Online courses are an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills, gain qualifications, and boost CVs in a flexible way.

But there are a huge number of online courses available and their quality can vary. Getting advice, researching options, and discussing your plans with a trusted adult can all help. 

Part of planning your learning is knowing what your qualifications will lead to, and what is included in the cost. If you are in a place of work or learning, there will usually be staff or advisors who can support you with this. But you don't need to wait until you are in work to start work-related learning. 

Things to consider

There are other important things to consider when looking for online courses, such as:

1. What will you be learning?
2. How long the course will take?
3. What additional resources will you need?  

It is also a good idea to know whether exams are covered in the cost, and where you will be expected to sit them.

Things to look out for

When you are planning your learning it is important to make sure that any course provider is reputable. Things to look out for include: 

1. How trustworthy is their website?
2. Do they have testimonials from previous students?
3. Are there contact details you can use to get in touch with the provider?

It is also useful to know what you will need to make applications, such as a CV or cover letter.

Good to know: You can find out if an organisation offering qualifications is regulated in England on the government website.