Microsoft Excel remains one of the most in-demand skills across roles. From data analysis and business reporting to finance and operations, Excel sits at the center of business decision making. Its beginner friendly approach makes it so that one can learn it effortless, with ease. But basic familiarity alone isn’t enough. To stand out, you need structured learning and credible certification that proves the mettle.
This article brings together some of the best free Excel certification courses available today. Each course serves a different type of learner, whether you want a quick certificate, career-focused skills, or deep expertise.
Table of contents
1. For learners looking for the best… Certificate!
Microsoft Excel Certification Course – Microsoft | Excel certification from the creators themselves
This course is coming from the warehouse. This is Microsoft’s own Excel training, designed to teach core features and prepare learners for certification. It covers essential tools, workflows, and best practices based on how Excel is actually meant to be used.
What makes this course special?
- Official Microsoft-aligned curriculum
- Recognized certificate valued by employers
- Covers core Excel functions and features
- Free certificate option via Coursera financial aid
Good for learners who want maximum certificate value with strong credibility.
2. For strong fundamentals
Excel Basics for Data Analysis – IBM | Excel fundamentals for data analysis
This course introduces Excel through the lens of data analysis. It focuses on formulas, cleaning data, and basic analysis skills, helping learners understand how Excel is used in real analytical workflows.
What makes this course special?
- Academic-quality curriculum
- Strong conceptual clarity
- Beginner-friendly
- Free certificate option via Coursera financial aid
Best for learners who prefer technical academic teaching.
Read more: Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis
3. For career-oriented learners
Excel: From Beginner to Expert – Analytics Vidhya | Job-aligned Excel course
This course focuses on practical Excel skills used in business and data roles. It teaches formulas, analysis techniques, and reporting workflows that directly apply to real job responsibilities.
What makes this course special?
- Career-focused curriculum
- Covers practical business use cases
- Structured learning path
- Free certificate
Ideal for learners focused on improving job readiness.
4. For future-proof Excel foundation
Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365) – LinkedIn Learning | Real-world Excel from an industry veteran
This course feels less like a classroom and more like sitting beside someone who actually uses Excel daily. Taught by veteran Excel instructor Dennis Taylor, it walks through everything from entering data and formulas to building charts and PivotTables in a beginner-friendly manner.
What makes this course special?
- Built around practical Excel workflows
- Includes PivotTables and Copilot integration
- Led by a highly experienced Excel instructor
- Free certificate via LinkedIn learning
Best for learners who want Excel skills that translate directly into workplace productivity.
5. For an enhanced business outlook
Excel Skills for Business Specialization – Macquarie Uni. | For enhancing business acumen
This is a full Excel learning journey. Spread across multiple courses, it moves from beginner concepts to advanced topics like automation, dashboards, and complex analysis. This is for understanding the technology not just knowing it.
What makes this course special?
- Covers beginner to advanced levels
- Widely used in finance, consulting, and analytics
- Career-focused with real business scenarios
- Free certificate option via Coursera financial aid
Best for learners who want serious Excel credentials, not just surface-level familiarity.
6. For illustration-focused learners
Create Charts and Dashboards Using Microsoft Excel – Coursera | Excel in under 2 hours
This course is short, focused, and intensely practical. Instead of theory, it drops you directly into building charts and dashboards. It follows a guided project format where you learn by doing.
What makes this course special?
- Fully project-based learning in under 2 hours
- Focuses specifically on dashboards and charts
- Learn practical business reporting skills
- Short duration and high practical value
Best for learners who want portfolio-ready Excel skills quickly.
7. For the visual learners
Data Analysis: Visualisations in Excel – Open University | Excel for data storytelling
This course takes a slightly different route. Instead of focusing broadly on Excel, it zooms in on how to use Excel to communicate insights visually. It comes from a reputed university, which gives it an academic feel.
What makes this course special?
- Strong focus on insight communication
- Designed by a university, not just a training platform
- Ideal introduction to Excel for analytics workflows
- Free Certificate
Best for learners who want to use Excel for dashboards, reporting, and storytelling.
Final thoughts
Excel remains one of the most reliable career skills you can invest in. The right Excel course depends on your goal.
If your priority is certificate recognition, Microsoft’s Excel course is the strongest choice. For career growth, Analytics Vidhya’s Excel course offers job-focused skills and training. And if your goal is to enhance your understanding of Microsoft’s ecosystem, then Excel Essential Training by LinkedIn would suffice.
Each course listed here offers a free certificate and builds valuable Excel skills. The key is to pick one and complete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are these Excel courses really free?
A. Yes, all listed courses offer free access and a certificate, sometimes through financial aid or platform certification.
Q2. Which Excel course is best for beginners?
A. Excel for Beginners by Great Learning is a good starting point.
Q3. Which Excel course is best for career growth?
A. Analytics Vidhya’s Excel course is best suited for career-focused learners.
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