Become a Programmer: 10 Free Online Programming Courses with Certificates

In the evolving world of technology, learning programming is important to stay ahead of the curve. You do not have to worry about not being financially stable as there are several free online programming courses with certificates.

Programming courses are a great way to begin a flourishing programming career. However, the world of programming is becoming increasingly competitive. A programming course that awards certificates helps validate your skills and makes you a more competitive candidate for jobs.

In this article, you will learn about some of the best free online programming courses which offer certificates. The programming courses will not only equip you with programming skills but also help you thrive in the job market. To come up with these 10 courses after examining tens of courses in my research, I believe you will find them as useful as I do.

As a Cyber Security undergraduate with some programming experience, I can assure you that no matter the programming course you choose, consistent self-practicing is key to progress in this career.

See other free online courses with printable certificates.

Can You Get Coding Certifications for Free?

Yes. There are several free online programming courses with certificates scattered across the web.

Coding certifications make your resume more attractive to potential employers. It provides proof that you have the right coding skills required for the job.

What is more exciting is that you can get these certificates for free. I will show you some of these courses and how to get them.

How to Find Free Programming Courses

Finding free programming courses can be tasking. What may be even more tasking is searching for free online programming courses with certificates. In this article, you will find 10 of the best of these courses. You can also search in the following places:

  • Online learning platforms: platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide free online programming courses with certificates. If you are not satisfied with this list, see Free Online Courses and The Best Websites to Find Them.
  • Coding boot camps: you can find some free programming courses by joining some boot camps like the ones offered on FreeCodeCamp.
  • Company training programs: companies like Google and Microsoft offer free programming courses through their developer programs. However, these programs may not be available all year round, so it is best to keep tabs on them.
  • Coding forums: you can find some free programming courses in communities, such as Stack Overflow and r/learnprogramming.

Can I Get a Coding Certificate Online?

Absolutely! There are several free online programming courses with certificates. These courses award coding certificates upon completion.

Earning a coding certificate online is worth it, as it can demonstrate your skills to your potential clients. It also gives you the opportunity for higher compensation at your place of work.

All you need to do to earn a coding certificate is to select a course that awards a certificate, complete it, and receive your certificate.

Become a Programmer: 10 Free Online Programming Courses with Certificates

Programming Fundamentals

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 2 hours

Programming Fundamentals is a self-paced video course offered by Great Learning. In the course, you will learn about programming, and how to apply it in building applications.

It is one of the best free online programming courses with certificates, as it provides you with skills to clear interview rounds. You will learn everything about the basics of programming, including operators, iteration, and variables.

The course outline comprises 5 topics:

  • Importance and Applications of Programming Languages
  • Variables in Programming
  • Operators in Programming
  • Iteration in Programming
  • Number Series

You can earn the certificate after the course when you complete the assessment. For more information, see Free Online Programming Fundamentals Course For Beginners.

Dynamic Programming

Here is a quick overview of the course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 2 hours

Dynamic Programming is an intermediate-level course where you learn the basics of dynamic programming. The course exposes you to the concepts of dynamic programming and examples like the Fibonacci series.

Dynamic Programming is among the free online programming courses with certificates that have lifetime access. Once you download the video course, you always have access to it. You can also take it at your own pace.

Below is the course outline:

  • Introduction to Dynamic Programming
  • Dynamic Programming Problems
  • Knapsack Problem
  • Longest Common Subsequence
  • Matrix Chain Multiplication

The certificate you earn from this course gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

For more information, see Free Dynamic Programing Course With Certificate For Beginners.

Java Programming

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 2 hours

Java is a language you can learn as a beginner. Learning it with a free certificate course makes it all the better.

The Java Programming course introduces you to the fundamentals of programming in Java. You will learn about syntax, functions, and arrays.

It is a beginner course, so it requires zero experience in programming. By the end of the course, you will be able to write your first Java program.

The course comprises 8 outlines:

  • What is Java
  • Install Java and Java IDE
  • First Java Program
  • Variables and Data Types in Java
  • Operators in Java
  • Flow Control Statements in Java
  • Arrays in Java
  • Functions in Java

As with many other free online programming courses with certificates on Great Learning, you have lifetime access to the Java course.

For more information about this course, see Free Java Programming Course With Certificate.

