12 Best Online Course Platforms for Professional Development (2024)

Online course platforms have become indispensable tools for professional development. They offer businesses flexible, efficient, and scalable solutions for employee training. Digital learning helps companies ensure their teams remain competitive and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and skills.

If you’re looking to transform your workforce skills, you’ve come to the right place. We will explore the leading online course platforms that can help you implement your employee development plan and enhance professional skills.

Cloud Assess is a training and assessment platform for vocational education and training (VET) professionals, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and businesses. It offers features from learning management systems and robust tools for creating, managing, and delivering effective employee training programs for professional development.

It supports various assessment types, including modular questions, job-based assessments, and video elements, ensuring a versatile learner experience. The platform’s automation capabilities streamline learner journeys, assignments, and evaluations. All of these highlighted tools and features make Cloud Assess the best online course platform for employee development.

Key Features

• Course and assessment management
• Comprehensive library of free online courses
• Workflow automation
• Custom branding and integration
• Offline access and mobile learning
• Real-time analytics and reporting
• Support and security

Pros

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop course and assessment builder.
• Supports blended learning, providing flexibility in training delivery.
• Robust tools to ensure compliance with training standards.
• Streamlines administrative tasks with workflow automation.

Pricing

Cloud Assess offers three pricing plans to accommodate various business needs. The Lite plan (starting at $50 per month), the Pro plan (with custom pricing based on user count starting at 50 users), and the Premium plan that’s also custom-priced.

User Volume

Small to large enterprises, especially those in compliance-heavy industries.

Rating

4.8/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Coursera offers high-quality online courses, specialisations, and degrees from top universities and companies worldwide. It provides professionals with various subjects, from business and technology to data science and workplace skills, such as strategic leadership courses.

This makes it a good online course platform to consider for employee development. However, user reviews report forum moderation and support issues, where peer reviews are sometimes incorrect, and instructors may be unavailable for guidance​.

Key Features

• Professional course completion certificates
• Flexible learning schedules
• Integration with business platforms

Pros

• Access to legitimate and recognised certifications.
• Wide range of learning programs, from individual courses to full degrees.
• Control and insights into course enrollment and progress.

Cons

• Pricing complexity
• Limited interaction with instructors
• Prior knowledge requirement

Pricing

Coursera offers two business plans: the Team Plan and the Enterprise Plan. The Team Plan costs $399 per user annually and the Enterprise Plan provides customised solutions. Contact Coursera directly for precise pricing.

User Volume

Coursera serves the higher education, enterprise, and government sectors and offers tailored plans for businesses of all sizes.

Rating

4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Udemy is one of the popular online course marketplaces for learning and teaching. It hosts courses on various subjects and caters to professionals seeking to improve their skills or learn something new from expert instructors.

However, this platform might disappoint you if you want your employees to experience in-depth learning of complex subjects. Reviews reveal a lack of depth and advanced content for some courses.

Key Features

• On-demand learning
• Professional development paths
• Certifications and practice tests
• Advanced analytics and insights
• Hands-on labs and workspaces
• Customisable content and recommendations
• Platform to sell online courses
• Marketing automation tools

Pros

• Extensive library of courses covering a wide range of topics
• Competitive pricing with frequent discounts
• Tailored plans for organisations to upskill employees

Cons

• Course quality can vary as content is user-generated
• Direct support for individual course issues is limited
• Certificates may not be widely recognised by employers​

Pricing

Udemy offers custom prices designed to meet a business’s needs. To get an accurate quote, book a demo with their sales team.

User Volume

Udemy Business has plans suited for small teams starting from five users to large enterprises. It is also aimed at educators who want to sell online courses for additional revenue.

Rating

4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Skillshare is an online course platform that offers creative, business, and technology online courses. It focuses on innovative and practical skills, making it a great online course platform. It also supports project-based learning, where professionals can develop practical skills through hands-on experience.

It’s one of the learning portals that help professionals enhance their skills by connecting with like-minded individuals, fostering creativity and innovation within their teams. However, user reviews mention that Skillshare’s course offerings can be limited in certain areas, particularly advanced professional subjects.

Key Features

• Project-based learning
• Creative and professional skills
• Community engagement
• Microlearning features
• Subscription-based access

Pros

• Focuses on creative and entrepreneurial skills with a community-driven approach.
• Has a subscription model that offers unlimited courses.
• Encourages hands-on learning through projects, enhancing practical skill.

Cons

• Most courses are entry-level and aimed at beginners
• Less emphasis on professional certifications and advanced technical skills
• Courses tend to be shorter and less comprehensive
• Certificates are not accredited or widely recognised​

Pricing

Skillshare offers custom pricing, you’d have to contact them directly to get an accurate quote suitable for your business needs.

