-starters on their team.
They highlight hard and soft skills
The certificates act as proof that you have acquired specific hard skills and knowledge, whether it be JavaScript, Excel, management principles, etc. They also showcase soft skills like discipline, time management, and commitment to learning.
They support career advancement
Additional training and qualifications make candidates more competitive for promotions and career progression. Certificates show that employees are actively maintaining and growing their skills.
They fill in resume gaps
For career changers or those entering the workforce, certificates help fill in gaps on the resume by demonstrating up-to-date capabilities.
They expand your professional network
Completing LinkedIn Learning courses gives you connections within that course’s student and teaching community. You can leverage these connections for career opportunities.
They show commitment to your field
Relevant certificates exhibit a dedication to and interest in your profession. This passion and engagement can give you an edge over other applicants or colleagues.
They are credible and recognized
LinkedIn Learning has established itself as a premier online learning platform with high-quality courses taught by experts. Its certificates thus carry more weight than some other online credentials.
They are accessible and convenient
You can access LinkedIn Learning courses and certificates from anywhere at any time. This flexibility makes professional development manageable even for those with busy schedules.
The case against LinkedIn Learning certificates
On the other hand, there are also some potential drawbacks to LinkedIn Learning certificates:
They aren’t accredited
LinkedIn Learning certificates are not accredited by any external bodies or education institutions. They do not confer any official academic credit or status.
They aren’t recognized qualifications
Similarly, LinkedIn Learning certificates do not carry the same weight as degrees, professional certifications, licenses, etc. They are more supplemental rather than required credentials.
The assessments aren’t comprehensive
The tests to earn a certificate generally only cover a fraction of the course material. They do not evaluate mastery to the extent of say, a professional certification exam.
They aren’t necessarily valued by employers
Not all recruiters and hiring managers recognize the merit of LinkedIn Learning certificates compared to other qualifications. Some may see them more as “nice to have” rather than key credentials.
They are easy to cheat on
Since LinkedIn Learning assessments aren’t proctored, it’s possible for learners to cheat on them and still pass. This undermines their legitimacy and indicate true skill level.
The quality varies
While LinkedIn Learning has mostly high-quality content, not all courses or certificates are created equal. Some subjects have more comprehensive and rigorous material than others.
They take time and money
Earning multiple certificates requires an investment of both time and money that doesn’t necessarily pay off. LinkedIn Learning costs around $30 a month for an individual subscription.
The skills can become outdated quickly
Technology and business practices change rapidly. Someone with a LinkedIn Learning certificate earned last year may already have out-of-date skills in certain fields.
Who benefits most from LinkedIn Learning certificates?
While they aren’t universally valued or relevant, LinkedIn Learning certificates can provide the most value to certain groups:
| Group | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Career changers | – Demonstrate up-to-date skills and knowledge for new field – Fill in gaps on resume for new industry – Show motivation to upskill |
| Recent graduates | – Highlight relevant skills not covered in degree – Show initiative to keep learning beyond college – Lack extensive work experience, so certificates help fill resume |
| Job seekers with gaps in employment | – Keep skills fresh and prevent obsolescence during unemployment – Explain gaps in work history with continuing education – Show self-improvement during time out of workforce |
| Professionals facing role change or promotion | – Gain skills needed for new role like management or senior positions – Differentiate yourself and show you are growing along your career path – Demonstrate you are flexible and adaptable to change |
| Tech professionals | – Technical skills go out of date quickly so certificates keep knowledge current – Specific and niche skills may not have been taught formally in school – Show enthusiasm for keeping up with latest technological advances |
Maximizing the impact of LinkedIn Learning certificates
If you do decide to pursue LinkedIn Learning certificates, there are ways to get the most value out of them:
Choose relevant courses
Be deliberate in selecting courses that directly relate to your target job, industry, or current role. For example, someone in digital marketing should focus on certificates in SEO, Google Analytics, social media advertising, etc.
Showcase them properly on your LinkedIn profile
Don’t just list your certificates in the credentials section of your profile – feature them prominently in your summary and experience descriptions. Explain how you’ve applied what you learned.
Combine certificates strategically
Earn certificates that complement each other and showcase your well-rounded abilities. For example, combine a technical course with a soft skills course like communications or leadership.
Partner certificates with work experience
Explain how you’ve reinforced your LinkedIn Learning course knowledge with hands-on skills applied on the job.
Promote new skills to your network
Share your certificates and newly acquired capabilities with your LinkedIn connections to maximize visibility.
Apply the knowledge
It’s not enough to just take the course – you need to implement what you’ve learned to maximize the value. Being able to discuss how you’ve actively applied the certificate teachings is impressive.
Continue your learning
The most impressive candidates aren’t stagnant – they continue to learn and develop themselves. Show that you are dedicated to ongoing education through multiple certificates over time.
Are LinkedIn Learning certificates worth it?
The short answer
LinkedIn Learning certificates can be worthwhile if you choose relevant courses, showcase them properly, and reinforce them with real-world experience. They are most valuable for career changers, recent grads, job seekers with gaps, aspiring managers, and tech professionals.
The longer answer
For most professionals, the true value of LinkedIn Learning certificates isn’t necessarily the certificates themselves. Rather, it’s the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained from the coursework that matters. The credentials merely represent evidence that this learning took place.
Viewed through this lens, high quality LinkedIn Learning courses can certainly be worthwhile depending on one’s career stage and industry. The interactive, practical education can boost both hard and soft skills in many fields. And the certificates are credible proof of that upskilling.
However, not all courses or certificates are made equal. It’s important to do your research to ensure the curriculum meets your needs before investing significant time and money to complete. Partnering your certificates with real-world experience is key to making them stand out.
At the end of the day, LinkedIn Learning certificates’ worth depends on:
- The individual course quality and relevance
- How they are presented on your resume and LinkedIn profile
- How you reinforce the skills through work experience
- Your stage of career and industry
Viewed as one piece of your professional profile, top LinkedIn Learning certificates can certainly boost your resume and skills. But they shouldn’t necessarily be your sole focus. Consider them part of a larger strategy that also includes hands-on work experience, promotions and accomplishments, other education and credentials, professional networking, and ongoing career development.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning certificates can add value to your professional profile, but aren’t universally recognized or valued. They are best used as part of a larger career development strategy. With deliberate course selection, proper showcase of skills gained, and reinforcement through work experience, LinkedIn Learning credentials can help demonstrate your commitment to education and your ability to apply knowledge. Certain professionals, like career changers, recent grads, and tech workers are likely to get the most mileage from highlighting relevant certificates. But they should be just one component of an impressive resume, rather than the only credentials you have.