LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda, offers a wide variety of online courses on business, creative, and technology topics. Many learners wonder whether LinkedIn Learning courses include tests or assignments. The short answer is that most LinkedIn Learning courses do not have formal tests or assignments. However, some courses do include practice exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Do LinkedIn Learning courses have tests?
The vast majority of courses on LinkedIn Learning are video-based and do not include formal tests or assignments. The courses are designed for self-paced learning, allowing learners to work through video lessons and supplementary downloads at their own speed.
Here are some key points about testing in LinkedIn Learning courses:
- Most courses do not have quizzes, tests, or assignments to submit. You simply watch the videos and follow along with any hands-on exercises at your own pace.
- Some courses include short practice exercises or quizzes after certain video sections to help reinforce the material. These are optional and formative in nature.
- Course completion is based on watching the video content, not on passing tests. You can mark a course as complete whether you take any included quizzes or not.
- LinkedIn Learning tracks your course progress and time spent, but does not assign grades or have required pass rates.
- Course completion certificates are available to download as PDFs for your records or to share with employers.
So in summary, while you may encounter occasional brief practice quizzes, the majority of LinkedIn Learning courses do not have formal graded tests, assignments, or exams.
Why doesn’t LinkedIn Learning have course tests?
There are a few reasons why LinkedIn Learning courses emphasize video instruction over traditional tests and assignments:
- Self-paced learning – The courses are designed for self-directed learning at your own pace. Formal testing isn’t aligned with this goal.
- Short format – Most courses are 1-2 hours in length. There isn’t enough time to have in-depth tests.
- Application focused – The goal is gaining skills to apply immediately, not memorizing facts and figures.
- Testing not required – You can mark courses as complete whether you take the practice quizzes or not.
For some learners, the lack of tests is a benefit allowing them to focus on skill development. For others who want more assessment, it can require supplementing courses with additional practice.
What about Skill Assessments?
While LinkedIn Learning courses themselves do not have tests, LinkedIn Learning does offer Skill Assessments that you can use to validate your skills in specific areas.
Skill Assessments are exam-style tests designed to document your skills in things like software, programming languages, tools, and more. You take a Skill Assessment independently of taking any particular course.
After taking a Skill Assessment, you receive a personalized assessment report showing your scores. You can share these reports with colleagues and employers to provide objective proof of your abilities.
Examples of Courses with Quizzes and Exercises
To provide some examples of LinkedIn Learning courses that do contain quizzes, exercises, and opportunities to practice, here are a few:
- Excel Essential Training: Includes practice files and exercise challenges to complete.
- CSS Essential Training: Contains short quizzes to check understanding.
- PHP for Web Designers: Includes follow-along coding challenges.
- Instructional Design: Presentation Strategies: Provides flashcard review questions.
- Training with PowerPoint: Includes a practice presentation project.
Again, while these types of hands-on practice elements may be included, there are no formal tests that must be passed in order to complete LinkedIn Learning courses.
How to Get the Most from LinkedIn Learning Courses
While LinkedIn Learning courses themselves do not have traditional tests, you can take steps to ensure you get the most value from the courses:
- Actively take notes as you watch the videos.
- Follow along carefully with any hands-on demonstrations.
- Pause videos frequently to practice and reinforce skills shown.
- Go back and re-watch unclear sections.
- Supplement courses with online practice exercises if needed.
- Use Skill Assessments to benchmark abilities.
- Apply skills learned to real or mock projects.
Setting aside dedicated time for your courses, minimizing distractions, actively taking notes, and engaging fully with any hands-on elements will help boost your retention and skill development.
More About LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, offering thousands of video courses taught by industry experts. Some key facts about LinkedIn Learning include:
- 13,000+ expert-led courses in business, technology, creative skills, and more
- New courses added daily
- Access to courses on desktop, mobile, or apps
- Course transcripts and notes available for reference
- Certificates of completion
- Skill Assessments to benchmark skills
- Reporting capabilities to share with managers
LinkedIn Learning provides an affordable and flexible way to pick up in-demand skills. Paired with active practice and application of those skills, it can significantly boost your knowledge and value to employers.
Conclusion
In summary, the majority of LinkedIn Learning courses do not contain formal tests or assignments. The video-based courses allow for self-paced learning at your own speed. While you may encounter occasional practice quizzes and exercises, there are no required tests you must pass to complete courses.
To get the most value out of LinkedIn Learning, take good notes, supplement courses with your own practice, and utilize Skill Assessments. Hands-on application of the skills you learn is key.
With its thousands of courses and expert instructors, LinkedIn Learning provides affordable access to in-demand skills. By maximizing these versatile learning resources, you can continue to grow your knowledge, abilities, and opportunities.