LinkedIn Learning and LinkedIn accounts are related but separate products offered by LinkedIn. While a LinkedIn account is required to access LinkedIn Learning, having a LinkedIn account alone does not provide access to LinkedIn Learning courses and features.
What is LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning is LinkedIn’s online learning platform that offers over 16,000 expert-led courses on business, technology, and creative skills. Courses are available on-demand and can be accessed anytime, anywhere via desktop or mobile app. Some key features of LinkedIn Learning include:
- Expert-led courses in business, technology, creative skills, and more
- Bite-sized videos and short courses
- Exercise files to follow along
- Earn certifications
- Offline viewing and listening
- Curated course recommendations
LinkedIn Learning combines both hard and soft skills development into a single platform. Some popular courses cover leadership, project management, design, programming languages, and other specialized skills.
What is a LinkedIn account?
A LinkedIn account is free to create and grants access to LinkedIn’s social networking platform for professionals. With a LinkedIn account, users can:
- Create a professional profile
- Connect with other professionals around the world
- Join industry groups and discussions
- Follow companies to receive updates
- Search for jobs and post a resume
- Stay up-to-date on news and insights
A LinkedIn account essentially serves as a professional social media profile that can be leveraged for networking, job seeking, industry research, and more. Accounts are free, although LinkedIn does offer premium paid subscriptions that unlock additional features.
Is a LinkedIn Account Required for LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, a LinkedIn account is required to sign up for and access LinkedIn Learning. Here’s an overview of how the accounts work together:
- Users must first create a free LinkedIn account before enrolling in LinkedIn Learning.
- Once logged into a LinkedIn account, users can purchase a LinkedIn Learning subscription directly on the LinkedIn Learning website.
- Subscriptions then allow unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses and features.
- A user’s LinkedIn profile shows their LinkedIn Learning activity and earned certifications.
So in summary, a LinkedIn account serves as the key or passport to unlocking access to LinkedIn Learning. You cannot use LinkedIn Learning without first having a LinkedIn account.
What is the Difference Between LinkedIn Learning and a LinkedIn Account?
While LinkedIn accounts and LinkedIn Learning are related products, there are some key differences:
| LinkedIn Account | LinkedIn Learning |
|---|---|
| Free to create an account | Paid subscription required |
| Social networking platform | Online learning platform |
| Build connections and network | Take courses and earn certifications |
| Post resumes and find jobs | Develop business, creative, and tech skills |
| Content focused on news and articles | Content focused on expert-led video courses |
In summary, a LinkedIn account provides professional social networking, while LinkedIn Learning provides gated access to premium learning content. An account is needed to access Learning, but Learning requires an additional paid subscription.
Can You Use LinkedIn Learning Without a LinkedIn Account?
No, it is not possible to use LinkedIn Learning without a LinkedIn account. Some key reasons why a LinkedIn account is mandatory include:
- LinkedIn Learning is a gated product only available to LinkedIn members.
- Users must login with their LinkedIn credentials to access courses.
- The subscription and billing is tied to the LinkedIn account.
- Progress and activity is shown on the LinkedIn profile.
- Certifications earned appear on the LinkedIn account.
Therefore, LinkedIn Learning is intrinsically tied to a LinkedIn account. There is no way to signup for just LinkedIn Learning or to use it independently without an account. The products are unified by design.
Can You Sign Up for Just LinkedIn Learning?
No, users cannot sign up for just LinkedIn Learning independent of a LinkedIn account. The only way to subscribe to LinkedIn Learning is through an existing LinkedIn account. There are a few reasons LinkedIn Learning cannot be decoupled from LinkedIn accounts:
- LinkedIn wants Learning to enhance existing accounts by showcasing skills and certifications.
- Requiring accounts helps drive more users to join LinkedIn.
- Linking Learning to accounts simplifies billing and access.
- LinkedIn wants Learning activity and progress to appear on profiles.
So in short, LinkedIn does not allow standalone Learning subscriptions. You must sign up and pay for Learning specifically through LinkedIn and with an account.
Can You Have a LinkedIn Account Without LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, it is very common to have a LinkedIn account without also using LinkedIn Learning. Key points:
- LinkedIn accounts are free, while Learning requires a paid subscription.
- Many LinkedIn users simply want to network and don’t need Learning.
- Users may get value from just having a profile and connecting with others.
- Some users may get Learning access through their company or school.
For these reasons, the vast majority of LinkedIn members have free accounts without paying for supplemental products like Learning. The accounts still provide value for networking and visibility.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn Learning and LinkedIn accounts work together but are distinct products:
- LinkedIn accounts are free social networks for professionals.
- LinkedIn Learning provides gated access to premium courses and certifications.
- A LinkedIn account is mandatory to sign up for LinkedIn Learning.
- Learning shows up on and enhances a LinkedIn profile.
- Most LinkedIn members only have free accounts, not Learning access.
So while the products are complementary, LinkedIn Learning requires an additional paid subscription beyond just having a LinkedIn account. But accessing Learning is only possible if you first have a LinkedIn account to tie it to.