What is free and what is not
Alison's help center says there is no cost to study and complete any of its courses, and that your Learner Record, a record of completed courses and results, is free to download. What costs money is the certificate or diploma document itself, in digital or printed form, bought from the Alison Shop after you pass.
The free tier carries advertising. Alison's Premium overview describes Premium as removing adverts from the whole site for a month or a year, plus a 10% discount each month on a certificate or diploma; unused monthly discounts can be saved up to a maximum of 50% on one purchase. Alison's pricing page did not display actual prices when we checked on October 30, 2026 and notes that prices for some courses may vary, so check the Shop before you assume a cost.
Day 1: choose a certificate or diploma course by hours
For a first week, pick by length. The help center gives an average of 2-3 hours for certificate courses, with one assessment at the end, and 8-10 hours for diploma courses, with multiple assessments throughout. Each course page shows its own range. For example, on October 30, 2026 Project Management Fundamentals was listed at 4-5 hours and Beginner Level, and the Diploma in Introduction to Project Management at 6-10 hours.
One rule to know before you start: Alison says completing a certificate course does not automatically count toward a diploma that contains it; you would retake that material inside the diploma. If you think you will want the diploma, start with the diploma rather than doing its parts separately.
| Course type | Average length (Alison) | Assessments | Good first-week choice if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 2-3 hours | One at the end | You want to test the format in a couple of evenings |
| Diploma | 8-10 hours | Several throughout | You can give about 1-1.5 hours a day for a week |
How a course is structured
Alison describes every course as Course, then Module, then Topic, then Assessment. Courses are self-paced, and the help center says there is no time limit for completing one. To finish, you complete all course sections and pass the assessment or assessments.
The certificate help article sets the pass mark at 80% on each assessment, or 70% for beginner-level certificate courses, and the courses article says you can retake an assessment as many times as you like. Unlimited retakes make it easy to guess through, so use the first attempt as a genuine test of what you remember.
A daily plan for a 6-10 hour diploma
The plan below finishes a diploma at the upper end of its listed range in seven days. For a 2-3 hour certificate course, compress days 1-4 into two evenings and take the assessment on day 3.
| Day | Time | Task |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 min | Choose the course, read the outline, enroll, set a fixed daily study time |
| 2 | 90 min | Module 1 topics; write three questions you could be asked |
| 3 | 90 min | Answer yesterday's questions from memory, then Module 2 |
| 4 | 90 min | First assessment; note every topic you missed |
| 5 | 90 min | Review missed topics, then the next module |
| 6 | 90 min | Remaining modules and assessments |
| 7 | 60 min | Final assessment; download your Learner Record; decide on a certificate |
After the first assessment: Learner Record or certificate
The Learner Record lists completed and started courses with your total study time. Alison says you download it from the Settings page in a computer or mobile browser; the Alison app does not offer the download yet. The certificate help article notes you do not have to buy a certificate to show completion, because the Learner Record serves that purpose.
Buy a certificate only if someone will ask for that document specifically, such as an employer's training log. If you plan several courses over the coming months, Premium's stacked monthly discount is worth pricing in the Shop first.
- Fits: short, self-paced introductions where a free record of completion is enough.
- Skip: if you need an accredited qualification or graded projects; check the course page's accreditation wording and our recognition guide first.
Questions before you decide
What is the pass mark for Alison assessments?
Alison's certificate help article says you need at least 80% on each assessment, or 70% for beginner-level certificate courses. The courses help article adds that you can retake an assessment as many times as you like.
How long does an Alison course take?
Alison's help center gives averages of 2-3 hours for certificate courses and 8-10 hours for diploma courses, and says there is no time limit for completing a course. Each course page lists its own range, such as 4-5 hours or 6-10 hours.
Do I have to pay to finish an Alison course?
No. Alison says there is no cost to study and complete any course, and the Learner Record is free. Digital or printed certificates and diplomas are optional purchases from the Alison Shop.
Does Alison show ads?
Yes on the free tier. Alison's Premium overview says Premium Monthly removes adverts from the whole site for a month, and Premium for 1 Year removes them for a year.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Alison Help Center: How do Alison courses work? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I get my certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: Is Alison really free? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I download my Learner Record? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: Alison Premium overview Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: pricing page Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: Project Management Fundamentals (course page) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: Diploma in Introduction to Project Management (course page) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.