But getting started on your career prep before college doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a room, drowning in textbooks all day! It means you get to make intentional decisions about the opportunities you choose to invest in that add credibility to your resume, enhance your confidence, and allow exposure to real-world learning more quickly. And even better, many of them are free (which, in and of itself is an advantage). Career-related learning can be as simple as earning recognition from a certification while your friends and classmates are choosing their majors, and finishing certificates that will allow you to shine when you are competing for internships, summer programs, and even admission to some colleges or universities.
Whether that interest lies in coding, public health, digital marketing, or so many more, there is free certification out there for you. Below are 10 of the top free certification programs you can complete before even stepping foot on campus.
1. ISB – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
If you've ever wondered why ads always seem to follow you around online or are curious about how businesses can grow through search engines or social media, Google's Digital Garage course is a good fit for you. It mentions that it has a complete introduction to digital marketing, covering everything from search engine optimization (SEO) to content strategy. The course is self-paced, and it's made up of 26 modules by Google trainers, and is accredited through the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe.
Apart from the certificate, this course will help you understand the foundations of marketing language and tools. It's a great addition to resumes for internships or student-run business clubs. Also, if you're planning to apply to business, economics, or communications programs, this certificate will give you a head start and the language to do so.
2. Harvard University – CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard’s CS50x is recognized as perhaps the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to computer science on the web. Taught by Professor David Malan, the course includes algorithms, data structures, memory, software engineering and web programming. You can either audit the course, or complete all assignments and receive the completion certificate - all free of charge through edX.
Aside from getting a certificate that will look great if you are thinking about STEM related fields - specifically CS or engineering - it will still demonstrate discipline and critical thinking even if you are not a tech person. Many students have used CS50 as an entry point into coding, and the course is recognized and valued in a variety of educational and professional purposes worldwide.
3. IBM – Data Science Foundations
The data revolution isn't coming, it's already happening! IBM has a great free course on Coursera that introduces students to data science, including data collection, visualization, and analysis. It provides a great introduction for beginners and will help you appreciate how data is being used in the real world across various industries.
Ultimately, this certificate can help if you're thinking about studying economics, psychology, biology, or anything that touches upon the data (everyone pretty much touches data now, anyway). It would also be useful for students applying to programs that emphasize research and analysis, especially if you'll be participating in science fairs or research-related competitions.
4. Johns Hopkins University – COVID-19 Contact Tracing
Public Health has never been so relevant. This course by the experts at Johns Hopkins will teach you the basics of contact tracing and the fundamentals of epidemiology. Although created during the pandemic, it remains an excellent primer in health policy and epidemiology and disease transmission.
It's perfect for students who are thinking about a major in medicine, biology, or public health. It also illustrates civic awareness and social responsibility, themes that resonate in personal statements and interviews. The certificate may also allow you to volunteer with health non-profits.
5. AWS Educate – Cloud Practitioner Pathway
AWS Educate offers free cloud computing foundational training through AWS and includes modules on storage, security, compute, and networking with no prior experience. The certification is not quite the full AWS Cloud Practitioner exam but it gets you some level of certification.
This is a good option for students considering a future in tech, and startups, and curious about Cybersecurity. Cloud computing is a foundational technology that contributes to everything from Netflix to NASA, so having an understanding of the cloud will help add a modern context to your profile. You also gain access to labs and sandbox environments to practice your skills.
6. Microsoft Learn – Power BI Data Analyst
If the idea of data storytelling and dashboard building excites you, Power BI is a great place to start. Microsoft has an entire learning path available for free that leads to an official “Power BI Data Analyst” badge. It takes you through visualizations, DAX formulas, and combining data sources.
For students in economics, business analytics or even environmental science Power BI is a great way to visualize complex ideas with impact. Schools and early employers value students who can work creatively and clearly with data, and this badge proves you can.
7. Meta – Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate (Audit)
Although the full certificate on Coursera has a fee associated with it, students can audit all the content for free. Offered by Meta (Facebook), this course teaches from building campaigns to leveraging Instagram for growth. It is project-based and real-world focused.
If you own a small business, run a school club, or have a blog, you can implement your learning right away! All students considering studying communication, entrepreneurship, or design should take this course, as well as to help clarify the terminology and in a language that today’s employers use as part of their skill sets: engagement metrics.
8. Unity – Junior Programmer Pathway
Unity is the game engine for many of today's most popular video games, AR apps, and simulations. They offer a Junior Programmer Pathway that can introduce absolute beginners to C# coding and support interactive experiences for hands-on practice & discovery. The pathway content is free, hands-on, and includes guided projects, such as creating your own 3D game.
Even if you are not intending to be a game developer, this certificate is a great way to gain coding fluency, design thinking, and logical skills. Before you graduate from the pathway, you'll enter the world of object-oriented programming which is part of nearly every first-year computer science syllabus.
9. TCS iON – Career Edge: Young Professional
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) offers this free course specifically for students starting their professional careers. The program covers communication and time management, as well as presentation skills and email etiquette. The course is short, practical and aimed towards Indian students.
This certification stands out in interviews and internships, and especially when combined with technical skills. While the majority of students wait until they start college to get soft skills training, this program will allow you to be trained and prepped for networking, professional writing, and collaboration before you even set foot in college.
10. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) – Environmental Health Modules
If you are a student interested in climate change, environmental policy, or biology, NIEHS provides free educational modules and quizzes on topics from air pollution to toxicology and environmental justice. You can download a certificate of completion after each module.
This is a good way to demonstrate an interest in sustainability and environmental science. If you are applying for research competitions or writing an environmental-themed essay, the modules can be a resource and a work
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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