User Volume

Skillshare focuses on creative professionals and entrepreneurs, catering primarily to individuals and small businesses seeking flexible learning plans​.

Rating

4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

edX For Business is an online course platform known for its high-quality content from top universities. It offers a range of individual courses and professional certificates, providing businesses with tools to create, deliver, and manage employee training programs effectively.

edX For Business is a great online course platform for workplace learning goals. However, some users have expressed frustration with certain courses only being available at specific times, which limits flexibility.

Key Features

• Micromasters and professional certificates
• Flexible learning options
• Interactive quizzes and labs
• Free courses available

Pros

• Offers accredited certificates and degrees
• Extensive range of subjects
• Simplified learner enrollment and management

Cons

• Some courses are rigorous and time-consuming
• Less personal interaction with instructors
• Users find the learning experience and interface to be confusing

Pricing

edX For Business doesn’t have pricing readily available on their website. Contact their sales team to get a custom quote.

User Volume

edX For Business serves higher education and corporate sectors, with custom solutions for small to large enterprises.

Rating

4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

LinkedIn Learning combines industry expertise with professional networking, offering an easy-to-use platform for online course creation.​

Professionals can learn at their own pace and earn certificates to showcase their skills on their LinkedIn profiles. LinkedIn Learning is an example of a digital learning platform offering tailored approaches to help professionals stay competitive and achieve their career aspirations. However, one of the challenges that users have admitted to experiencing is the lack of interactive elements and hands-on projects.

Key Features

• Personalised course recommendations
• Wide range of professional skills
• Completion certificates
• Corporate training solutions

Pros

• Emphasis on courses relevant to professional development
• Integrates with LinkedIn profiles, showcasing skills to future employers
• Courses taught by industry experts
• Self-paced with options for offline access​

Cons

• Can be expensive, especially for individuals
• Certificates are not accredited
• May not cover niche topics in depth​

Pricing

LinkedIn offers two business plans: a Team Plan, which costs $379.88 per seat per year, and an Enterprise Plan for organisations with 21 or more members, with pricing tailored to the organisation’s needs. To get a quote for the Enterprise Plan, you need to contact LinkedIn directly.

User Volume

LinkedIn Learning is designed for businesses of all sizes, providing scalable solutions for teams and large enterprises.​

Rating

4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

FutureLearn offers an online course platform that emphasises social learning and collaboration. Businesses can create and deliver online courses, micro-credentials, and degrees from leading universities and organisations.

With courses focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, FutureLearn is a great online course platform for fostering collaborative elearning environments and supporting career advancement. However, according to reviews, the structure of some courses can be too slow or too fast for different users, making it hard to find a pace that works for everyone.

Key Features

• Collaborative learning experience
• Free course options with paid upgrades
• Professional and academic credentials
• Social learning through discussions

Pros

• Encourages interaction with peers and instructors
• Courses from reputable universities and organisations

Cons

• Free courses do not include certificates
• Some courses have set start and end dates
• Some courses may be less comprehensive​

Pricing

FutureLearn offers a free limited access plan with over 1,400 courses. It also offers an Unlimited Annual Plan for $14.58/month ($174.99 billed annually) and an Unlimited Monthly Plan for $19.99.

User Volume

FutureLearn targets higher education institutions and professional training sectors, offering plans suitable for small businesses and large organisations​.

Rating

4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Udacity offers online courses in technology, business, and career development. As an online course platform, it offers businesses nanodegree programs, video lectures, hands-on projects, project-based learning and mentorship.

Udacity’s tailored corporate training solutions make it a great online course platform for professional development. However, the courses require a significant time commitment, which can be challenging for employees to balance other responsibilities.

Key Features

• Industry-recognised nanodegrees
• Project-based learning
• Mentorship and career services
• Partnerships with tech companies
• Focus on tech and business skills

Pros

• Emphasis on practical, hands-on projects
• Courses developed with leading companies
• Access to mentors and career support

Cons

• Programs can be demanding in terms of time and effort
• Focuses mainly on tech and business fields​

Pricing

Udacity offers custom prices tailored according to business needs. Contact them directly to get a precise quote.

User Volume

Udacity provides tailored solutions for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises looking to advance their workforce skills.​

Rating

4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Simplilearn offers a comprehensive online course platform for businesses looking to improve employee skills in digital and tech fields. It provides certification courses, a blended learning model combining online self-paced learning, a live virtual learning environment, and hands-on projects.