Data Science with Python

Here is a quick overview of the course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 11 hours 30 minutes

Data Science with Python is a free online hands-on training taught by experts. In the course, you will learn about the basics of Statistics and Descriptive Statistics.

The course also equips you with Python programming skills and how to apply them to accomplish data science tasks. You will also learn about data transformation and types of distribution, such as measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion.

You will further receive lessons on Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. The course also includes case study demonstrations.

You receive a certificate of completion after taking the course and completing the assessment.

For more information, see Data Science with Python Course with Free Certificate.

Data Visualisation Using Python

Here is a quick overview:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

This is one of the best free online programming courses with certificates for intermediate-level programmers. Data Visualisation using Python is a video course that helps you understand the Python packages involved in data visualization.

It explains how to interact with and visualize datasets in Python. Python allows you to compare multiple graphs to examine data. The course includes tests to assess your understanding of the lesson. Enroll in the online course to learn how to utilize Python for Data Visualization and receive a free certificate.

The course outline comprises the following topics:

  • Packages for Data Visualization in Python
  • Comparing Different Plots in Python
  • Working and Visualizing Different Datasets in Python

To learn more about this course, see Data Visualisation in Python.

Machine Learning with Python

Here is a quick overview of this course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 11 hours

Machine Learning with Python is an online video course where you learn the basic statistics and programming skills needed to solve machine learning problems. The course is available for lifetime access.

It is among the best free online programming courses with certificates, as the instructors teach using real-life case studies.

You will first learn the concepts of machine learning. You will then advance to learning statistics and understanding the different types of data.

The type of machine learning taught in this course is reinforcement learning. Reinforcement learning is a practical aspect of machine learning with applications in game development, oil and gas, recommendation systems, and smart assistants.

Great Learning awards a certificate of completion at the end of the course. The certificate helps to validate and demonstrate the skills you have gained.

For more information about this course, see Machine Learning with Python.

Python for Machine Learning in Hindi

Here is an overview of this course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 3 hours

If you are an Indian interested in machine learning using Python, this course is for you. It is one of the best free online programming courses with certificates for Indians. The course is taught by an Indian native with years of expertise in several programming languages, including Python, Java, and R.

Python is a language with an extensive set of libraries that favors machine learning and artificial intelligence. The libraries include NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. Python is mostly preferred for machine learning because of its readability and simplicity.

The course comprises 8 topics:

  • Libraries in Python
  • NumPy
  • Pandas
  • Matplotlib
  • Machine Learning Basics
  • Linear Regression
  • Logistics Regression
  • Decision Tree

At the end of the course, you earn a certificate which is not only recognized in India but in the rest of the world as well.

To learn more, see Python for Machine Learning Course in Hindi.

Data Structures and Algorithms in Java

Here is an overview of this course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 4 hours

Data Structures and Algorithms is one of the free online programming courses with certificates suitable for beginners. It teaches basic concepts such as Complexity, Recursion, and the Tower of Hanoi.

In this course, you will learn how to organize and store data using data structures and algorithms in Java. You will also learn about time complexity. The several types of sorting algorithms included in the course outline are bubble sort, quick sort, merge sort, and insertion sort.

The course includes practical examples that will aid in understanding it better. You will receive a free certificate at the end of the course.

For more information, see Data Structures and Algorithms in Java.

My SQL Basics

Here is a quick overview of this course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

My SQL Basics is a beginner course that will help you understand MySQL and its application. The course will help broaden your view of career prospects in MYSQL.

MySQL is a relational database management system that helps you organize and manage data in a structured manner. An understanding of MySQL improves your data management.

In this course, you will also learn about Database Management Systems and its difference from Relational Database Management Systems. Commands, Filter Records, Operators, Pattern Matching, and Null Values are among the concepts the course will teach you. However, it is not all theory as the instructor will approach these concepts with hands-on demonstrations.

A free certificate is available at the end of the course after you complete the assessment.

For more information, see Free Online MySQL Basics Course with Certificate.

Introduction to R

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Platform: Great Learning
  • Course duration: 1 hour

Introduction to R is one of the shortest free online programming courses with certificates on Great Learning. It is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of R programming.

R is an open-source programming language used for statistical computing and graphics. It provides a wide range of tools for data analysis, visualization, and manipulation. R is widely used in fields like data science, statistics, economics, and more.

This course will teach you the fundamentals of the R programming language, such as variables, data types, data structures, control structures, functions, and packages. You will also learn how to apply R in data analysis and visualization, data import, manipulation, graphics creation, and statistical analysis.

