Our verdict: OpenLearn for depth and free proof, Alison for quick practical topics
Both libraries are free to study. OpenLearn wins when you want university-derived material and a free completion document. Alison wins on catalog breadth and short practical workplace topics, but charges for the certificate on most courses. We compared official pages from both on 30 October 2026 and did not complete courses on either for this guide.
Side by side
Key differences from each platform's own pages.
| Question | OpenLearn | Alison |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | The Open University | Alison |
| Where courses come from | Many based on Open University course materials; others written for OpenLearn | Courses come from publishers on the platform, while Alison sets certificate prices; Alison says its publishing process is accredited by the CPD Certification Service |
| Catalog size | About 1,000 free courses | Over 6,000 courses in nine core categories |
| Typical length | Badged courses generally 24 hours | Certificate about 2 to 3 hours; Diploma about 6 to 15 hours |
| Proof of completion | Free Statement of participation; free badge on some courses | Paid Certificate or Diploma; free Learner Record; 9 courses with free digital certificate |
| CPD | Majority of badged courses CPD accredited | Courses CPD-accredited; can count towards CPD hours |
| Formal credit | None | None stated; Alison says its nursing diploma cannot be compared to a formal Registered Nurse qualification |
| Adverts | Not addressed in the FAQ we checked | Premium is sold as removing adverts site-wide |
Authorship and depth
OpenLearn's FAQ says many of its courses are based on Open University course materials, while others are written specifically for OpenLearn, and that the OU owns the copyright. It reports reaching over 6 million learners a year.
Alison describes its catalog as basic skills-based workplace learning, with short Certificate courses for light study and Diplomas for broader coverage. There is no tutoring support on course content.
In time terms, a 24-hour OpenLearn badged course is roughly two to three times the length of a typical 8- to 10-hour Alison Diploma. If you want a deeper introduction to an academic subject, that matters more than catalog size.
Proof: free statement versus paid certificate
OpenLearn's Statement of participation is free. To earn one you enroll, read every page and submit any quizzes; the statement can take up to 24 hours to appear in your profile. Badges, on some courses, require passing compulsory quizzes.
On Alison you study and pass the assessments free, scoring at least 80% (70% on beginner Certificate courses) with unlimited retakes, then choose whether to buy a digital or parchment document. The price depends on course type, format and country. A free Learner Record is the no-cost alternative.
Both are verified in their own way: OpenLearn badges are verified digital Open University badges, and Alison certificates carry a QR code that links to verification.
Who each fits
Editorial judgement based on the official pages.
| Learner | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Curious learner testing an academic subject | OpenLearn | Longer university-derived courses, free statement |
| Professional logging CPD on a budget | OpenLearn first, Alison second | Free badges on CPD-accredited courses; Alison certificate costs money |
| Worker needing a quick practical refresher | Alison | Short courses on workplace topics |
| Learner who wants the widest topic choice | Alison | Over 6,000 courses |
| Anyone needing formal academic credit | Neither | Both state no formal credit; look at accredited degree routes |
Checklist before you start
Answer these before choosing.
- Do you need a free completion document, or will you pay for one?
- Can you commit about 24 hours, or do you need something you can finish in an afternoon?
- If it is for CPD, has your professional body confirmed it accepts the course?
- On OpenLearn, will you read every page and submit every quiz, which the statement requires?
- On Alison, have you checked the course page for hours and level before starting?
Questions before you decide
Is OpenLearn completely free?
OpenLearn says its courses are currently free to study and that the Statement of participation is free. Some courses also carry a free digital badge.
Do OpenLearn or Alison courses count towards a degree?
No. OpenLearn says it is not possible to gain any qualifications through OpenLearn and its statements carry no formal credit. Alison describes its courses as basic skills-based workplace learning and says it cannot advise whether a course will be accepted by a specific university.
Which is better for CPD?
Both can support CPD. OpenLearn says the majority of its badged courses are CPD accredited, and Alison says its courses are CPD-accredited and can count towards CPD hours. Your professional body decides what it accepts.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- OpenLearn: Frequently asked questions Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- OpenLearn: Understanding Statements of participation Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- OpenLearn: Badges from OpenLearn Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do Alison courses work? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: Is learning on Alison really free? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Help Center: How do I get my certificate? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: Accreditation Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison FAQ: Are Alison courses recognised or accredited? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison: Go Premium Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison FAQ: What courses have free digital certificates? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Alison Publisher Help Center: How is the certificate cost calculated? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.