Four criteria that matter more than the course name
A course can be strong on one criterion and weak on another. Use the table below to see where each option is strong, then fill the gaps from another source rather than buying a second full course.
- In-browser practice: can you run and change code inside the lesson, so the first hour is spent writing code rather than setting up tools?
- Project builds: are there projects where you start from requirements rather than following steps, and are they checked by tests or review?
- Modern syntax: does the course cover functions, objects, array methods, the DOM, events and asynchronous code (promises and async/await), which most current code relies on?
- Framework readiness: does it end with network requests, JSON and debugging, the skills a React or Vue tutorial will assume you have?
Free and paid routes against the criteria
MDN's module expects you to know HTML and basic CSS first. freeCodeCamp's exam runs in its own downloadable exam environment, so you need a laptop or desktop for it. Educative's paid course lists 137 lessons across 19 modules and about 12 hours; the free First Steps course lists 27 lessons and about 8 hours.
| Option | In-browser practice | Project builds | Modern syntax and async | Framework readiness | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDN: Dynamic scripting with JavaScript | Code in files you create; MDN suggests an online editor such as CodePen or JSFiddle if your device cannot create files | Three challenges: silly story generator, image gallery, house data UI; ten Test your skills pages | Variables to objects, events, DOM; async not listed in this module | Network requests, JSON, debugging and error handling | Openly published under a Creative Commons licence |
| freeCodeCamp: JavaScript Certification | Lessons include an interactive editor | Workshops, labs that must pass tests, five required certification projects | Higher-order functions, DOM, events, asynchronous JavaScript | Framework coverage not stated | Free, including the certification |
| Educative: Introduction to JavaScript: First Steps | Code runs in the lessons, no installation | 13 challenges, 11 quizzes | Variables, functions, arrays, objects, loops | Not covered | Free |
| Educative: JavaScript in Detail: From Beginner to Advanced | In-browser editor | 4 projects, 19 challenges, 14 quizzes, final exam | Classes, prototypes, promises, async/await, ECMAScript standards | DOM and async; no framework listed | Not marked free on the course page; price not shown on the pages we checked |
What freeCodeCamp's free certification asks of you
freeCodeCamp announced its current JavaScript Certification on December 8, 2025. Each module has lessons with comprehension questions, guided workshops, labs where you build from user stories and must pass tests, a review page and a 20-question quiz that needs 18 correct to pass. You must complete five certification projects before taking a 50-question exam.
The exam is closed book: no notes, AI tools or other people. You get one attempt per week, with a 168-hour cooldown after each attempt, and staff manually review every passing exam before results are released. That makes it a stricter free credential than a typical completion certificate.
Who should pay for an interactive course
Educative's pricing page says cancelling stops auto-renewal, access continues to the end of the paid period, and no refund is issued. Check the plan price and renewal date at checkout before starting.
- Pay if you have tried the free routes and stall on setup or on switching between tutorials, and a single sequence of short text lessons with runnable code would keep you going.
- Pay if you want structured coverage of classes, prototypes and asynchronous code with quizzes after each part, and you will finish within one billing period.
- Skip paying if you are testing whether you like programming; start with MDN or freeCodeCamp, or Educative's free First Steps course.
- Skip paying for a certificate of completion alone; freeCodeCamp's certification is free and tested, and your own project shows more.
Worked example: one learner's route (illustrative plan)
A learner who already knows basic HTML and CSS has six weeks at six hours a week. Weeks 1 to 3: MDN's JavaScript module, including the three challenges, because it ends with network requests and JSON. Weeks 4 and 5: freeCodeCamp's asynchronous JavaScript material to fill the async gap the MDN module leaves. Week 6: an original project, a small page that fetches public JSON data, filters it and shows results, written without following a tutorial.
If week 2 shows they keep losing time to setup and debugging tools, they could switch to Educative's free First Steps course to keep momentum, and consider the paid JavaScript in Detail course only if they still want its project set and can complete about 12 hours of lessons plus projects within one billing period.
Before you start: checklist
- Know enough HTML and CSS to build a simple page; MDN lists this as a prerequisite.
- Choose one main course; use others only to fill a named gap.
- Confirm the course covers promises and async/await before you move to a framework.
- Plan at least one project you design yourself.
- For paid plans, note the renewal date and refund terms before paying.
- For freeCodeCamp's exam, confirm you have a laptop or desktop.
Questions before you decide
Is freeCodeCamp's JavaScript certification really free?
Yes. freeCodeCamp says it has always been free, and the JavaScript Certification is a free verified credential. You must complete five certification projects and pass a 50-question closed-book exam, with one attempt per week.
Do I need to know HTML and CSS before a JavaScript course?
For MDN's beginner JavaScript module, yes: it asks you to know HTML and the basic fundamentals of CSS. Some interactive courses, such as Educative's First Steps, teach core language features in the browser without web pages.
Can I get a refund if I cancel an Educative subscription?
Educative's pricing page says cancelling turns off auto-renewal and you keep access until the paid period ends, but no refund is issued. Use its free courses first to see whether the format suits you.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- MDN: Dynamic scripting with JavaScript (Learn web development) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- freeCodeCamp News: freeCodeCamp's new JavaScript Certification is now live Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Educative: Introduction to JavaScript: First Steps Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Educative: JavaScript in Detail: From Beginner to Advanced Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Educative: pricing and cancellation terms Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.