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Benefits of a verified certificate

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 to qualify for a better job or promotion. If you want to enroll in an edX course to advance your career, consider a verified certificate.

What is a verified certificate?

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

Verified certificates include all the same course material (lectures, readings, and practice assignments) included in the free version of the course, as well as:

  • A university certificate
  • Unlimited access to the course material
  • Graded assignments and exams
Find a course

Share your accomplishments with employers

Impress your employer with a verified certificate that showcases your skills. You can share it with others securely through a dedicated link provided by edX. A verified certificate is generally preferable if you plan to mention your course on job applications, when seeking a promotion, or on school applications.

Access graded assignments

Upgrading a course to the verified certificate track will give you access to graded assignments so you can work toward a passing score to earn a certificate.

Motivate yourself

A verified certificate program is a great way to motivate yourself to complete the course and celebrate your success. Sometimes, we all need an extra push to learn something new or advance our careers. Working toward a university certificate keeps you motivated.

"edX confirmed that the course was indeed taught at the graduate level, that it is offered for credit typically, and is graded. With this clarification, my district approved the course to be accepted for graduate credit."

— Mary Liu | Teacher | Weston, Massachusetts | PH207x Health in Numbers; 7.00x Introduction to Biology

Why you should purchase a verified certificate

Gain access to graded materials

The verified certificate track unlocks access to all course materials, including graded assignments, which can help you keep track of your performance and gain useful feedback. We use these assignments to assess your knowledge of the subject and determine whether you've mastered the material.

Gain unlimited access to course content and videos

You will have unlimited access to this course material as long as it exists on edX, so you can keep on learning or brush up on what you've learned at any time.

Showcase your accomplishment on your LinkedIn profile or résumé

When you pass your course, you'll receive a certificate verifying your knowledge and skills. You can share your certificate with friends, employers, and others through an easy-to-share link we provide. You may also be able to apply it to a larger credential, such as a Professional Certificate or MicroMasters® program.


Why edX?

Since its inception, edX has connected over 86 million people across the globe with high-quality online education. edX was founded by Harvard and MIT with the intention of making the world's best education available to everyone. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to healthcare and digital marketing, there's an expert-led certificate program for every type of learner, schedule, and budget.

edX may be the best platform to use for earning a verified certificate if you:

  • Prefer a certificate from an accredited university, including Ivy League institutions like Harvard and prestigious STEM-focused schools like MIT.
  • Learn best with structured, but flexible, deadlines and assessments.
  • Want to begin or advance your career in a field that prioritizes university name recognition and rigorous curricula.
  • Hope to reference your certificate in grad school applications or use it toward academic credit for a full degree.
Well dressed beautiful mid adult businesswoman working from home office.

"edX courses are a badge of honor. I can confidently tell people that I have taken or am taking these courses from world-class universities — mentioning that alone is an opportunity!"

— Ifeoma Aya | Economist | Port Harcourt, Nigeria | MITx The Challenges of Global Poverty

Find a course

Explore our current program offerings and start your journey toward earning a verified certificate.

Frequently asked questions about verified certificates

What is a verified certificate?

Verified certificates are certificates of completion with fees that vary by course. Many learners use verified certificates to bolster job and school applications.

Verified certificates are available for many edX courses. The edX course catalog lists all the courses that offer verified certificates.

For more information about certificates, see the certificates page in the edX Learner Help Center.

Are edX certificates recognized?

Yes. Verified certificates are official documents that show your peers and employer that you gained relevant skills through the course you completed. Additionally, many courses are offered through accredited universities, such as Harvard and MIT. While generally recognized as valid proof of specific skills, certificates alone may not be enough to qualify you for your desired career. Employers may require additional qualifications, such as a degree or relevant work experience.

Should I put edX courses on my résumé?

Yes! edX courses can bolster your résumé — especially when you pay for a verified certificate, which is an official document that showcases your mastery of the course curriculum. You should always adjust your résumé to ensure its contents are as relevant as possible to the job you're applying for.

How do I earn a certificate after 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. Find your course's minimum passing score and your total score on the progress tab within the course.

What types of certificates does edX offer?

edX offers two types of certificates:

  • Course certificates, which are available for a fee that varies by course
  • Program certificates, which are available when you successfully complete a series of courses that make up a program

Note that not all courses offer certificates, and that archived courses do not offer certificates.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Yes, you can request a refund up to two weeks after 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.