Many people see online learning as a free or low-cost way of increasing knowledge and skills. When Coursera was launched in 2012, Statements of Accomplishment were available at no cost. EdX had free Honor Code Certificates. Later, Coursera and edX both introduced a verification process, where students can provide a webcam photo and an identification document such as a driver’s licence to receive a Verified Certificate for a fee. Coursera also introduced keystroke analysis to verify the students’ typing pattern whenever assessment items were attempted, but this requirement was later abandoned.

Your certificate will display details such as your legal name, the date, the course name, provider, and university. Coursera and edX certificates also feature a verification code.

How to Sign Up for a Certificate

Many course providers encourage students to take the paid certificate option at enrollment. Sometimes it is harder to find a free or audit option, which might be an insignificant link in an obscure place.

You may need to click an Enroll button before finding out the price of the certificate. The large course providers accept secure payment using major credit cards and/or PayPal. If you have a device with a webcam, it’s easy to take a selfie headshot and also a photo of your official identification document for verification. Verification can take a few seconds to several days after sending the images. You can start your course while waiting for your verification to be approved.

How Much?

Certificates vary in cost, but are often around US$50. Some may be US$150 or more. Depending on your location, the cost may appear in US dollars or your local currency. While a certificate for $50 may be considered good value in the USA and other high-cost-of-living countries, in some countries with low wages it is a considerable investment. Coursera and edX have addressed this issue by making financial assistance available to students who cannot afford the cost. You can find out how to apply to Coursera here and to edX here.

FutureLearn also offers certificates for a fee, but does not offer financial assistance.

Another large MOOC provider, Udacity, also offers certificates upon completion and payment, and a limited scholarship program is available.

Pay and Learn

Remember that paying for a certificate does not automatically mean that you will be awarded one. You still have to earn a passing grade in the course. Many Coursera courses allow multiple attempts at quizzes and exams, while edX and FutureLearn are more likely to be limited to one, two, or three attempts at questions. Make your time count by actively thinking about and learning the material, not simply trying to finish the course as quickly as possible. Peer-assessed work is usually limited to just one attempt. Make sure you have carefully read and followed the instructions before submitting assignments.

One exception to this is many Udacity programming assignments, in which projects are attempted over again, often several times, after receiving feedback from assessors until full understanding is reached. This is considered part of the learning process.

When to Pay

Although the major course providers encourage students to pay for certificates when they first sign up for a course, you are likely to have many future opportunities. Look out for repeated requests to purchase the certificate. I have even purchased some certificates after completing the course. If you defer the certificate option, make sure you read the course information for any rules or deadlines for payment.

Changed Your Mind?

There is usually a 7-day or 14-day money back period if you decide you don’t want the certificate after all.

Specializations/Programs/XSeries/Professional Certificates

Many of the large MOOC providers also have groups of courses in particular fields. Coursera calls them Specializations. FutureLearn offers Programs. EdX calls them XSeries, MicroMasters, or Professional Certificates. Nanodegrees is the Udacity term. Usually, certificates can be earned in the separate component courses, with often an overall certificate awarded when all the courses have been successfully passed. Some of these are priced per course, while others are available on a monthly subscription basis. Around US$50 per month is a common price point, although prices vary.

The pages and blogs of the major course providers feature happy, successful students who have obtained certificates and gone on to promotions or new careers. Succeeding at online courses shows you have self-motivation, are comfortable with technology, and do not need constant supervision. You can find out how to strengthen your resume with MOOCs by reading this article that I wrote in August 2017.

University Credit

Another reason people may pay for certificate qualifications is to use them as credit towards university degrees. This can be a tricky area, with many universities reluctant to allow credit for study done through other institutions. Some courses can be used, however. Take a look at these Class Central articles to see what can be managed: MOOCs for Credit and The Second Wave of MOOC Hype is Here and it’s Online Degrees. It is imperative to talk to your own university if you are considering using online courses as credit towards your degree.

Professional Development for Current Employment

I have paid for some certificates to try out the process as research for Online Learning Success. I have also paid for a few certificates after I particularly enjoyed a course and felt I wanted to give something back.

Some of my family members have been allowed by their employers to study MOOCs for Professional Development or Continuing Education in their jobs. Discuss any potential course with your boss to check if it is suitable. You may need to be prepared to justify your choice with details of topics covered, estimated hours for completion etc. Some employers will cover the cost of certificates for their staff as part of their ongoing training budgets. Some of the large course providers have introduced corporate training programs. Even though these programs are often more expensive than courses for individuals, it’s cheaper than sending workers off to seminars and live-in conferences. Take a look at Coursera for Business and edX for Business.

Does Paying Increase Your Chance of Earning a Certificate?

The course completion rate of students who paid for courses is far higher than those who enrolled for free. Which, though, is the cause and which is the effect? Students are not likely to pay cold hard cash for a course unless they are keen to work hard for a certificate. A student simply browsing without wanting to spend money is more likely to drop the course without achieving a pass mark.

A Final Thought

We all have our own circumstances. Whether or not to put money towards a certificate is an individual choice.

By Pat Bowden, published July 17, 2018.