Upskilling & Professional Certifications
Compare online learning platforms and find certifications that advance your career. CPD options for South African professionals included.
Learning Platforms Compared
Udemy
PartnerMassive course library with lifetime access
Pros
- Huge course selection (200,000+ courses)
- Frequent sales (90% off common)
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Many free courses available
Cons
- Variable quality between instructors
- No formal accreditation
- No CPD points (usually)
- Certificates not widely recognised
Coursera
PartnerUniversity courses from world-leading institutions
Pros
- Courses from top universities (Stanford, Yale, etc.)
- Recognised certificates and degrees
- Professional certifications (Google, IBM, Meta)
- Some courses count for CPD
- High production quality
Cons
- More expensive than Udemy
- Subscription model can add up
- Slower-paced academic style
- Free access limited (audit only)
LinkedIn Learning
Professional skills integrated with your LinkedIn profile
Pros
- Certificates display on LinkedIn profile
- Business-focused content
- Learning paths curated by skill
- Exercise files included
- Good for team training
Cons
- Smaller library than Udemy
- Monthly cost adds up
- Less technical depth
- No university partnerships
Top Professional Certifications
| Certification | Platform | Duration | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate Entry-level data analyst role ready | Coursera | 6 months (10 hrs/week) | ~R4,800 or Coursera Plus |
Meta Front-End Developer Certificate Junior front-end developer skills | Coursera | 7 months (6 hrs/week) | ~R5,600 or Coursera Plus |
Project Management Professional (PMP) Prep Ready for PMI PMP exam | Udemy | 35 contact hours | ~R500 (on sale) |
AWS Cloud Practitioner AWS foundational certification | Multiple | 20-40 hours | R500-R2,000 + R2,000 exam |
South Africa-Specific Options
SAICA CPD Courses
Continuing Professional Development for Chartered Accountants. Many online options through SAICA-accredited providers.
CPD EligibleSETA-Accredited Training
Learnerships and skills programmes that count toward BBBEE compliance. Often subsidised or funded.
CPD EligibleGetSmarter (2U)
UCT, Stellenbosch, and other SA university online short courses. Higher cost but locally recognised certificates.
CPD EligibleWits Plus
University of Witwatersrand online courses and certificates. Academic rigour with local recognition.
CPD EligibleRecommended Learning Paths
Career Changer → Tech
- Start with Google IT Support Certificate (Coursera) - 6 months
- Add Python programming (Udemy - ~R200)
- Complete Google Data Analytics or Meta Front-End Developer
- Build portfolio projects on GitHub
Manager → Senior Leadership
- Complete Leadership courses on LinkedIn Learning
- Get PMP certification (prep on Udemy, exam through PMI)
- Consider MBA short courses via GetSmarter (UCT, Stellenbosch)
- Join professional bodies for networking and CPD
Entrepreneur → Business Growth
- Learn digital marketing fundamentals (Google Digital Garage - free)
- Complete Excel for business (Udemy - R200)
- Study financial literacy for small business (Coursera)
- Add sales and negotiation skills (LinkedIn Learning)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Udemy certificates count for CPD?
Generally no. Udemy courses are not accredited. For CPD points, look for courses from SAICA-accredited providers, or professional bodies in your field. Coursera professional certificates from Google, IBM, etc. may count depending on your professional body.
Which platform is best for getting a job?
For career change: Coursera professional certificates (Google, Meta) are increasingly recognised by employers. For upskilling in current role: LinkedIn Learning certificates show on your profile. For specific technical skills: Udemy is practical and affordable.
Are these certificates recognised in South Africa?
International certificates (Google, AWS, PMP) are recognised globally including SA. Udemy certificates are useful for skill demonstration but not formal credentials. For formal SA recognition, consider GetSmarter (UCT, Stellenbosch) or SETA-accredited programmes.
What about BBBEE skills development?
For BBBEE compliance, training must be SETA-accredited. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera generally don't count. Look for SETA-aligned providers or in-house training programmes linked to your industry SETA.
Is the Coursera Plus subscription worth it?
If you plan to complete 2+ certificates in a year, yes. At R6,000/year with unlimited access, it pays off after ~8 months of active learning. The 7-day free trial lets you test the waters.
Need Training & Development Help?
Get quotes from verified South African professionals who can assist with compliance, accounting, legal, and business advisory services.
- Verified & B-BBEE compliant providers
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Compare multiple providers
- POPIA compliant process
Ready to level up your skills?
Start with free courses to test the waters, then invest in certifications that move your career forward.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.