Top 10 Free Project Management Certification Courses Online
Quick Summary:
This guide highlights top free project management certifications, perfect for beginners and those refining their skills. Courses cover Agile, Scrum, and traditional methodologies, offering foundational knowledge and practical techniques. While attendance is free, a few certifications require a small fee to obtain the certificate.
Whether you’re stepping into a project management role for the first time or looking to formalize your expertise, free certification courses can open doors without stretching your budget. In this guide, we’ve curated the top free project management certifications that not only teach you the fundamentals but also offer industry-recognized credentials.
Every course on this list is free to attend, ensuring you can access world-class project management knowledge regardless of your budget. While most of these certifications include a free completion badge or certificate, a few may require a small fee ranging from $100 to $300 for an official, shareable credential.
These courses cater to diverse project management needs, from mastering Agile techniques to understanding leadership in IT projects or navigating the complexities of international project management. Whether you’re eyeing Agile, Scrum, or traditional project management, there’s something here for every aspiring or seasoned project leader on our list.
Best Free Project Management Courses Comparison Chart (Top 10 Highest Rated)
Product | Best for | Pricing | Site |
Introduction to Project Management by the University of Adelaide | Best course overall | Free; shareable certificate is $199 | |
KICKOFF from the Project Management Institute | Quick introduction to PM | Free | |
Project Management (Short Course) by Oxford Home Study College | Best short course | Free; certification for a small fee | |
Project Management (PMP) Basics | Mastering foundational PM skills | Free | |
Leadership and Management for PM Practitioners in IT from the University of Washington | IT project managers | Free; certification is $199 | |
Diploma Course in Project Management by Alison | Mastering PM methodologies | Free; certification for a small fee | |
International Project Management from Rochester Institute of Technology | Global project strategies | Free; certification is $299 | |
Introduction to Project Management by SkillUp | Career starters in PM | Free | |
Applied Scrum for Agile Project Management at the University of Maryland | Agile practitioners & project leaders | Free; shareable certification for $199 | |
Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management by the University of Virginia | Traditional management techniques | Free; certification is $59 |
What is the Best Free Project Management Certification Online? Here’s Our Top 10 List:
Below you’ll find a list of the top 10 free project management certifications online, along with a description of their course, requirements, cost, duration, level, and type. Some of these certification programs offer a free certificate; others require an additional fee, ranging from a few dollars to $200+.
1. Introduction to Project Management by the University of Adelaide (Best free project management certification overall)
Why We Chose It:
Introduction to Project Management by the University of Adelaide is a comprehensive introduction to project management, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those looking to build a solid foundation. It stands out due to its balance of practical and theoretical knowledge, covering all key aspects of project management skills —from planning and scoping to execution and stakeholder communication.
The course is versatile, offering skills applicable to diverse industries like construction, marketing, and IT, ensuring value for aspiring project managers regardless of their field. Its focus on leadership and real-world soft skills, like stakeholder management and communication, sets it apart from other introductory courses that often overlook these critical aspects.
Additionally, the self-paced structure and broad accessibility make it suitable for a wide audience, while the availability of a shareable certificate adds credibility for those looking to showcase their achievements professionally. This combination of depth, flexibility, and applicability across sectors is why it earns our top spot.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
6 weeks
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Shareable certificate available for $199
Visit site
Go to EdX official website
2. KICKOFF from the Project Management Institute – PMI (Best for a quick introduction to project management)
Why We Chose It:
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a not-for-profit professional organization for project management. This KICKOFF free project management course was created by the PMI to help managers-to-be learn the basics of project management.
PMI is particularly well-known for publishing the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. PMBOK describes how the five project management process groups work, and focuses on how to achieve successful project outcomes on budget and on schedule.
In keeping with this ethos, KICKOFF is an interactive 45-minute project management course and digital toolkit that can teach you how to run any type of project from start to finish. The course contains short, easy-to-absorb lessons with step-by-step guidance and fun activities to help you remember what you learn.
Additionally, you can choose one of two Project Management Institute free courses, depending on the type of projects you'll be managing. If you’re using the agile project management methodology, you can opt for that. Practitioners of waterfall project management can take the other course.
After completing the course, you'll win a badge you can download and share on your resume or social platforms like LinkedIn.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
45 minutes
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Visit site
Go to PMI’s official website
3. Project Management by Oxford Home Study College (short course on introduction to project management)
Why We Chose It:
Oxford Home Study College offers a wide selection of free project manager short courses, including this Project Management short course that's created for absolute beginners who want to jump into a PM role quickly.
This short course for project management is divided into three parts: an introduction to project management, an overview of the project manager role, and a breakdown of the project life cycle.
After completing this course, you can claim one of three types of certificates for a small fee, including an official Course Completion Certificate from Oxford Home Study Centre, a CPD Accredited Certificate, or an Endorsed Certificate issued by the Quality Licence Scheme.
