5 Free Project Management Courses with Certifications in 2025
These beginner-friendly courses will teach you how to manage projects like a pro—plus, they come with certificates you can show off on LinkedIn.
Project management might sound like something reserved for tech bros with Gantt charts or people chasing project management professional (PMP) certifications. But the truth is, we’re all managing projects in some form. Whether you're leading a team, launching a campaign, or just trying to get a side hustle off the ground, knowing how to plan, organize, and deliver stuff is a game-changer.
And it’s not just a soft skill anymore; it’s a career path. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), nearly 88 million people will be working in project-related roles by 2027. That’s a massive demand for people who know how to get things done.
The good news, though, is you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or commit to a months-long program to get started. Some of the best project management courses out there are completely free, beginner-friendly, and come with certificates you can proudly drop on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Here are five solid ones you can take this year.
David Adubiina
/1. KICKOFF by PMI
If you’re short on time but still want to learn how projects actually run, this one’s a good starting point. KICKOFF is a free, browser-based course built by the Project Management Institute, and it takes less than an hour to complete.
You’ll learn how to manage both predictive and Agile projects, get access to downloadable templates, and walk away with a shareable certificate badge
It’s designed for beginners and non-PMs—people who may not have “project manager” in their job title but still find themselves juggling timelines, teams, or tasks.
/2. PMP Basics by Simplilearn
Powered by Google Cloud, this course is more structured and goes deeper into the fundamentals; ideal if you’re exploring a future PMP certification or just want a more comprehensive breakdown. It’s beginner-friendly, self-paced, and includes around nine hours of video lessons covering planning, scheduling, cost, quality, and communication.
You’ll also get an introduction to Agile and project management tools like Trello. A completion certificate is included at no cost, and the course is open to freshers, aspiring PMs, and anyone looking to build solid foundational knowledge.
/3. Project Management for Beginners by Great Learning
This one’s short, simple, and built for speed. At just over two hours long, it’s designed to give you a quick but meaningful introduction to the phases of a project—initiation, planning, execution, and closing.
You’ll learn the difference between day-to-day task management and structured project work, along with why effective project management matters. It comes with a free certificate and is a great option if you’re testing the waters or need a refresher.
/4. Project Management Essentials by Howard University
If you want something more hands-on and practical, this 10-hour course offers a well-rounded introduction to project management in real-world settings. It covers everything from stakeholder communication to building project timelines, setting milestones, and managing risks.
Taught by Dr. Morris Thomas, it’s designed for early professionals who want to level up their leadership and coordination skills, even if they don’t plan to become full-time PMs. The course is self-paced, and learners receive a Coursera certificate upon completion.
/5. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
This isn’t a quick crash course; it’s a full professional certificate designed to help you transition into a project management career. Built by Google, the program runs across six core courses and takes about six months to complete at a part-time pace.
You’ll go from project basics to Agile workflows, stakeholder management, budgeting, and even job interview prep. It also includes hands-on projects and simulations to help you build real-world experience. While the content is free to audit, you’ll need to apply for financial aid to receive the certificate.
Henry Chikwem
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend big or commit to a months-long course just to get a grip on project management. These five free options cover the essentials, from team coordination to Agile practices, and they come with certificates to show for it.
Whether you’re leading your first team, freelancing, or simply trying to bring more structure to your workday, project management is one of the most transferable skills you can build in 2025. And now you’ve got five good reasons to start.
