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What is a verified certificate?

Sometimes you want to take a course just for the sheer joy of learning something new. But sometimes you need to complete a course for a better job, a promotion, or a college application.

A verified certificate from edX can provide proof for an employer, school, or other institution that you have successfully completed an online course.

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  1. Build skills and your career

    Impress your employer with a verified certificate that documents your learning.

  2. Challenge yourself

    Sometimes we all need that extra push. Working towards a certificate keeps you motivated.

  3. Share it with the world

    Share your verified certificate with others securely through a dedicated link that we provide.

Why you should purchase a verified certificate

Gain access to graded materials

With this track, you will have access to all course materials including graded assignments, which we use to assess your knowledge of the subject area and determine whether you’ve mastered the material to earn a certificate.

Gain unlimited access to course content and videos

You will have unlimited access to this course material (as long as it exists on edX) to keep on learning, and brush up on what you’ve learned at any time.

Showcase your accomplishment on your LinkedIn profile or resume

When you pass your course, you'll receive your certificate. You can share your certificate with friends, employers and others through an easy-to-share link we provide, or in certain cases stack it towards a larger credential, such as a Professional Certificate or MicroMasters® program.

Help support our mission

edX uses your contribution to support our mission to provide quality education to everyone around the world, and to improve learning through research.

Find A Course

Browse our current offerings and find a verified certificate course to take.

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common questions about verified certificates

  • Verified certificates are certificates of completion with a fee that varies by course. Many learners use verified certificates for job and school applications.

    Verified certificates are available for many edX courses. Check out all the courses that offer verified certificates in the edX course catalog.

    For more information about certificates, see Certificates in the edX Learner’s Guide.
  • Upgrading to the verified certificate track will give you access to graded assignments so you can work towards a passing score to earn a certificate. If you plan to use your course for job applications, promotions, or school applications, you may prefer to have a certificate that is verifiable. It’s also a great way to give yourself an incentive to complete the course and celebrate your success.

    The funds collected from verified certificate track enrollments go toward class creation and improving edX. You help support the edX mission and other learners by upgrading to the verified track.
  • After purchasing the verified track you will be able to complete the graded assignments within the course. To receive a certificate you will need a passing total score before the course end date. The minimum passing score needed and your total score is shown on the progress tab within the course.
  • Many of edX’s past courses are available as archives. These courses can only be audited, and some features, such as the discussion forums, may not be available. No certificates are available for archived courses.
  • edX offers two types of certificate. Note that not all courses offer certificates, and that archived courses do not offer certificates.
    • Course certificates are available for a fee that varies by course.
    • Program certificates are available when you successfully complete a series of courses that make up a program.
  • Yes, you can request a refund for up to two weeks from the course start date. Please reach out to info@edx.org to ask for a refund.

edX Courses are Always Free to Audit

As always, you can still enroll to audit a course for free.

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