You will receive a free certificate upon completion of the course.

For more information, see Introduction to R.

What is the Best Online Course to Learn Programming?

The best online course to learn programming is relative. It depends on your experience level in programming and your schedule.

In essence, there is no one size fits all. You need to carefully go through the course description and requirements to select the one that best suits you.

As a beginner, courses such as Python for Everybody Specialization may fit your profile. However, more advanced programmers will need to enroll in advanced courses to gain deeper knowledge of programming.

Is FreeCodeCamp Enough to Get a Job?

FreeCodeCamp is a valuable resource for learning to code. It offers some free online programming courses with certificates. However, learning to code on FreeCodeCamp or any other platform cannot guarantee employment.

To increase your chances of getting a job, consider supplementing your FreeCodeCamp studies with additional learning resources, personal projects, internships, and networking. You should also build a strong portfolio where you demonstrate your skills through personal projects and contributions to open-source projects.

Is FreeCodeCamp Certificate Recognised?

A certificate from FreeCodeCamp is recognized across various tech communities and organizations.

FreeCodeCamp is a popular platform for learning programming, having more than 4,000 volunteers. It offers several free online programming courses with certificates. Based on its popularity and reliability over the years, the certificate you receive at FreeCodeCamp carries some weight.

Although it has worldwide recognition, a FreeCodeCamp certificate does not guarantee a job. You have to first focus on learning the art of programming as it is your skills that will matter most in the end.

If you are looking for other recognized certificate programs, check out the 34 Best 4–6 Week Certificate Programs Online that Pay Well.

How Can I Get C++ Certification for Free?

It can be challenging to find free online programming courses with certificates for C++. However, it is not impossible.

Sanfoundry offers free C++Programming Certification. The certificate exam comprises a qualifier test and a certification test. You have to score at least a B grade to be eligible for the certification test. The certification test is more demanding, as you need to score an A to earn the certificate.

Other platforms like Coursera, and edX offer several free courses for C++. While most of the C++ courses on these platforms require a paid subscription, you can still access the free course materials to learn more about C++.Google also offers some free developer programs on C++, which gives you access to free course materials.

Which Coding Language Should I Learn First?

The preferred coding language for beginners is Python. Python is a beginner-friendly language because of its simple syntax and versatility.

Python is similar to the English language and void of strict syntax rules. There is a tendency to get frustrated learning a more complex language as a beginner. This is the reason many people give up programming at the early stages.

The wide application of Python also makes it great for beginners. It is widely used in various fields, such as web development, data science, and automation.

JavaScript is also good for a start, as most startups use backend frameworks based on Python and JavaScript. However, it is more complex than Python.

How Long Does it Take to Be a Coder?

It can take about three months to a couple of years to be a coder. However, the time it will take you depends on your consistency, the complexity of the language, and the project you are working on.

Coding is quite complex. Learning the fundamentals alone may take several months for a beginner. If you opt for a university degree, you will take up to four years to become a certified professional in coding.

Signing up for a reliable online programming course can reduce your learning time. However, the key to learning coding is constant practice. Consistently write and review your codes to test their functionality, and you can become a professional programmer in a short time.

If you are a lady, check out the 12 Best Short-term Courses for Ladies.

FAQs on Best Free Online Programming Courses With Certificates

What Programming Languages Can I Learn From Online Programming Courses?

Online programming courses cover a variety of programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, and several others.

Do I Need Prior Experience to Enroll in Online Programming Courses?

Online programming courses cater to different levels, including beginners with no prior experience in programming.

Are Free Certificate Programming Courses Self-paced?

Most free online programming courses with certificates are self-paced. However, some of them have strict deadlines. It is best to check the course details before you enroll.

Do I Need to Pay for the Certificate?

No. The certificates offered at the end of these courses are free. You receive them once you complete the course and take the assessment.

Can I Access the Course Materials After Completion?

The free online programming courses with certificates offered by Great Learning provide course materials with lifetime access. You can always review them any time you want.

Conclusion

The free online programming courses with certificates provide a great opportunity to earn programming skills. What is more fascinating is that you earn a free certificate at the end of these courses.

The free certificate improves your resume and gives you a better chance at employment because they are recognized by many employers. However, it is essential to focus on the learning process, as gaining the skills is more important than earning a certificate.

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