Best Free Courses on LinkedIn Learning Right Now

Unlock Premium Skills Without the Price Tag

Let’s be honest: staying competitive in your career means constantly learning new skills. LinkedIn Learning (formerly the much-loved Lynda.com) is a powerhouse for this, with a massive library of over 24,000 courses taught by genuine industry experts. It’s the go-to for millions of professionals looking to get ahead.

But it’s a premium, subscription-based service. The good news? You don’t always have to pay. There are several powerful, completely legitimate ways for U.S. learners to unlock a huge portion of this content for free. This guide is your playbook. We’ll walk through three proven methods for free access, share a curated list of the best courses you can take right now, and break down when it might be worth upgrading to a paid plan.

best free courses on linkedin learning right now

How to Get LinkedIn Learning for Free: 3 Proven Methods

Forget complicated workarounds. Getting free access to one of the best learning platforms is surprisingly straightforward if you know where to look. Here are the three best strategies for any U.S. learner to start upskilling today, at no cost.

The 30-Day All-Access Pass

The most direct route is LinkedIn’s standard one-month free trial for new users. This isn’t a watered-down preview; it’s a full-access pass to the entire premium library. For 30 days, you can take any of the 24,000+ courses, use advanced features like AI coaching, download project files, and earn unlimited Certificates of Completion. Just be sure to set a calendar reminder before the trial ends, as it will automatically convert to a paid subscription if you don’t cancel in time.

Your Public Library Card is a Golden Ticket

This is the best-kept secret for long-term, free access. A huge number of public libraries across the United States have partnered with LinkedIn Learning to offer their members full, ongoing access to a catalog of over 16,000 courses at absolutely no cost. Major library systems in cities like Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Nashville are all part of this program, so there’s a good chance your local library is, too.

To use it, start at your local library’s website (not LinkedIn Learning’s), find their “Online Resources” or “Databases” section, and log in with your library card number and PIN. If you’re using the mobile app, look for the “Sign in with your library card” option and enter your library’s unique ID, like lapl for Los Angeles or indypl for Indianapolis.

Tap into LinkedIn’s Curated Free Collections

From time to time, LinkedIn and its parent company, Microsoft, release collections of free courses, often focused on closing major skills gaps. The biggest of these is the Microsoft Global Skilling Initiative, which offers in-depth “Career Essentials” learning paths in high-demand fields like generative AI. These multi-course programs even award a co-branded Professional Certificate.

Another one to watch is the LinkedIn Learning Course Club, which makes a few themed courses available for free each quarter. It’s worth bookmarking the page and checking back every few months.

Our Top 9 Free Course Picks on LinkedIn Learning

Now that you’re in, where should you start? We’ve handpicked some of the best courses and learning paths available through these free methods, focusing on high-demand skills that can make a real impact on your career.

1. Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn

This is easily the most valuable freebie on the platform right now. In about six hours, this learning path gives you a solid foundation in today’s most transformative technology. You’ll cover the core concepts of AI, how to use tools like Microsoft Copilot, and the critical ethical considerations involved. Best of all, you get a co-branded Professional Certificate from Microsoft and LinkedIn—a powerful credential to add to your resume.

2. Project Management Foundations

Taught by a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), this four-hour course is a masterclass in getting things done. It walks you through the entire project lifecycle, from planning and scheduling to managing risks and closing out successfully. Since project management is a skill that’s valuable in almost any role, this course gives you the framework and vocabulary to do it well.

3. Communication Foundations

Strong communication skills can accelerate your career, and this course breaks it down into simple, actionable advice. In just over an hour, instructors Tatiana Kolovou and Brenda Bailey-Hughes provide toolkits for common workplace scenarios like running meetings, writing effective emails, and pitching ideas. It’s a fantastic primer on a skill that underpins everything you do at work.

4. Programming Foundations: Fundamentals

If you’re curious about coding but don’t know where to start, this is the perfect entry point. Using Python, one of the most beginner-friendly languages, instructor Annyce Davis demystifies the core concepts like variables, conditional logic, and functions. It’s designed for absolute beginners and gives you the foundation to tackle more advanced programming courses later.

5. Career Essentials in Data Analysis by Microsoft and LinkedIn

In a world driven by data, knowing how to make sense of it is a superpower. This comprehensive 13-hour learning path takes you from the basics of data governance all the way to visualizing data with industry-standard tools like Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Power BI. Completing this path gives you a tangible Professional Certificate and a skill set that’s in high demand across many industries.

6. Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

Your ability to understand and manage emotions—in yourself and others—is a huge predictor of success. In this concise 42-minute course, organizational psychologist Dr. Gemma Leigh Roberts explains Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and offers practical techniques for becoming more self-aware, managing stress, and building stronger collaborative relationships.

7. Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making

We’re all flooded with information, and the ability to think clearly is more valuable than ever. This course teaches you how to spot the cognitive biases and logical fallacies that lead to bad decisions. It’s like a workout for your brain, giving you mental models to improve how you analyze problems and make better judgments in any role.

8. Time Management: Working from Home

Remote and hybrid work require a new level of self-discipline. Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw offers practical, tailored advice for the home office, covering everything from creating a productive workspace to managing digital distractions and collaborating with a virtual team. If you work from home, this course has tips you can implement immediately.

9. The Six Morning Habits of High Performers

Success often starts with a solid routine. This 23-minute audio-only course features Hal Elrod, author of “The Miracle Morning.” He shares his “SAVERS” framework—six simple daily practices (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing) to boost your focus and productivity. It’s short, easy to listen to, and a great way to build positive habits.

Feature Breakdown: Free Access vs. Paid Subscription

So, when does it make sense to pay? While the free options are fantastic, a paid subscription unlocks the platform’s full power. The decision really comes down to your goals. Free access is perfect for exploring topics and gaining knowledge, while a paid plan is an investment in more hands-on, career-focused skill building.

A paid subscription gives you access to the entire 24,000+ course library, while library access is usually limited to a core of about 16,000. More importantly, paid plans include interactive tools like AI-powered coaching, hands-on coding practice environments, and downloadable project files. You also get deeper integration with LinkedIn Premium features like salary insights and InMail credits.

Feature Free Access (Public Library) 30-Day Free Trial Paid Subscription ($19.99+/mo)
Course Library Access 16,000+ courses Full 24,000+ courses Full 24,000+ courses
Certificates of Completion Yes, for every completed course Yes, for every completed course Yes, for every completed course
AI-Powered Coaching No Yes Yes
Hands-On Practice & Project Files Limited / No Yes Yes
Offline Viewing (Mobile App) Yes Yes Yes
Integration w/ LinkedIn Premium No Yes (if you have Premium) Full integration
Cost Free with library card Free for 30 days $19.99/mo (annual) or $29.99+/mo (monthly)

Your Questions Answered: LinkedIn Learning FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about using LinkedIn Learning for free.

Q1: How do I get my certificate after completing a free course?

A: Once you finish watching all the videos in a course, you can download your Certificate of Completion from the course’s main page. You can then add it directly to the “Licenses & Certifications” section of your LinkedIn profile to show off your new skill.

Q2: Can I really use the mobile app with my library card?

A: Yes! The key is to select the “Sign in with your library card” option on the app’s login screen. You’ll then enter your library’s text ID (like lapl or indypl), not your personal email or card number.

Q3: Do I need a LinkedIn profile to use the library access method?

A: In most cases, no. This used to be a requirement, but most library systems have changed it to protect patron privacy.

Q4: Are LinkedIn Learning certificates formally accredited?

A: The standard certificates aren’t accredited like a university degree, but they are widely recognized by professionals as proof of skill development. The Professional Certificates from partners like Microsoft carry even more weight.

Q5: What happens to my certificates if I cancel my free trial?

A: You keep them! Any certificates you earn during the trial will remain on your LinkedIn profile forever. You’ll just lose access to the course videos and materials after the trial ends.

Q6: Is it better to get a subscription or buy courses individually?

A: A subscription is almost always a better deal. A single course can cost up to $49.99. If you plan on taking even two courses in a year, the annual subscription (around $19.99/month) offers much more value with its unlimited access.

Conclusion: Your Learning Journey Starts Now

High-quality, career-boosting education is more accessible than you might think. LinkedIn Learning is packed with expert-led courses, and you don’t need an expensive subscription to tap into them.

Between the 30-day trial, special free collections, and the incredible long-term access provided by your public library card, you have a full toolkit for professional growth. The path to learning in-demand skills in AI, project management, or data analysis is open. Pick a course that interests you and get started today.

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