What is LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers thousands of professional courses in business, technology and creative skills. The platform, formerly known as Lynda.com, is owned by LinkedIn and integrates seamlessly with your LinkedIn profile. That makes it not only a powerful learning tool, but also a way to make your professional development visible to employers and recruiters.

With more than 16,000 courses in multiple languages, LinkedIn Learning is one of the most comprehensive platforms for professional education. Whether you want to learn to code, improve your leadership skills or master a new software program, there is always a course that suits you.

How do you get access to LinkedIn Learning?

There are several ways to get access to LinkedIn Learning. Depending on your situation, the platform may even be available for free.

With a paid subscription

A personal LinkedIn Learning subscription costs around 30 euros per month, or you can choose an annual subscription that works out cheaper. With this subscription you get unlimited access to all courses, you can watch courses offline, and you receive certificates when you complete them.

With LinkedIn Premium

If you already have a LinkedIn Premium subscription (Career, Business or Sales Navigator), you automatically have access to LinkedIn Learning. That is a handy extra if you already use LinkedIn Premium for other purposes.

Free through your employer or library

Many employers offer LinkedIn Learning as part of their training budget. Check with your HR department whether that is the case. In addition, many public libraries in the Netherlands offer free access to LinkedIn Learning. You can often sign in with your library card and take all courses at no cost.

Free trial

LinkedIn Learning regularly offers a free trial month for new users. This gives you the chance to try out the platform before you decide whether a subscription is worth the investment.

Finding and starting your first course

Finding the right course is the first step toward successful learning. LinkedIn Learning makes this easy with extensive search and filter options.

Step 1: Go to LinkedIn Learning

Sign in to LinkedIn and click the Learning icon in the top bar, or go directly to linkedin.com/learning. You will land on your personal Learning home page with recommendations based on your profile and interests.

Step 2: Search by topic or skill

Use the search bar to search for a specific topic, piece of software or skill. You can also browse categories such as Business, Technology, Creative and more. Each area has subcategories for more specific topics.

Step 3: Filter your results

Use filters to narrow down your search results. You can filter by level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), duration, language and whether the course comes with a certificate. This helps you find the perfect course for your situation.

Step 4: View the course details

Click a course to see the details: the description, the content per chapter, the instructor, the duration and reviews from other learners. Many courses also have a free preview video so you can get a feel for the instructor's style.

Step 5: Start the course

Click "Start course" to begin. The videos play in your browser and your progress is saved automatically. You can stop at any time and later pick up where you left off.

Learning effectively with LinkedIn Learning

Simply watching videos is not enough to really learn. Here are strategies to get the most out of your courses.

Take notes

LinkedIn Learning has a built-in notes feature. While you watch, you can take notes that are linked to the specific moment in the video. Later you can find your notes again and jump straight to that point in the video.

Do the exercises

Many courses include exercise files that you can download. Use them to actively follow along with the instructor. Learning by doing is many times more effective than watching passively.

Take quizzes and assessments

Some courses include quizzes to test your knowledge. Take them seriously, even though they are not mandatory. They help you identify which topics you still need to review.

Adjust the playback speed

You can adjust the video speed from 0.5x to 2x. This is handy if an instructor talks too slowly, or if you want to watch something difficult again at a slower pace.

Use the transcripts

Every video has a searchable transcript. This is useful for finding specific information again, or for learning if you prefer reading to watching.

Learning paths and certificates

LinkedIn Learning offers more than individual courses. Learning paths and certificates can structure your learning experience and strengthen your resume.

What are learning paths?

Learning paths are curated collections of courses around a specific topic or career goal. For example, a "Become a project manager" learning path contains all the courses you need to be able to do that job. This takes the guesswork out of your learning journey.

Earning certificates

After completing a course, you receive a certificate that you can share on your LinkedIn profile. This shows employers and recruiters that you are actively working on your development. You can also earn badges for completing learning paths.

Microsoft and other partner certifications

LinkedIn Learning offers preparation courses for official certifications such as Microsoft, AWS and PMI. Although these courses prepare you for the exam, you need to take the actual certification exam separately with the organization concerned.

Fitting LinkedIn Learning into your daily life

Consistency is the key to successful learning. Here are ways to fit LinkedIn Learning into your busy schedule.

Use the mobile app

Download the LinkedIn Learning app for iOS or Android. It lets you watch courses during your commute, at the gym or wherever you like. You can also download courses for offline viewing when you have no internet connection.

Schedule fixed learning times

Block time in your calendar for learning, just as you would for meetings. Even 15-20 minutes a day can add up to a significant gain in knowledge over the course of a year.

Combine it with your work

Choose courses that are directly relevant to your current job. That way you can apply new skills right away, which reinforces the learning and adds value to your work.

LinkedIn Learning offers courses in three main categories. Here is what you can expect in each category.

Business

This category covers leadership, management, project management, communication, finance and entrepreneurship. Perfect for anyone who wants to grow in a business environment or their own company.

Technology

From web development and programming to cybersecurity and cloud computing. Whether you want to become a developer or improve your IT skills, this is where you will find what you are looking for.

Creative

Learn graphic design, video editing, photography, music production and more. Ideal for creative professionals or people who want to develop their creative side.

Tips for choosing the right courses

With thousands of courses available, choosing can be overwhelming. These tips help you make the best selection.

Check the ratings

Look at the star rating and read reviews from other learners. Pay particular attention to recent reviews, because courses can become outdated.

Look at the publication date

For technical topics, being up to date matters. A Python course from five years ago may contain outdated information. Check when the course was last updated.

Research the instructor

LinkedIn Learning works with industry experts. Look at the instructor's profile to see whether they have credible experience in the subject.

Conclusion: invest in yourself with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a powerful platform for professional development. Whether you want to learn new skills, deepen your knowledge or give your career a boost, there is a course available for you. The integration with LinkedIn also makes it easy to show your new knowledge to the world.

Start your first course today. Check whether you have free access through your employer or library, or take advantage of a free trial. Your future self will thank you for investing in your own development.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get free access to LinkedIn Learning?

There are several ways to get free access. Many employers offer it as a benefit, so check with HR. In addition, many Dutch libraries offer free access with your library card. LinkedIn also regularly offers a free trial month for new users.

Are LinkedIn Learning certificates recognized by employers?

LinkedIn Learning certificates are widely valued as proof of self-development and show initiative. However, they are not a substitute for officially recognized certifications (such as Microsoft or PMI). They are a nice addition to your profile and resume, though.

Can I use LinkedIn Learning on my phone?

Yes, there is a LinkedIn Learning app for both iOS and Android. You can stream courses or download them to watch offline. Your progress syncs automatically across all your devices.

How much does a LinkedIn Learning subscription cost?

A personal subscription costs about 30 euros per month, or around 240 euros per year if you pay annually. If you have LinkedIn Premium, LinkedIn Learning is included. Also check whether you can get free access through work or your library.

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