LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda, is an e-learning platform that offers thousands of online courses in business, technology, and creative skills. With over 16,000 courses taught by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning has become a go-to resource for professionals looking to gain new skills and advance their careers.
While a paid LinkedIn Learning membership provides full access to the entire course library, many learners wonder if it’s possible to take LinkedIn Learning courses for free. The short answer is yes – there are a few options to access free LinkedIn Learning courses.
Get a free one-month LinkedIn Learning trial
The easiest way to sample LinkedIn Learning for free is to sign up for their one-month free trial. You’ll get unlimited access to all 16,000+ courses for 30 days. This is a great way to explore the platform and take multiple courses before deciding if you want to pay for a full subscription.
To get the free trial:
- Go to the LinkedIn Learning website and click “Try for free”
- Sign up with your LinkedIn account or email address
- Enter your payment information (this is needed to begin the trial but you won’t be charged)
- You now have 30 days of unlimited free access to all courses!
The month-long trial is plenty of time to take multiple courses and see if LinkedIn Learning’s library is worthwhile for your learning goals. Just make sure to cancel before the 30 days is up if you don’t want to be charged.
Use LinkedIn Learning free courses
Beyond the free trial, LinkedIn Learning also offers select courses that you can take completely for free – no trial required. These free courses provide a sample of the content and learning experience. While the selection is limited compared to the full library, there are over 130 free courses spanning topics like leadership, software programs, and creative skills.
Here are some of the free courses currently available on LinkedIn Learning:
- Learning Successful Negotiation
- Business Writing Principles
- Excel Essential Training
- Improving Your Memory
- Principles of Photo Composition
- Python Basics
To find these courses, go to LinkedIn Learning and select “Free Training Videos” from the browse menu. You can take any of these courses without a LinkedIn Learning account.
Access through your university
If you’re a college or university student, your school may provide free access to LinkedIn Learning. Over 2,000 academic institutions worldwide partner with LinkedIn Learning to offer the library as a free resource for enrolled students.
To see if your school participates, go to your university library website and search for LinkedIn Learning. Many schools provide login instructions and information on the partnership. If access isn’t advertised on the library site, check with a campus librarian.
With university access, you can take unlimited LinkedIn Learning courses for free while you’re enrolled as a student. This is a great way to complement your studies, build skills, and pad your resume.
Use a library program
Public libraries are increasingly offering free LinkedIn Learning access through library card programs. These partnerships allow cardholders to login and take LinkedIn Learning courses at no cost.
For example, New York Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, and Houston Public Library are just some of the library systems providing LinkedIn Learning.
To see if your local library offers it, visit their website or contact a librarian. Access and login instructions will be provided on the library website if available. With a library card, you can use LinkedIn Learning to take as many courses as you want for free.
Audit LinkedIn Learning courses
Auditing a course on LinkedIn Learning means taking it in a view-only mode without full access to assignments, quizzes, certificates, or other gated content. You won’t be marked complete for the course, but you can watch all the videos for free.
Any registered LinkedIn Learning user can audit courses in the library. To audit:
- Open the course page
- Click “Audit this course” instead of “Start free trial”
- You can now view all video lessons but not access graded content
Auditing is a discreet way to take a LinkedIn Learning course for free. While you don’t get the full experience, it’s a great way to preview a course’s content and instructional style.
Use limited-time free course events
Occasionally LinkedIn Learning makes certain courses or learning paths free for a short time. These are usually week-long promotional events focused on an interest area or software skill.
For example,past events have unlocked free courses relating to:
- Working remotely
- Wellness and mindfulness
- Graphic design
- Business analytics
Follow LinkedIn Learning on social media or check their website to find out about upcoming free course events. These can be a great opportunity to take free training in your field of interest.
Get individual free courses with a LinkedIn Premium account
LinkedIn Learning is included in some tiers of LinkedIn Premium accounts. For example, Premium Career subscriptions provide access to over 400 free LinkedIn Learning courses.
While not the full 16,000+ course catalog, a Premium subscription unlocks plenty of LinkedIn Learning content. Focus areas include business, creative, and technology skills. This can be a cost-effective way to get free training.
Use promo codes and discounts
While not technically free, coupons and discounts can cut the cost of a LinkedIn Learning subscription. This expands your access to courses at a lower price point.
LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers deals like 30% off an annual Individual plan. They also provide month-long promo codes that let you test the platform at a discounted rate.
You can find LinkedIn Learning promos and coupons online or directly on their website. While not free training, discounts provide more affordable access to LinkedIn Learning.
Conclusion
While a paid subscription unlocks LinkedIn Learning’s full benefits, there are ways to take free training courses if you know where to look. A free trial, university access, library partnerships, auditing courses, and other tactics let you access select learning at no cost. Along with discounts and promos, these options make quality training more accessible.
LinkedIn Learning’s ever-expanding catalog has courses for nearly any professional skill or interest. Taking advantage of free resources enables you to experience their platform and engage in valuable learning opportunities.
Method | Courses | Duration | Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Free trial | All courses | 1 month | Sign up with email |
Free courses | 130+ courses | Unlimited | None |
University access | All courses | While enrolled | Active student status |
Library access | All courses | Unlimited | Valid library card |
Auditing | Individual courses | Unlimited | LinkedIn account |
Free events | Promotional courses | Limited time | None |
Premium account | 400+ courses | With subscription | Paid Premium account |
Discounts | All courses | Based on coupon | Valid promo code |
In summary, LinkedIn Learning offers diverse options to take courses for free, no credit card required. From auditing individual lessons to accessing thousands through a university, you can find quality training at no cost. Combining free resources with discounts provides the most flexibility to learn on a budget.
LinkedIn Learning is an exceptional platform with top-notch instruction for career-focused learning. Sampling free courses lets you experience the benefits firsthand. With the right approach, anyone can access LinkedIn Learning’s library of engaging, expert-led courses at little to no cost.