How to get it freeFree tutorials on Excel, Office and computer basics.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Guide · Last updated 2026-10-15 · 19 courses
The best free Microsoft and Excel certificates in 2026
Microsoft gives away nearly all of its training: every Microsoft Learn path is free and awards achievement badges, Applied Skills assessments are free credentials, and Microsoft's official Excel video training is free. Fundamentals exams (AZ-900, PL-900, MS-900, AI-900) still cost money unless you get a voucher from a Virtual Training Day, so we tag those as free training.
| Course | Provider | Credential | Time | How to get it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCFGlobal free tutorials (Excel, Word, computer basics) | GCFGlobal | Free certificate | varies | Free tutorials on Excel, Office and computer basics. |
| Microsoft Learn training paths | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | All modules free; badges earned on completion. Exams are paid unless via Challenge vouchers. |
| Microsoft Applied Skills | Microsoft | Free certificate | 2-4 h assessment | Applied Skills lab assessments are free. |
| LinkedIn Learning / Microsoft Career Essentials | Microsoft | Free certificate | varies | Free paths with certificates of completion. |
| GitHub Skills | Microsoft | Free certificate | 1 h each | Free hands-on courses in repos. |
| Power BI learning paths | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | Free modules with badges. |
| Microsoft Learn AI Skills Fest / AI learning hub | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | Free AI modules with badges. |
| Introduction to Python (Microsoft Learn) | Microsoft | Free badge | 1 h | Free module; badge on completion. |
| Windows Server / IT admin paths | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | Free modules with badges. |
| Copilot and AI for productivity paths | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | Free modules with badges. |
| Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) learning path | Microsoft | Free training | 10 h | Training free; watch for Virtual Training Days exam vouchers. |
| Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 10 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn; exam vouchers occasionally via Virtual Training Days. |
| Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free; watch for Virtual Training Days vouchers. |
| Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn. |
| Microsoft Virtual Training Days | Microsoft | Free training | 1-2 days | Free live events; some include certification exam discounts. |
| GitHub Foundations learning path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn. |
| Excel for Microsoft 365 training | Microsoft | Free training | varies | Free official video training (no certificate). |
| Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn. |
| Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn. |
Course details
Microsoft
Microsoft Learn training paths
How to get it freeAll modules free; badges earned on completion. Exams are paid unless via Challenge vouchers.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Microsoft Applied Skills
How to get it freeApplied Skills lab assessments are free.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree paths with certificates of completion.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
GitHub Skills
How to get it freeFree hands-on courses in repos.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Power BI learning paths
How to get it freeFree modules with badges.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree AI modules with badges.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree module; badge on completion.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Windows Server / IT admin paths
How to get it freeFree modules with badges.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree modules with badges.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free; watch for Virtual Training Days exam vouchers.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn; exam vouchers occasionally via Virtual Training Days.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free; watch for Virtual Training Days vouchers.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Microsoft Virtual Training Days
How to get it freeFree live events; some include certification exam discounts.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
GitHub Foundations learning path
How to get it freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Excel for Microsoft 365 training
How to get it freeFree official video training (no certificate).
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
FAQ
Are there really free Microsoft and Excel certificates in 2026?
Yes. Every course tagged “Free certificate” or “Free badge” below lets you earn the credential at no cost as of 2026-10-15. Courses where only the training is free are labeled separately.
Which free Microsoft and Excel certificate should I start with?
Start with a short course from a well-known provider in the table, finish it, and add the credential to LinkedIn before moving on to longer paths.
Do employers value free certificates?
They do not replace degrees or proctored exams, but credentials from recognized providers demonstrate initiative and verified skills, and many can be verified online.
How do you check these courses?
Each course is read on the provider's own site, the cost of the credential is checked, and every link is tested regularly. Each listing shows its last check date.
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