And as mentioned, there are many other HSC courses available, with tiered courses for project management moving up to international and advanced diploma courses, and a comprehensive set of courses covering Six Sigma methodology from beginner to expert.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
20 hours
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Certification available for a small fee
Visit site
Go to Oxford Home Study official website
4. PMP Basics (PMP Basics for mastering foundational project management skills)
Why We Chose It:
If you’re looking for free PMP courses, this Free Course to Learn Project Management (PMP) Basics will teach you the most widely used project management methodologies for delivering successful projects.
By the end of this course, you will be knowledgeable about concepts like project planning, project time, cost quality management, and communication management. You’ll also get familiar with project management roles and the most popular tools, such as Trello, an app known for its focus on the Kanban system and small learning curve.
This course is designed for beginners, aspiring project managers, marketing professionals, and Agile Scrum professionals. You will receive a course completion certificate after completing the PMP basics course.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
9 hours
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Visit site
Go to Simpli Learn’s official website
5. Leadership and Management for PM Practitioners in IT from University of Washington (Great for developing management skills for IT project managers)
Why We Chose It:
This Leadership and Management for PM Practitioners in IT course is designed for individuals who want to become effective project managers in a global market.
The course is specifically tailored for project managers in the IT sector, addressing the unique challenges and dynamics of this field. The course focuses on both leadership and management skills, which are crucial for success in IT project management.
During this course, you’ll learn the essential soft and hard skills every project manager needs to manage diverse or distributed teams and projects successfully.
You’ll also get acquainted with organizational culture and learn how a team’s dynamics can affect a project. The final lessons of the course revolve around team composition and communication and the connection between organizational change management and readiness.
Moreover, being offered by a reputable institution like the University of Washington adds to its credibility and value in the job market, especially for those aiming to specialize in IT project management.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
6 weeks
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Certification available for $199
Visit site
Go to EdX official website
6. Diploma Course in Project Management by Alison (Top pick for mastering project management methodologies)
Why We Chose It:
This Diploma Course in Project Management course is recommended for anyone who's interested in starting a career in project management or upgrading their skills. It includes 28 topics divided into three modules.
The first module teaches you about topics like project management methodologies, the most widely used project management tools like Gantt charts, and project management documentation.
The second module is all about the project life cycle, walking you through every phase of the system development life cycle: analysis, planning, design, and evaluation.
The third module is a course assessment; you'll need to obtain at least 80% in the course assessment to complete the course and become an Alison graduate.
You can purchase a diploma for a small fee. Learners can purchase three types of diplomas: a Digital Diploma, a Physical Diploma, and a Framed Diploma in project management.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Introductory
Duration:
10-15 hours
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Professional certification available for a small fee
Visit site
Go to Alison’s official website
7. International Project Management from Rochester Institute of Technology (Free project management classes focused on global project strategies)
Why We Chose It:
This International Project Management Course from Rochester Institute of Technology on edX equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors you need to manage projects in an international environment.
Over the course of 19 weeks, you will understand how people in different cultures relate to authority, view time, receive feedback, and more. Key areas of focus likely include cultural, linguistic, regulatory, and legal variations, as well as the impact of technology, ethics, and political contexts on project management.
This makes the course an ideal choice for professionals seeking to develop skills in international project management, addressing both the strategic and practical aspects of managing projects in a global context.
This course doesn't include a sharable certification, although you can purchase one for $299 if that credential is desired.
Requirements:
Successful completion and understanding of concepts from the Project Management Life Cycle course.
Level:
Advanced
Duration:
19 weeks
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Certification available for $299
Visit site
Go to EdX official website
8. Introduction to Project Management by SkillUp (Excellent foundation in project management for career starters)
Why We Chose It:
This Introduction to Project Management course is intended for aspiring project managers, students, and job holders who are new to the field and want a solid foundation in project management principles and practices.
The course offers one hour of self-paced video lessons, focusing on the fundamentals of project management and providing a career roadmap.
The course contains five modules, including an introduction to project management, project management techniques, an introduction to Agile and Scrum, a quick overview of other Agile methodologies, and managing projects using Microsoft Project.
After completing the course, you'll earn a certificate you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.
Requirements:
None
Level:
Beginner
Duration:
1 hour
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Visit site
Go to Simpli Learn’s official website
9. Applied Scrum for Agile Project Management by the University of Maryland (Advanced Scrum training for Agile practitioners and project leaders)
Why We Chose It:
The Applied Scrum for Agile Project Management course teaches you the key project management processes, roles, mechanics, and philosophies behind Scrum. This is a recommended course for project management professionals who want to begin their agile journey and advance in their careers.
Over the course of four weeks, you will learn the history of agile, how to run a successful Scrum team, sprint planning, Scrum at scale, and more. In other words, you’ll gain holistic knowledge of Scrum methodology and its practical application.
Keep in mind that finishing this course won’t make you an Agile certified practitioner (PMI-ACP) or certified scrum master (CSM).