However, user reviews report that the scheduled classes and fixed deadlines can be challenging to manage, particularly for working professionals.

Key Features

• Bootcamp-style courses
• Industry-recognised certifications
• Live instructor-led classes
• Corporate training programs

Pros

• Offers recognised certifications in various fields
• Collaborations with leading organisations and universities
• In-depth content with real-world applications
• Provides learning support and mentoring

Cons

• Some courses may be too advanced for beginners
• Some programs have fixed schedules limiting flexibility

Pricing

Simplilearn doesn’t make pricing readily available on their website. Contact their teams for a quote.

User Volume

Simplilearn offers plans for small teams to large enterprises seeking comprehensive learning paths.

Rating

4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Docebo is an all-in-one platform that helps create online courses and manage learning. It offers a robust suite of features, including content management, social learning, and AI-driven personalised learning paths. Docebo supports formal and informal training, making it an ideal platform for continuous professional development.

However, users have noted that the platform can be complex and isn’t user-friendly, hindering learning.

Key Features

• AI-powered learning platform
• Customisable and scalable
• Social and formal learning
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• Integration with various tools

Pros

• Highly customisable with extensive integrations
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
• Includes gamification features to enhance engagement
• Supports multiple learning formats and robust analytics​

Cons

• Initial setup and configuration can be challenging
• Could offer more robust customer support​

Pricing

Docebo offers three pricing plans: Engage, starting at $25,000 per year; Elevate, starting at $40,000 per year; and Enterprise, with pricing tailored to business requirements.

User Volume

Docebo primarily targets mid-sized to large enterprises across various industries, providing them with scalable and customisable learning solutions to support diverse employee learning needs.​

Rating

4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

OpenSesame provides an extensive library of ready-to-use online courses. This makes it easy for businesses to adopt the online course platform. It covers various professional development topics, from leadership and compliance to technology and workforce skills crucial for today’s business operations and success.

It provides organisations with flexible and scalable solutions to meet their training needs, with courses that can be easily integrated into existing learning management systems. However, users find categorising content into custom categories challenging, making course organisation difficult.

Key Features

• Curated course lists
• Easy integration with LMS
• Course customisation options
• Focus on enterprise learning

Pros

• Integrates seamlessly with most LMS platforms
• Simple implementation and user-friendly interface​

Cons

• Large course libraries are only available on higher pricing plans
• Quality can vary depending on course providers
• Few options for accredited certifications​

Pricing

OpenSesame offers three pricing editions based on the number of courses available: Plus 25, Plus 100, and Complete. For precise pricing details, it’s best to contact their sales team directly.

User Volume

OpenSesame targets corporate training across multiple industries, offering flexible plans for small businesses and large enterprises seeking diverse course libraries​.

Rating

4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)

Buyer’s Guide for Online Course Platforms

Selecting the best online course platform for professional development is not easy, however, consider these key factors:

1. Content quality and variety. When searching for online educational platforms, it’s important to look for ones that provide a diverse selection of high-quality courses covering different subjects and skill levels.
2. Flexibility and accessibility. Look for online course platforms that offer self-paced learning and are accessible on various devices.
3. Interactive and engaging features. Platforms with interactive elements like live sessions, discussion forums, and gamification can enhance the learning experience and keep your employees engaged.​
4. Integration. Ensure the online course creation platform you select can integrate with other tools and systems your organisation uses.
5. Customisation. Choosing an online course platform with customisation options ensures your content is engaging, relevant, and aligned with your organisation’s unique needs.
6. Cost and value. Compare the pricing models and choose a platform that offers the best value for your investment. Consider subscription plans, free trials, and financial aid options.

FAQs for Online Course Platforms

1. What is an online course platform?

An online course platform is a web-based system that provides access to educational content, courses, and training programs for online learning. The best online course platform should have tools for course creation, learner management, assessments, and progress tracking.

2. How do I know if the course content is up-to-date?

Top platforms regularly update their course content to reflect current industry standards and trends. For example, Cloud Assess regularly updates its course content and offers a free course library with thousands of accredited courses and practical assessments across various industries, ensuring that learners are always receiving the most relevant and up-to-date information.

3. Can I interact with other learners or instructors?

Yes, interaction is a key feature of many online platforms. Cloud Assess supports interaction between learners and instructors through features like messaging, course posts, and forums. This enhances the learning experience by fostering a community environment and enabling continuous feedback and support.

4. What kind of support is available if I get stuck?

Many platforms provide robust support, including forums, direct messaging with instructors, and extensive FAQs. Platforms like Cloud Assess and Docebo offer customer support and extensive help resources to guide you.