Free online courses provide incredible opportunities for learners to expand their skills without financial barriers. For students who want to validate their learning, platforms offering final exams at no cost add an extra level of credibility and structure. These assessments help reinforce course material, measure mastery, and often provide a certificate of completion—ideal for building your résumé, preparing for future coursework, or enhancing job applications. Here are trusted platforms that offer free courses with final exams and how to make the most of them.
1. Saylor Academy
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit organization offering free college-level courses in subjects such as business, computer science, and general education. Each course includes a final exam, and passing it earns you a free certificate. Saylor also partners with universities to provide credit transfer options for select courses.
2. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OCW provides free access to course content from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Many of its STEM and humanities courses include problem sets, lecture notes, and final exams. While you won’t receive a certificate, these exams can be used for self-assessment and academic preparation.
3. Harvard Online (via edX)
Harvard University offers free versions of select courses on edX. While certificates usually require payment, many courses include final exams and graded assignments accessible at no cost. Subjects range from computer science and public health to history and literature.
4. FutureLearn
FutureLearn features free courses from institutions around the world. Many courses offer quizzes and final assessments as part of their curriculum. If you pass and want a certificate, you can pay to upgrade—but the learning and testing content remains accessible for free during the course window.
5. OpenLearn by The Open University
OpenLearn provides free learning materials with end-of-course quizzes and assessments. Upon successful completion, learners receive a statement of participation or digital badge. These can be included in learning portfolios or shared on LinkedIn.
6. Alison
Alison offers thousands of free courses in technology, business, health, and language studies. Each course includes a final assessment. Learners must score 80% or higher to pass. Certificates and diplomas are available for purchase, but the course and exam are free.
7. Coursera (Audit Mode)
Many courses on Coursera allow learners to audit for free. This includes access to video lectures, readings, and assignments, including quizzes and final exams. While certificates require payment, you can fully participate in the course content and testing without cost in most cases.
8. Khan Academy
While not offering traditional “final exams,” Khan Academy includes mastery challenges and unit tests that provide structured assessment across a wide range of K–12 and college-level topics. It’s a great tool for preparing for standardized exams or building foundational knowledge.
9. Stanford Online (via Lagunita archives)
Archived courses from Stanford often include final projects, peer reviews, and testing components. While newer courses may have moved to paid platforms, many original materials still include free assessments for self-evaluation.
10. Canvas Network
Canvas Network occasionally offers MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) from partner institutions that include end-of-course exams or capstone projects. These vary by course and are often part of structured learning paths.
Tips for Success With Free Courses That Include Exams
- Track your progress using checklists or study planners.
- Review quizzes before attempting the final to reinforce weak areas.
- Take notes during video lectures or readings to refer back later.
- Form online study groups for discussion and accountability.
- Use online forums and support groups to clarify confusing topics.
Conclusion
Free online courses with final exams empower learners to measure their growth and gain a sense of accomplishment. They promote accountability, retention, and mastery—skills that matter in both academic and professional settings. By taking advantage of these platforms, you can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, all at your own pace and without financial pressure.