However, you’ll gain a more fundamental agile certification, confirming you’re knowledgeable about the agile project management principles and practices. Upon successful completion of this course, you'll earn ten Professional Development Unit (PDU) credits that are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Requirements:
None
Level:
Advanced
Duration:
4 weeks
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Shareable certification available for $199
Visit site
Go to EdX official website
10. Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management by the University of Virginia (Project planning course for mastering traditional management techniques)
Why We Chose It:
The Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management is an introductory course that teaches the key concepts of planning and executing projects, available on Coursera. Over the course of four weeks, you'll learn how to plan, analyze, and manage projects.
The course is particularly beneficial for early-career project professionals who need to quickly develop skills in planning, scheduling, and project controls. It's well-suited for individuals already working within a project team, especially in linear and waterfall environments.
The course offers a thorough introduction to project management, covering essential topics like project goals, project success, cost control, work breakdown structures, and schedule risk analysis. While it provides an overview of Agile methods, its strength lies in more traditional project management techniques.
Requirements:
Level:
Beginner
Duration:
8 hours to complete
Type:
Self-paced
Pricing:
Free
Certification available for purchase for $59
Visit site
Go to Coursera’s official website
Where Can You Find More Free Certifications for Project Managers?
If the courses in this article don’t meet your needs, don’t worry. There are plenty of other platforms offering free project management courses tailored to various skill levels, industries, and methodologies. Below, we’ve compiled a list of trusted resources where you can find free courses, some of which even provide optional certificates for a fee.
Offers a wide selection of project management courses from top universities like the University of Virginia and organizations like Google. Many courses are free to audit, and certificates are available for a fee. Topics range from Agile project management to traditional methodologies.
Provides free access to courses from institutions like the University of Maryland and Rochester Institute of Technology. Courses include Agile Development using Scrum, Project Management Basics, and more. Shareable certificates are optional for a fee.
Features free courses covering project management essentials, methodologies, and diplomas. Certificates and diplomas can be purchased after completing courses like the Diploma in Project Management and Six Sigma Green Belt Training.
Through its SkillUp platform, Simplilearn offers free project management tutorials focusing on Agile, Scrum, and traditional PM methodologies. Certificates are available for an additional fee.
This site provides free training resources and project management tools designed for professionals seeking practical techniques. It’s particularly useful for managers looking for actionable strategies to improve team workflows.
Partners with universities and institutions to provide free courses like Agile Project Management and Project Management: Beyond the Basics. Certificates are available for purchase upon course completion.
Specializes in project management training, offering free courses like PMP Certification Training and Scrum Foundation Certification. Paid certificates are available for those who complete the courses.
Offers free project management courses covering topics like Agile and traditional methodologies. While the courses are free, certificates may require payment.
OpenLearn by The Open University
Provides free project management courses, including introductory topics like Managing My Projects and advanced methodologies for experienced professionals.
Offers free courses with certificates upon completion, covering project management fundamentals, Agile methodologies, and leadership skills.
Project Management Exam Prep Resources
For anyone pursuing PMP certification, practicing with the right materials is crucial for understanding the exam’s nuances. By working through sample questions and mock tests, you can identify knowledge gaps, familiarize yourself with the question formats, and develop effective time-management strategies—all essential for tackling the exam with success.
- Mometrix: Get a free online PMP practice exam and access a one-week trial of their PMP prep courses, designed to identify and strengthen weak areas.
- Project Management Academy (PMA): Offers 50 free PMP practice questions to help you test your knowledge before diving into more extensive paid prep materials.
- PMP Practice Exam: Features four mock exams, each with 50 detailed questions, to simulate real exam conditions and provide insights into correct answers.
- Simplilearn SkillUp Practice Tests: In addition to PMP courses, Simplilearn offers free, self-paced practice tests for thorough exam preparation.
- Oliver Lehmann PMP Mock Exams: Renowned for their depth and challenge, these mock exams are ideal for evaluating your PMP readiness and pushing for higher scores.
With these free resources, you’re equipped to approach the PMP exam with a clear understanding of what to expect. Pair these tools with consistent study habits and a structured plan, and you’ll be well on your way to earning your certification.
Which Free Project Management Training is Best for Me? Key Takeaways
The free project management certification training courses discussed in this post are all a great option if you want to up your project and program management game. They can be an excellent resource for acquiring new skills fast, all the while learning at your own pace. Just make sure to take notes for those quizzes and do that all-important exam prep!
The best free certification course for you would depend on what type of project management skills you want to acquire.
For instance, the International Project Management from Rochester Institute of Technology course can be a good pick if you're looking to build your career in international project management. If you're more interested in managing projects in a Scrum environment, the Applied Scrum for Agile Project Management by the University of Maryland course is exactly what you need.
And we know budgetary considerations are always top of mind, but it’s worth thinking about paid options, too. You may want to take a look at our best project management certification article to see if there’s a more career-goal-appropriate option there.
And of course, regardless of certification, you’ll need the right project management tools for the job. In this case, you may want to take a spin around our best project management software list.
