Can anyone access LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses related to business, technology, and creative skills. With over 16,000 courses taught by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning has become a popular way for professionals to gain new skills and advance their careers. But can just anyone sign up for LinkedIn Learning? Or are there certain requirements you need to meet in order to access the platform’s courses? In this article, we’ll examine who can use LinkedIn Learning and how you can get access.

LinkedIn Learning Overview

Before getting into the specifics around access, let’s first provide an overview of LinkedIn Learning and who it’s designed for. LinkedIn Learning is owned by LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, and is integrated into the LinkedIn experience. However, you don’t need a LinkedIn profile to sign up for LinkedIn Learning. The platform offers the following features and benefits:

• Over 16,000 courses across a variety of professional topics including technology, creative skills, business analysis and strategy, leadership and management, and more.
• Courses are broken up into bite-sized video lessons, usually between 3-5 minutes long.
• Instructors are credible experts and leaders in their respective fields.
• Earn certificates of completion for each course you finish.
• Access courses on desktop, mobile devices, or through the LinkedIn Learning app.
• Filter courses by topic, software, skill level, and more.
• Download course slides, practice files, and other resources.

LinkedIn Learning aims to provide affordable, high-quality training for working professionals who want to gain new skills or brush up on existing ones. It can benefit anyone from aspiring creatives looking to master new software, to managers wanting leadership training, to marketers needing a primer on digital marketing basics. Many major companies offer employees access to LinkedIn Learning for professional development. But individuals can also purchase subscriptions for personal enrichment and career growth.

LinkedIn Learning Access Requirements

So who exactly can sign up for LinkedIn Learning? Here are the requirements for getting access:

Individual Subscriptions

If you want to sign up for LinkedIn Learning yourself, you can purchase an individual subscription directly from their website. Pricing is $29.99 per month or $240 per year paid annually. Anyone can purchase an individual subscription – all you need to provide is an email address and payment information. You do not need to have a LinkedIn account or profile.

With an individual subscription, you get unlimited access to all 16,000+ courses, customized course recommendations, certificates of completion, mobile offline viewing, and the ability to create a customized learning plan.

Access Through Employers

Many companies and organizations provide employees access to LinkedIn Learning as a professional development benefit. If your employer offers this, you likely can access LinkedIn Learning at no cost simply by signing in through your company portal. Most businesses purchase LinkedIn Learning through packages that offer a certain number of licenses. Employees can claim licenses on a first come, first served basis. Check with your company’s HR or Learning & Development team to find out about accessing LinkedIn Learning.

University Students

Some colleges and universities have partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide students with free or discounted access. This allows students to supplement their education with professional development and hands-on learning. Check with your university to find out if they offer LinkedIn Learning access to enrolled students. Usually you’ll need to sign in through your school portal.

Alumni Associations

Certain alumni associations and groups have partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide free or discounted subscriptions as a member benefit. For example, some university alumni associations offer one year free access to graduating students. Membership in certain professional organizations like AIGA also comes with a LinkedIn Learning subscription. Check with the alumni or member organizations you’re part of to see if they offer this.

Lynda Campus

Lynda Campus is an enterprise learning solution by LinkedIn for companies, universities, municipalities, and other organizations. It offers admin controls, learning paths, skill assessments, analytics, and customized portals with branded login experiences. Organizations with Lynda Campus can provide access to some or all of their members as an employee or student perk. If you’re part of such an organization, check with them on how to access Lynda Campus courses and features.

LinkedIn Premium Subscriptions

Certain tiers of LinkedIn Premium subscriptions come with access to LinkedIn Learning courses. For example, Premium Career subscriptions provide access to over 15,000 courses. You must have a LinkedIn account to purchase Premium. Pricing starts at $29.99 per month. If you already pay for LinkedIn Premium, check whether your plan includes LinkedIn Learning access.

Sample Courses on LinkedIn Learning

To give you a better sense of the course topics available, here are some examples of popular LinkedIn Learning courses:

These are just a small subset of the courses available on a wide range of topics – from project management and HR skills, to CAD, data science, engineering software, and more.

Getting the Most from LinkedIn Learning

Here are some tips to help you get the most value if you have access to LinkedIn Learning:

Set goals

First, set some goals around the skills you want to develop or topics you aim to learn. LinkedIn Learning has thousands of courses – having goals will help you focus.

Take assessments

Some courses offer assessments before you start to test your existing knowledge. These can guide you to the right starting level.

Follow learning paths

For broader topics, you can follow structured learning paths with courses in suggested sequences. Learning paths provide educational milestones.

Earn certificates

Finish courses and take assessments to earn certificates you can showcase to employers. Certificates validate your new skills.

Apply skills

Practice and implement the skills you learn at work for the best retention. Hands-on application reinforces training.

Learn on the go

With mobile apps and offline download, you can learn on trains, planes, and even on your commute. Fit learning into pockets of downtime.

Create a schedule

Carve out consistent time for learning. Scheduling courses keeps you motivated and focused. Treat learning like an important meeting.

Join playlists

For related topics, you can add courses to playlists and learn in bursts when you have time. Playlists help pacing.

Is LinkedIn Learning Worth It?

For working professionals and anyone focused on career development or enrichment, LinkedIn Learning provides extensive value through:

• All-you-can-learn buffet of 16,000+ courses for one subscription fee
• Top notch instructors and material developed by experts
• Applicable skills training for real-world job success
• Flexible learning via any device, on your schedule
• Certificates to validate your skills and achievements

The breadth and quality of LinkedIn Learning courses makes it a worthwhile investment for skill building. And the all-access model means you can explore different topics. With an individual subscription costing only $30 a month, it provides cost efficient professional development compared to in-person classes, conferences, workshops, and events.

For organizations, providing LinkedIn Learning is a valued employee benefit that supports talent development. Employees can self-direct their learning and growth.

As long as you actively use your access, LinkedIn Learning produces a strong ROI whether you pay individually or get corporate access. Invest time choosing relevant courses and applying the skills to maximize the benefits.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Learning offers an immense on-demand library of expert-led courses covering in-demand business, creative, and tech skills. While anyone can purchase an individual subscription, many companies also provide free access to their employees. Some alumni groups, universities, and municipalities also partner with LinkedIn Learning to offer free or discounted access.

To summarize who can use LinkedIn Learning:

• All individual learners via paid subscription
• Employees at companies with business partnerships
• Students at certain universities
• Members of specific alumni groups or organizations
• Some LinkedIn Premium subscribers

The platform is designed primarily for working professionals seeking career advancement and skills development. But anyone can benefit from the quality course content and convenient learning experience via mobile or desktop. If you’re looking to gain new skills or refresh existing ones, consider accessing LinkedIn Learning. Consistent learning can help you boost your capabilities, productivity, and career mobility.